Occupant Protection Trigger Selection Using Normalized Body Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupant protection systems in motor vehicles are inadequately evaluated for diverse crash configurations and seating positions, particularly in autonomous driving scenarios, leading to suboptimal trigger decisions due to limited test configurations and reliance on pre-calibrated trigger paths without considering load values.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple sensor types for detecting accidents and occupant positions, combined with a control unit that evaluates normalized stress values across various crash and seating scenarios, selecting trigger configurations based on minimum normalized load values and average values to optimize occupant protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If airbag modules are pre-assembled in a central workshop and transported to assembly locations, then assembly efficiency is improved, but the risk of damage during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag module is divided into separate components (airbag cushion, inflator, mounting brackets, fasteners) that are individually packaged in protective containers. This segmentation allows each component to be protected independently during transport and storage, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining assembly efficiency through pre-prepared kits.
Solution Approach 2:
Protective containers are designed with cushioning materials and structural features that absorb shocks and prevent damage during transport. The containers are prepared in advance with proper positioning fixtures and protective coatings on sensitive components, ensuring they can withstand transportation conditions without damage.
2Reliability
If airbag modules are assembled close to the assembly line at the vehicle manufacturing location, then damage risk during transport is reduced, but assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Airbag modules are pre-assembled and pre-tested in a controlled central workshop environment before being transported to the vehicle assembly line. This preliminary action ensures proper assembly quality and component compatibility while allowing the modules to be transported in protective packaging that minimizes damage risk. The pre-assembly work is done in advance, so no time is lost during vehicle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Protective containers serve as intermediaries that enable the airbag modules to be transported safely from the central workshop to the vehicle assembly line. These containers protect the modules during transit while allowing for efficient transfer and installation at the assembly line, bridging the gap between centralized production and decentralized assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If airbag modules are disassembled and reassembled multiple times, then adaptability to different vehicle models is improved, but the likelihood of assembly errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is designed with modular components that can be independently selected and configured for different vehicle models. Different airbag cushions, inflators, and mounting brackets are available as separate modules that can be combined in various configurations, allowing adaptability without requiring complete disassembly and reassembly of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Certain components are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that allow the same basic airbag module to be installed in multiple vehicle models with different safety requirements. This universality reduces the need for frequent disassembly and reassembly while maintaining model-specific customization through selective component placement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an occupant protection system for a motor vehicle. According to the invention, at least a number of trigger configurations of the occupant protection system are specified for a specified number of different sample occupant situations and for a specified number of sample accident situations, and the influence of at least the relevant trigger configurations on the danger situation is evaluated. This is done in that for a plurality of body parts of the occupants at least one stress value is determined for each body part in each case, and is standardised with respect to a default value, wherein from the standardised stress values (%) or a variable derived therefrom a maximum value (Max(x)) is formed for the plurality of body parts and a mean value (Ø(x)). During driving mode of the motor vehicle, if an impending or occurring accident situation is identified, the current accident situation is compared to the specified number of sample accident situations and at least one best-matching sample accident situation is determined. The same is done for the current occupant situations. Then, from the number of trigger configurations of the occupant protection system, that trigger configuration (A(x)) is selected for which first the maximum value (Max(x)) is lowest and if a plurality of trigger configurations remain also the mean value (Ø(x)) is lowest.