Vehicle Collision Sensor Feature Generator for Precise Triggering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle collision and personal protection systems lack precise triggering mechanisms, which can lead to inadequate protection during collisions.

Innovation Solution

A collision and personal protection system that utilizes a collision sensor to measure movement variables, generating a feature signal through a feature generator, which is used to determine an ignition signal for controlling personal protection actuators, such as airbags or belt tensioners, with an automatically selected feature generator optimizing the triggering process based on a cost function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple collision sensor is used to detect movement variables, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and triggering accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcollision detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feature generator as an intermediary component between the collision sensor and the control unit. This feature generator processes the raw movement variable signals to extract meaningful feature signals that accurately represent collision characteristics. The feature generator acts as a mediator that transforms simple sensor data into precise collision indicators without requiring complex sensor hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical collision detection systems with an electronic signal processing approach. Instead of using multiple complex sensors or mechanical switches, the system uses a single movement variable sensor combined with electronic feature extraction through the feature generator. This substitution of mechanical complexity with electronic processing achieves high measurement precision while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple feature generators are used to optimize triggering, then the triggering precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriggering precisionVSAvoidfeature generator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism where the control unit automatically selects from multiple available feature generators based on the specific collision scenario. Rather than using all feature generators simultaneously, the system dynamically chooses the most appropriate one for each situation. This dynamic approach achieves high triggering precision across various collision types while avoiding the complexity of permanently implementing all possible feature generators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the feature selection process based on collision characteristics. The control unit adjusts which feature generator is active depending on the measured movement variables and collision patterns. This parameter-based selection allows the system to optimize triggering precision for different collision scenarios without requiring a permanently complex multi-generator architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If automated feature generator selection is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriggering automationVSAvoidcontrol unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the control unit automatically selects and configures the appropriate feature generator without external intervention. The system monitors collision parameters in real-time and autonomously determines which feature generator will provide the most accurate triggering signal. This self-service approach simplifies operation for the user while the control unit handles the complexity of feature generator management internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1902908B1Collision and/or passenger protection system for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2011.03.16 AUDI AG
  • EP1902908B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1902908B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1902908B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The system has a collision sensor for measuring a parameter (aS1) of a motor vehicle, where the parameter is suitable for the collision detection. A person protection actuator is controllable by an ignition signal or a warning device is controllable by the ignition signal. An automatically selected characteristic generator (31.0) is provided for forming the characteristic signal based on the parameter measured by the collision sensor. A controller determines the ignition signal based on a characteristic signal (v0S1). An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a collision and/or a person protection system for a motor vehicle.