Vehicle Collision Direction Detection Using Dual Acceleration Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle collision detection systems struggle to reliably differentiate between head-on and rear-end collisions, especially in vehicles with symmetrically arranged passenger positions, leading to inefficient activation of collision protection systems and potential safety risks in complex collision scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that compare first and second acceleration signals with threshold values of different algebraic signs to determine the collision direction, allowing for dynamic detection and activation of collision protection systems, with the ability to switch between collision directions during multiple collisions, and utilizing a single electrical line for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single acceleration sensor is used to detect collision direction, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to reliably differentiate between head-on and rear-end collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the collision direction detection adaptive and changeable over time. The control unit dynamically adjusts the detected collision direction based on continuously evaluated acceleration signals, allowing the system to switch between head-on and rear-end collision detection modes during a collision event. This dynamic approach enables reliable collision direction differentiation using only a single acceleration sensor, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If separate detection algorithms are used for head-on and rear-end collisions, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a single detection algorithm that serves multiple functions - detecting both head-on and rear-end collisions. The control unit uses one unified algorithm that evaluates acceleration signals and dynamically determines collision direction, eliminating the need for separate detection algorithms while maintaining high measurement precision through adaptive threshold comparison and signal evaluation.
3Loss of time
If collision protection system is activated without accurate collision direction detection, then response time is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential incorrect activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining threshold values for acceleration signal comparison before a collision occurs. The control unit has predetermined activation criteria and threshold levels stored in memory, allowing it to immediately compare incoming acceleration signals against these pre-set values during a collision event. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations, enabling rapid protection system activation while ensuring reliable collision direction differentiation through pre-configured detection parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a direction of a collision of a vehicle. The method includes a comparing step, in which a first acceleration signal is compared to two threshold values, in order to determine a first collision direction signal indicating a direction of the collision, and in which a second acceleration signal is compared to a further threshold value, in order to determine a further collision direction signal indicating a direction of the collision. The second acceleration signal represents the acceleration of the vehicle subjected to smoothing. In the determining step, using the first collision direction signal and the further collision direction signal, a result signal is determined, which indicates the direction indicated by the first collision direction signal and by the further collision direction signal as an actual collision direction.