Adaptive Passenger Restraint Control Using Biometric Vulnerability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger restraint systems in vehicles do not effectively account for individual passengers' vulnerabilities, such as orthopedic, neuromuscular, or musculoskeletal frailty, leading to inadequate protection during sudden decelerations or impacts.
Innovation Solution
A biometrics-based vulnerability assessment and classification process that adjusts the capacity settings of passenger restraint systems, including seatbelts and airbags, based on detected vulnerability characteristics using onboard sensors and biometric data to tailor the restraint response to each passenger's unique needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard capacity setting is used for all passengers, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the protection effectiveness for vulnerable passengers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system transitions from static capacity settings to dynamic adjustment based on real-time biometric data. The controller continuously monitors passenger biometrics and automatically adjusts restraint capacity settings during operation, enabling the system to adapt to individual passenger vulnerabilities without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment by automatically detecting passenger biometric characteristics and classifying vulnerability levels without external intervention. The controller autonomously processes biometric data from sensors and adjusts restraint settings based on the classified vulnerability class, eliminating the need for manual system configuration by passengers or operators.
2Reliability
If biometric sensors and classification systems are added to assess passenger vulnerability, then protection effectiveness for vulnerable passengers is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric sensor system is integrated into the existing restraint system architecture, allowing the same sensor suite to serve multiple functions including vulnerability assessment, passenger presence detection, and restraint triggering. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated vulnerability assessment systems, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity while maintaining assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary that processes biometric data from various sensors and translates it into appropriate restraint capacity settings. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the classification logic and decision-making process, making the system easier to manufacture and maintain while achieving accurate vulnerability assessment.
3Reliability
If the restraint system is adjusted to accommodate vulnerable passengers, then safety and comfort are improved, but the restraint force capability is reduced for able-bodied passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system applies different capacity settings to different passengers based on their individual vulnerability characteristics rather than using a uniform setting for all. The controller adjusts each passenger's restraint force capability locally according to their classified vulnerability class, ensuring that vulnerable passengers receive reduced force while able-bodied passengers maintain full restraint force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the restraint system, specifically the capacity settings, based on detected biometric characteristics. By adjusting the capacity parameter according to vulnerability class, the system optimizes the balance between safety for vulnerable passengers and adequate restraint force for able-bodied passengers without compromising either group.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a passenger restraint system aboard a motor vehicle includes receiving, via a controller, biometric vulnerability classifier signal(s) indicative of vulnerability characteristics of a passenger seated in an interior of the motor vehicle. In response to the biometric vulnerability classifier signal(s) and a detected vehicle event requiring an actuation of the passenger restraint system, the method includes automatically adjusting an actual capacity setting of the passenger restraint system via the controller. A motor vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, a passenger restraint system positioned in the vehicle interior; and a controller operable for controlling the actual capacity setting of the passenger restraint system in accordance with the method. The passenger restraint system may include a seatbelt, a seat, and one or more airbag systems.