Safety Actuator Intervention Control via Driver Controllability Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety systems in motor vehicles often intervene excessively in driving operations, potentially disrupting the driver's control, especially in situations where the driver's ability to manage the vehicle is compromised, such as high speeds or low controllability scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling safety actuators in motor vehicles that determines a hazard model using anticipatory sensors and driving operation characteristics, adjusting the degree of intervention based on the driver's controllability, including seat adjustments and belt tensioning, to optimize the activation of safety actuator systems and prevent excessive intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If safety actuators are activated to protect occupants, then occupant safety is improved, but driver control over the vehicle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupant safetyVSAvoiddriver control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the intervention strength of safety actuators based on real-time assessment of driver controllability parameters (vehicle speed, sideslip angle, steering angle). When driver control capability is high, actuator intervention is minimized; when driver control capability deteriorates, intervention is increased to ensure occupant safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The safety actuator system transitions from static activation to dynamic control, continuously adapting its intervention level based on changing driving conditions and driver controllability. The system monitors multiple parameters and adjusts actuator activation in real-time to maintain optimal balance between safety and driver control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If safety actuators intervene strongly in driving operations, then occupant protection is improved, but driver ability to control the vehicle is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupant protectionVSAvoiddriver's ability to control vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies differentiated intervention strategies to different safety actuators based on specific driving conditions. Not all actuators are activated with the same intensity; instead, intervention is localized and tailored to the specific hazard and driver controllability assessment, preserving driver control where possible while protecting occupants where necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs partial intervention by activating only the necessary safety actuators with appropriate intensity based on the assessed hazard level and driver controllability. This avoids excessive intervention that would completely override driver control, while still providing sufficient protection when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If the safety system activates actuators based on hazard detection, then response time is improved, but false interventions may occur when driver control is still adequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoiddriver control capability assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates continuous feedback loops that monitor driver controllability parameters (vehicle speed, sideslip angle, steering angle) and adjust safety actuator activation accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents false interventions by continuously assessing whether driver control capability has deteriorated to a level requiring actuator assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of driver controllability before activating safety actuators. By evaluating driver control capability in advance based on multiple parameters, the system可以避免 premature or false interventions while maintaining rapid response capability when actual hazards are detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2750933B1Method for driving a safety actuator system of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2750933B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2750933B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2750933B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for driving a safety actuator system (70) of a motor vehicle, comprising: determining a risk model (40) of the motor vehicle by means of a predictive sensor system and at least one characteristic value (10, 20) of a drive mode of the motor vehicle; determining a controllability (41) of the motor vehicle by a driver of the motor vehicle by means of the at least one characteristic value; and driving the safety actuator system to an extent which depends on the risk model and on the controllability.