Multi-Zone Accelerometer Crash Detection Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle crash detection systems face challenges in accurately determining crash conditions and effectively controlling actuatable safety devices, particularly in discriminating between deployment and non-deployment events, due to limitations in sensing multiple axes and remote locations.
Innovation Solution
The method and apparatus utilize a combination of accelerometers to sense crash acceleration in multiple directions, including central and remote locations, to determine transverse and remote crash evaluation values, which are compared against thresholds to accurately assess vehicle crash conditions and control actuatable occupant restraint systems, such as airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple accelerometers are deployed at central and remote locations sensing multiple axes, then crash detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into multiple sensing zones with accelerometers positioned at the front, rear, and side regions. Each accelerometer senses specific crash directions (front-to-rear, side-to-side) and the system processes signals from multiple locations independently before integrating them for comprehensive crash detection, thereby improving accuracy without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes signals from all accelerometers, determines crash severity indices, evaluates transverse and remote crash conditions, and controls various actuatable safety devices. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single control unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function
2Measurement precision
If transverse and remote crash evaluation values are determined and compared against thresholds, then deployment decision accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes threshold values for crash evaluation before a crash event occurs. When acceleration signals are received, the controller immediately compares them against these pre-set thresholds to determine transverse and remote crash evaluation values, enabling rapid deployment decisions without requiring complex real-time calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical crash evaluation mechanisms with electronic signal processing. The controller uses electronic comparison of acceleration signals against stored threshold values, which occurs at electronic speeds rather than mechanical processing rates, significantly reducing evaluation time while maintaining high accuracy
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 accuracy of crash condition determination and deployment decisions, ensuring timely and appropriate activation of safety devices, thereby improving occupant protection in vehicle crashes.
Implementation Method 1
a first accelerometer for sensing crash acceleration in a first direction substantially parallel to a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a second accelerometer for sensing crash acceleration in a second direction substantially parallel to a side-to-side axis of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a crash condition including sensing crash acceleration in a vehicle X-direction at a central vehicle location and providing a first acceleration signal indicative thereof, sensing crash acceleration in a vehicle Y-direction, sensing crash acceleration in the X-direction at two locations near opposite sides of the vehicle remote from the central location and providing acceleration signals indicative thereof, determining a transverse crash evaluation value functionally related to the second acceleration signal, and determining remote crash evaluation values functionally related to the acceleration signals at the remote locations. The method further comprises the steps of comparing the determined transverse crash evaluation value as a function of the determined remote evaluation values against an associated threshold and determining a crash condition of the vehicle in response to (a) the comparison and (b) the first acceleration signal.