Bumper Pressure Sensor for Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collision detection mechanisms in vehicles are complex and costly, limiting their effectiveness in controlling collision mitigation equipment such as bumper- or hood-mounted airbags and hood-lifting systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensing apparatus is integrated between the bumper beam and energy-absorbing component, featuring a pressure sensor that generates consistent pressure signals across the front end of the vehicle, allowing for discrimination between impact locations and control of collision mitigation systems through passive amplification of pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current collision detection mechanisms are used, then collision detection capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the collision detection function from complex multi-sensor systems and implements it using a single pressure sensor integrated into the energy-absorbing component. This extraction simplifies the overall system by removing unnecessary sensors and control units while maintaining collision detection capability through the pressure sensor's ability to detect impact forces directly at the collision point.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy-absorbing component is designed to serve multiple functions: it simultaneously absorbs collision energy and houses the pressure sensor for collision detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable collision detection capability across different impact scenarios.
2Reliability
If current collision detection mechanisms are used, then collision detection capability is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collision detection function with the energy-absorbing component by integrating a pressure sensor directly into the bumper structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate detection hardware and reduces assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable collision detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an inexpensive pressure sensor that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using expensive specialized collision detection hardware. This approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining adequate detection reliability for collision mitigation purposes.
3Device complexity
If pressure sensors are used for collision detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision varies with impact location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the pressure sensor at a specific location within the energy-absorbing component where it can effectively detect collision forces regardless of impact position. The sensor is placed to optimize its ability to sense pressure changes from various impact locations, ensuring consistent measurement precision across different collision scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses measurement precision variations by changing the operational parameters of the pressure sensor, including its placement depth within the energy-absorbing component and its sensitivity settings. These parameter adjustments ensure that the sensor generates consistent collision signals across different impact locations while maintaining simplified system architecture.
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
The sensing apparatus simplifies collision detection, reduces costs, and enables effective control of collision mitigation equipment by providing consistent pressure signals regardless of impact location, enhancing the vehicle's ability to deploy safety features accurately.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior volume of the main body at a first location proximate a central portion of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a closed body having a varied configuration between a first location and at least a second location. The apparatus further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the closed body at the first location. When forces with substantially equal magnitudes are respectively applied to the closed body at different locations between the first and second locations, the closed body respectively translates the forces to substantially equal pressure differentials at the first location.