Adaptive Restraition Triggering for Variable Structural Rigidity

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle restraint systems fail to accurately trigger restraint means due to changes in vehicle structural rigidity during collisions, leading to potential misinterpretation of sensor signals and delayed or incorrect activation of safety devices.

Innovation Solution

A method that adjusts triggering information based on the status of adaptive structural elements, such as crash boxes, by modifying sensor signals and triggering algorithms to account for changes in structural rigidity, ensuring consistent and robust activation of restraint systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the rigidity of structural elements is adjusted to improve energy absorption and self-protection, then the vehicle's ability to protect its own occupants improves, but the sensor signals become distorted leading to incorrect interpretation and delayed activation of restraint systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-protectionVSAvoidsensor signal interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the status of adaptive structural elements and using this information to adjust triggering parameters. The control unit receives status information from sensors about the structural elements' state and adapts the triggering information accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for signal distortions caused by rigidity changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies parameter changes by modifying triggering parameters (such as threshold values, sensitivity settings, or trigger points) based on the detected status of adaptive structural elements. When the rigidity of crash boxes or other structural components changes, the system adjusts the parameters of the triggering algorithm to maintain accurate collision assessment despite the altered structural behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive structural elements are used to enhance crash compatibility and energy absorption, then partner protection improves, but the triggering accuracy of restraint systems deteriorates due to unaccounted structural changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrash compatibilityVSAvoidtriggering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting and recording the status of adaptive structural elements before a collision occurs. The control unit proactively adapts the triggering information based on the pre-collision state of the structural elements, ensuring that the restraint system is properly configured to respond accurately to the upcoming impact despite any structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the status of adaptive structural elements and using this information to adjust triggering parameters. The control unit receives status information from sensors about the structural elements' state and adapts the triggering information accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for signal distortions caused by rigidity changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If the rigidity of crash boxes is modified to optimize energy absorption characteristics, then self-protection is enhanced, but false triggering or delayed triggering of restraint means occurs due to altered acceleration and pressure signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidtriggering timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies parameter changes by modifying triggering parameters (such as threshold values, sensitivity settings, or trigger points) based on the detected status of adaptive structural elements. When the rigidity of crash boxes or other structural components changes, the system adjusts the parameters of the triggering algorithm to maintain accurate collision assessment despite the altered structural behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2385911B1Method and controller for adapting trigger information of a restraint system

Publication Date: 2014.01.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

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Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adapting trigger information of a restraint system of a vehicle having an adaptive structural element (421). The method comprises a step of receiving status information regarding an interface, said status information including information about a status of the adaptive structural element e.g. the rigidity of a crashbox, and a step of adapting the trigger information of the airbag, based on said status information.