Multi-Axis Sensor Merging for Vehicle Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of wire harnesses and increased production costs in vehicles due to the use of multiple sensors for collision sensing, as well as the need for more accurate collision detection and passenger protection.
Innovation Solution
Employing two-axis sensors to simplify the wire harness and reduce the number of sensors required for collision detection, with a control unit that calculates average acceleration values and determines collision types (front or broadside) to accurately operate a passenger protection unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors (acceleration sensor, safing sensor, FIS, SIS) are used to sense vehicle collision, then collision detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and wire harness complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single multi-axis acceleration sensor that measures acceleration in three orthogonal directions (X, Y, Z axes). This single sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors (FIS, SIS, acceleration sensor), thereby reducing wire harness complexity while maintaining collision detection reliability through multi-directional sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-axis acceleration sensor serves multiple functions: it detects front collisions (using Z-axis acceleration), side collisions (using Y-axis acceleration), and determines vehicle orientation and movement state. This universal sensor performs what previously required multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive collision detection coverage
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to sense vehicle collision, then collision detection accuracy is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor functions into a single multi-axis acceleration sensor, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation reduces production costs while maintaining accurate collision detection through the sensor's ability to measure acceleration in multiple directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using a single sensor that captures acceleration data across three axes (X, Y, Z) rather than using multiple sensors each measuring single-axis data. This parameter expansion allows accurate detection of various collision types while reducing component count and production cost
3Device complexity
If fewer sensors are used to simplify wire harness, then device complexity is reduced, but collision detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis to multi-axis measurement by using an acceleration sensor that measures in three orthogonal directions (X, Y, Z axes). This dimensional expansion allows a single sensor to capture collision information from multiple directions, maintaining detection accuracy while reducing the number of sensors required
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of sensors are used for collision sensing, then comprehensive collision detection is improved, but the number of sensors and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-axis acceleration sensor is designed as a universal sensor that can detect various collision types (front, side, rear), determine vehicle orientation, and assess movement state. This single universal sensor replaces multiple specialized sensors (FIS, SIS, acceleration sensor), reducing the quantity of sensors while maintaining comprehensive collision detection coverage
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 simplifies the wire harness, reduces production costs, and enhances collision detection accuracy by using fewer sensors while effectively operating a passenger protection system.
Implementation Method 1
a front two-axis sensor, a first side two-axis sensor, a second side two-axis sensor... a control unit which determines whether the vehicle passenger is in a front collision situation, by calculating an average value of acceleration values
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification relates to an apparatus for protecting a vehicle passenger, and the apparatus for protecting a vehicle passenger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification includes: a front two-axis sensor; a first side two-axis sensor; a second side two-axis sensor; a control unit which determines whether the vehicle passenger is in a front collision situation, by calculating an average value of acceleration values, or determines whether the vehicle passenger is in a broadside collision situation, by calculating speed and a speed change of the first side two-axis sensor using the acceleration value obtained by the sensor unit and by calculating speed of the second side two-axis sensor; and a protection unit which protects the vehicle passenger based on the determination of the control unit.