Retrofit Emergency Call Trigger via Airbag Magnetic Field Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting vehicles with airbag systems to enable automated emergency calls is challenging due to safety regulations prohibiting tampering with pyrotechnic airbag systems, which prevents the integration of emergency call systems in older vehicles without invalidating their operating licenses.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect the magnetic, electrical, and electromagnetic fields induced by the firing of an airbag to trigger an emergency call without altering the airbag control system, using sensors like Rogowski coils, Hall sensors, or electromagnetic far-field sensors, and connect to communication systems via Bluetooth or ZigBee for transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag control system is modified to integrate emergency call functionality, then automated emergency call capability is achieved, but the vehicle's operating license is terminated due to tampering with the pyrotechnic system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection device that monitors the magnetic field generated by the airbag firing current without directly interfacing with or modifying the airbag control system. This intermediary approach enables emergency call functionality while maintaining the integrity and legal status of the original pyrotechnic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical/mechanical integration with the airbag system with a magnetic field-based detection approach. By using magnetic field sensors to detect the characteristic magnetic field signature of airbag firing, the system achieves emergency call capability without mechanical or electrical tampering that would invalidate the operating license.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed around the firing cable to detect the magnetic field, then emergency call detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor system where magnetic field sensors serve dual purposes: detecting airbag firing events for emergency call initiation and potentially monitoring other electrical phenomena in the vehicle. This universal approach improves detection accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and safe initiation of emergency calls without compromising the airbag system's integrity, allowing older vehicles to transmit emergency calls post-accident without risking the vehicle's operating license, with improved detection accuracy through combined sensor systems and latency consideration.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor, in particular a Rogowski coil, is placed around the firing cable. The firing current in the cables induces a magnetic field which generates a corresponding signal in the coils
Implementation Method 2
On account of the inductance in the cabling, voltages of approximately 600 V occur when an airbag is fired. These voltages result in the formation, in the lines, of a magnetic, electrical and/or electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for triggering an emergency call in a vehicle equipped with an airbag. The device can be retrofitted in a vehicle equipped with an airbag to provide an emergency system which, in the event of an airbag being triggered, sends an emergency call (Ecall) to a suitable emergency call center in order to initiate auxiliary measures as may be necessary.