Rollover Airbag Controller Backup Power Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing occupant protection systems require a larger and more costly capacitor as a backup power source to accommodate the longer time delay in activating rollover airbags, which increases the size and cost of the system.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller that determines vehicle collisions and battery failures, allowing the rollover airbag to be activated using a reduced-capacitance backup power source by deploying it either simultaneously with frontal and side airbags or earlier than conventional systems, thus reducing the necessary capacitance and component size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the time delay for rollover airbag activation is extended to accommodate rollover detection, then the rollover airbag can be activated at the appropriate time, but the backup power source capacity must be increased, leading to increased size and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the activation timing parameter based on collision type detection. For frontal/side collisions, airbags activate immediately using stored capacitor power. For rollovers, the system extends the time delay to allow rollover detection, but only activates the airbag if power is still available, thereby adapting the activation parameters to different collision scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag activation system transitions from a static fixed-time-delay system to a dynamic system that adjusts activation timing based on collision type. The controller dynamically selects between immediate activation (frontal/side impact) and delayed activation (rollover), optimizing both protection effectiveness and power source requirements
2Reliability
If the backup power source capacity is increased to support extended rollover airbag activation time, then the airbag can be activated after rollover detection, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the activation parameter based on collision detection results. By detecting frontal/side collisions and activating airbags immediately, the system reduces the required backup power capacity. For rollovers, it implements a time-delayed activation that checks power availability before deployment, thereby reducing the necessary power source capacity and overall system cost
3Speed
If the airbag activation time is reduced for immediate deployment, then occupant protection is provided more quickly, but the system cannot accommodate rollover detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag activation system is segmented into different activation modes based on collision type: immediate activation mode for frontal/side impacts, and delayed activation mode for rollovers. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently - speed for immediate threats, accuracy for rollover detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts activation timing based on the detected collision type. For frontal and side collisions, activation occurs immediately at maximum speed. For rollovers, the system implements a time delay to allow proper detection and confirmation, then activates if power is available, creating a dynamic response system
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 configuration allows for a smaller and less expensive backup power source while ensuring timely activation of rollover airbags, reducing the overall system size and cost without compromising protection.
Implementation Method 1
a battery configured to supply power to the rollover airbag device
Implementation Method 2
a backup power source configured to charge power to be used if the battery fails
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant protection system has a component in question reduced in size and cost. The occupant protection system includes: a rollover airbag device provided in a vehicle interior; a battery configured to supply power to the rollover airbag device; a controller configured to determine a rollover of a vehicle and, if a rollover of the vehicle is determined, activate the rollover airbag device using power supplied from the battery; and a backup power source configured to charge power to be used if the battery fails. The controller determines a collision of the vehicle and examines the battery for any failure and, if a collision of the vehicle is determined and the battery is examined to have a failure, activates the rollover airbag device using the power charged in the backup power source.