Restraint Simulator Interface for Non-Deploying Impact Tests

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Solution Overview

Problem

Preventing activation of restraint devices during simulated vehicle impacts requires significant time and manpower, and deviations in preparation procedures can lead to unintended activation.

Innovation Solution

A device is connected between the restraint control module and the main body wire harness, simulating vehicle impacts while preventing restraint device activation, reducing preparation time and manpower through a restraint simulator that includes a first connector to communicate with the RCM and a second connector to communicate with the restraint devices, and a ground wire to connect to the vehicle body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional preparation procedures are used to prevent restraint device activation during simulated vehicle impacts, then restraint device activation can be prevented, but significant time and manpower are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of restraint device activationVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a restraint simulator as an intermediary device connected between the restraint control module and the restraint devices. This simulator intercepts and simulates impact signals, preventing actual restraint device activation while maintaining the integrity of the control system. The simulator acts as a mediator that absorbs the preparation complexity, allowing rapid setup without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional preparation procedures are used to prevent restraint device activation during simulated vehicle impacts, then restraint device activation can be prevented, but significant manpower is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of restraint device activationVSAvoidpreparation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint simulator is designed to automatically manage the simulation process without requiring manual intervention for complex setup procedures. The device self-configures and self-manages the signal interception and simulation, eliminating the need for extensive manual preparation while ensuring reliable prevention of restraint device activation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If preparation procedures have deviations, then unintended activation of restraint devices can occur, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintended activationVSAvoidsimulation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint simulator serves as a controlled intermediary that standardizes the signal path between the restraint control module and restraint devices. By providing a dedicated, standardized interface, it eliminates variability in preparation procedures while maintaining system simplicity. The simulator encapsulates the complexity within a single device, preventing unintended activation without requiring complex overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260079459A1Vehicle restraint simulation
Publication Date: 2026.03.19 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US20260079459A1 patent drawing
  • US20260079459A1 patent drawing
  • US20260079459A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device is provided between the restraint control module and the main body wire harness. The device is connected to the restraint control module and to the main body wire harness. Via the device, actuation of a vehicle restraint device is simulated based on data indicating a vehicle impact.