Optical Trigger for Pedestrian Protection Head Form
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedestrian protection test methods using head forms connected by cables face issues with trajectory interference and data synchronization due to cable loosening or tearing during impact, leading to inaccurate measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A device with a head mold equipped with sensors and optical transmission means for contactless communication with a remote station, allowing precise synchronization of measurement data without physical connections, ensuring accurate trajectory recording and data correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable connections are used between the launcher and head form, then data transmission between measuring elements is enabled, but the trajectory of the head form is influenced and cables may tear during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an optical transmission system. Optical fibers or wireless optical communication transmits data between the launcher and head form without physical constraints, eliminating trajectory interference and cable tearing risks while maintaining reliable data transmission throughout the impact process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical transmission medium as an intermediary between the launcher and head form. This intermediary enables data transmission without direct mechanical contact, allowing the head form to move freely along its trajectory while measurement data is continuously transmitted through the optical channel
2Measurement precision
If the head form is detached from the launcher during testing, then free movement and accurate trajectory recording are achieved, but data synchronization between the head form and remote station becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with optical transmission systems that maintain data synchronization without physical constraints. Optical signals transmit timing and measurement data at light speed, ensuring synchronized data arrival at the remote station even when the head form is detached and moving freely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical transmission to create accurate copies of measurement data from the head form and transmits them to the remote station. This optical copying process preserves the temporal and spatial relationships of measurement events, enabling precise reconstruction and synchronization of trajectory data at the remote location
3Device complexity
If a complete measuring system is integrated in the head shape, then cable connections are minimized, but communication with external measuring points requires additional connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with an optical transmission system that provides both minimal integration and maximum communication capability. The optical interface can transmit multiple data channels simultaneously, enabling the integrated measuring system to communicate with multiple external measuring points without increasing physical connection complexity
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
Enables unhindered head form trajectory and precise synchronization of measurement data, preventing measurement falsification and ensuring comprehensive data correlation for evaluating impact forces and movement sequences.
Implementation Method 1
the head shape has optical transmission means with which contactless communication with a remote station assigned to the launching device is made possible
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
There are known experimental setups for pedestrian protection tests in which a head shape is launched at a test object, particularly a vehicle. It is crucial to achieve precise temporal synchronization between measurement data acquired by the head shape and measurements acquired outside the head shape, such as by the vehicle's sensors. In the prior art, this is achieved using a cable connection, which, however, can be damaged or broken when the head shape is launched. Furthermore, the cables distort the trajectory of the head shape, which should ideally be unobstructed. Radio signals have also proven to be too imprecise in terms of timing.Against this background, the present invention provides for the establishment of a contactless optical connection between the head shape and the launching device, via which a trigger signal can be transmitted to the head shape at sufficient speed, so that the most accurate possible temporal relationship between events inside and outside the head shape can be established by reference to this trigger signal, without influencing the flight path through cable connections.