Combined MEMS Crash Sensor for High-G and Low-G Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle collision detection systems require multiple acceleration sensors and ASICs, which increase complexity, size, and cost while providing redundant functionality.
Innovation Solution
A combined acceleration sensor integrates MEMS high-G and low-G sensing elements with a single ASIC, reducing the number of sensing elements and ASICs needed, and enables efficient detection of both high and low collision severity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate acceleration sensors and ASICs are used for high-G and low-G collision detection, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple acceleration sensing functions (high-G and low-G detection) into a single integrated sensor module that houses both MEMS sensing elements and a single ASIC. This merging approach maintains comprehensive collision detection coverage while reducing the total number of discrete components, thereby decreasing device complexity and spatial requirements compared to using separate sensors for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The single ASIC in the integrated sensor performs multiple functions by processing signals from both the high-G MEMS sensing element and the low-G MEMS sensing element. This multi-functional design allows one ASIC to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated ASICs for each sensing element, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full detection capabilities
2Reliability
If multiple separate acceleration sensors and ASICs are used for high-G and low-G collision detection, then detection coverage is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple acceleration sensing functions (high-G and low-G detection) into a single integrated sensor module that houses both MEMS sensing elements and a single ASIC. This merging approach maintains comprehensive collision detection coverage while reducing the total number of discrete components, thereby decreasing device complexity and spatial requirements compared to using separate sensors for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor structure nests multiple functional elements within a compact housing: the high-G MEMS sensing element and low-G MEMS sensing element are positioned within the same sensor housing, with the single ASIC integrated to serve both elements. This nested arrangement maximizes space efficiency by consolidating what would traditionally require separate sensor modules into a single compact unit
3Reliability
If multiple separate acceleration sensors and ASICs are used for high-G and low-G collision detection, then detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple acceleration sensing functions (high-G and low-G detection) into a single integrated sensor module that houses both MEMS sensing elements and a single ASIC. This merging approach maintains comprehensive collision detection coverage while reducing the total number of discrete components, thereby decreasing device complexity and spatial requirements compared to using separate sensors for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The single ASIC in the integrated sensor performs multiple functions by processing signals from both the high-G MEMS sensing element and the low-G MEMS sensing element. This multi-functional design allows one ASIC to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated ASICs for each sensing element, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full detection capabilities
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 integrated solution reduces space and cost while maintaining performance, allowing for compact and efficient collision detection with reduced redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element configured to detect a vehicle collision for triggering an air bag
Implementation Method 2
a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element configured to detect a lesser vehicle collision for providing an indication of a lesser vehicle collision
Data Source
AI summary
An acceleration sensor for a vehicle includes a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) high-G sensing element and low-G sensing element provided in a single MEMS housing in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the high-G sensor and the low-G sensor are integrated as a single MEMS low/high-G sensing element and in another embodiment, the high-G and low-G sensing elements are provided in separate MEMS housings disposed in the same acceleration sensor housing. An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processes signals from the high-G/low-G sensing element(s). A collision determination system for an autonomous vehicle processes the high-G/low-G signals to actuate airbags and/or to provide collision information to a remote system.