Vehicle Collision Severity Estimation Using Mass Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the severity of collisions between motor vehicles and other objects, particularly vehicles, lack reliability in assessing the impact severity due to incomplete data on the mass of the colliding vehicle, which significantly influences the collision's severity.
Innovation Solution
A method using a control apparatus and sensor data from a motor vehicle to determine the severity of a possible collision by estimating the mass of the other vehicle based on sensor data, such as external dimensions, and incorporating this mass into the collision severity assessment, alongside change in velocity calculations, to actuate vehicle occupant protection systems more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collision severity is determined using only velocity data from sensors, then the assessment can be performed quickly, but the reliability of collision severity determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of the other vehicle into vehicle categories (motorcycle, car, truck, etc.) based on sensor data before the collision occurs. This preliminary action allows the system to estimate mass in advance using pre-stored mass data for each vehicle category, rather than attempting complex real-time mass calculation during the collision event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified representation of the other vehicle by categorizing it into predefined vehicle types with characteristic mass ranges. Instead of measuring the actual mass directly, the system uses a copied model (vehicle category with typical mass) to estimate the mass parameter, which simplifies the data processing while maintaining sufficient accuracy for safety assessments.
2Measurement precision
If the mass of the other vehicle is not considered, then the collision severity assessment is simpler, but the accuracy of occupant protection activation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter representation from direct mass measurement to categorical mass estimation. By transforming the mass parameter into discrete vehicle categories with representative mass values, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision for safety decisions without the complexity of continuous mass measurement or calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle category classification serves as an intermediary between the sensor data and the mass parameter. Instead of directly obtaining mass (which is complex), the system uses vehicle type classification as an intermediate step that bridges the gap between observable sensor data and the required mass parameter for collision severity assessment.
3Reliability
If only velocity data is used for collision assessment, then the system response is faster, but the activation accuracy of protection systems is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs vehicle classification and mass estimation as preliminary actions before the collision occurs. By having the mass parameter ready in advance through categorical estimation, the system avoids time-consuming calculations during the critical collision response period, maintaining fast response times while improving activation reliability.
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
This approach enhances the reliability of collision severity determination, allowing for more precise activation of vehicle occupant protection systems by considering the mass of the colliding vehicle, thereby reducing the risk of injury and improving collision response accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Such a sensor can be, for example, a radar sensor which is designed to determine a relative position between the motor vehicle and the other vehicle and/or a relative velocity between the motor vehicle and the other vehicle.
Implementation Method 2
a radar sensor which is designed to determine a relative position between the motor vehicle and the other vehicle and/or a relative velocity between the motor vehicle and the other vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the severity of a possible collision between a motor vehicle and another vehicle is disclosed. Sensor data which describes the other vehicle is received from at least one sensor of the motor vehicle by means of a control apparatus, a change in velocity which describes a difference between a velocity (V1) of the motor vehicle before the collision and a collision velocity (Vc) of the motor vehicle (1) after the collision is determined on the basis of the sensor data, and the severity of the possible collision is determined on the basis of the determined change in velocity, wherein a mass (m2) of the other vehicle is estimated by means of the control apparatus on the basis of the sensor data, and the severity of the possible collision is additionally determined on the basis of the estimated mass (m2).