Airbag Trigger Circuit Adjusts Firing Time by Steering Wheel Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag triggering systems lack precision in determining the optimal firing time due to not accounting for the adjustable position of the steering wheel, leading to potential injuries from either early or late deployment, especially in vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems where the steering wheel can be retracted or folded.
Innovation Solution
A method that takes into account the spacing between the driver and the steering wheel to establish a precise trigger time for the airbag, utilizing existing sensors and data processing systems to adjust the firing strategy based on the steering wheel's position, which can be adjustable in height and distance, and considering other safety measures like seat belt tightening and collapsible steering wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the steering wheel position is not taken into account in airbag triggering, then the system complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the trigger time precision deteriorates and occupant protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit utilizes existing sensor data from the steering wheel position sensor and driver position sensor to automatically determine the spacing between driver and airbag, eliminating the need for additional measurement systems while achieving precise trigger time calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes steering wheel position data, driver position data, calculates spacing, determines trigger time, and controls airbag deployment, all within a single integrated system that leverages existing sensors for multiple purposes
2Reliability
If the steering wheel position is not considered, then fewer sensors are required and cost is reduced, but the trigger time accuracy deteriorates leading to potential injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines data from the steering wheel position sensor and driver position sensor to calculate the spacing between driver and airbag, merging multiple information sources into a single protective function that improves reliability without adding sensors
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel adjustment is not accounted for, then the firing strategy remains simple and response time is faster, but the adaptability to different driving configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The firing strategy dynamically adapts to different steering wheel positions by continuously monitoring the spacing between driver and airbag and adjusting the trigger time accordingly, allowing the system to respond appropriately to manual or automatic steering wheel adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from position sensors regarding steering wheel and driver positions, uses this feedback to calculate spacing, and adjusts the airbag trigger time based on this information, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to varying conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for triggering an airbag situated in a position-adjustable steering wheel of a motor vehicle, including: a) ascertaining the relative spacing between a driver of the motor vehicle and the steering wheel, b) establishing a triggering event which necessitates the triggering of the airbag in the motor vehicle, c) establishing a trigger time and/or a firing strategy for the airbag, the relative spacing ascertained in step a) being taken into account, d) triggering the airbag at the established trigger time and/or using the established firing strategy. A trigger circuit for triggering an airbag is also described which is situated in a position-adjustable steering wheel of a motor vehicle, at least one measuring unit for establishing the position of the steering wheel or the relative spacing of the steering wheel from a driver being provided, and the trigger circuit includes an input for processing signals from this measuring unit.