Controllable Airbag Configuration for Vehicle Convoy Collision Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle convoy systems face challenges in reducing fuel consumption and enhancing safety due to limited visibility and increased collision risks, particularly when vehicles are driven closely together, leading to potential accidents and damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling a collision process in vehicle convoys using a controllable airbag configuration that can be triggered based on identified collision risks, with wireless communication between vehicles to coordinate the deployment of airbags for optimal cushioning and orientation, minimizing damage and injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If vehicles are driven close together in a convoy to reduce air resistance and fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but visibility is reduced and collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring collision risks and preparing airbag configurations before actual collisions occur. The control unit identifies potential collision scenarios in advance and pre-positions airbags to provide protective cushioning when collisions become inevitable in convoy driving
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies beforehand cushioning by deploying airbags in advance of actual vehicle contact. The airbag configuration is controllably triggered to create a protective cushion between vehicles before collision occurs, reducing the impact force and protecting occupants and vehicle structures
2Use of energy by moving object
If vehicles are driven close together in a convoy, then fuel consumption is reduced, but driver visibility and situational awareness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system acts as an intermediary protective element between vehicles in close proximity. While vehicles maintain close spacing for fuel efficiency, the airbag configuration serves as a mediating safety mechanism that allows reduced spacing without proportionally increasing risk to occupants
3Productivity
If automatic vehicle control systems are used to maintain distance in convoys, then driving efficiency is improved, but erroneous determination can occur causing collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring collision risks and vehicle parameters, then adjusting airbag deployment decisions based on this feedback. The control unit receives ongoing information about convoy conditions and uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about airbag triggering to prevent or mitigate collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system provides beforehand cushioning as a safety backup for automatic control systems. When automatic control erroneous determination occurs, the pre-positioned airbags provide protective cushioning to mitigate the resulting collision impact
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for controlling a collision process in a vehicle convoy comprising at least two vehicles, of which at least one vehicle is a lead vehicle and at least one vehicle is a trail vehicle. The method comprises the step: - controlling (s401), in the event of an identified collision risk, (s401) the triggering of an airbag configuration controllably arranged for an external effect (305; 310; 320; 330; 340), with which airbag configuration at least one of said vehicles is equipped for controlling said collision process. The invention also concerns a computer program product containing program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also concerns a device for controlling a collision process in a vehicle convoy and a motor vehicle that is equipped with the device.