Vehicle Impact Detection Using Location-Specific Reference Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact detection systems for vehicles fail to accurately detect impacts due to variations in impact strength recognition caused by the distance between sensors and physical features of the vehicle, leading to inaccurate determination of impact validity.
Innovation Solution
An impact detection system that includes an impact value calculator using an accelerometer to determine the magnitude of an impact, an impact location estimator to estimate the impact location using acceleration signals and Fast Fourier Transform, and an effective impact determining device that compares the impact value with location-specific reference values to determine the validity of the impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reference value is used for impact detection across all vehicle locations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in impact strength recognition at different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by establishing location-specific reference values for impact detection. Different reference values are set for different locations on the vehicle body (e.g., front bumper, rear bumper, side panels) to account for variations in material properties, structural characteristics, and impact transmission. This allows each location to be evaluated with an appropriate threshold, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference value parameter based on impact location. Instead of using a fixed reference value, the system adjusts the reference value according to the detected impact location, thereby optimizing the detection accuracy for each specific area of the vehicle while maintaining a relatively simple detection device structure.
2Device complexity
If the sensor is placed at a fixed location in the vehicle, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to distance variations from different impact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for distance variations by changing the reference value parameter based on the detected impact location. When an impact is detected at a location far from the sensor, the reference value is adjusted to account for the expected signal attenuation, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring multiple sensors or complex sensor configurations.
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
The system accurately determines the validity of impacts by differentially applying impact detection reference values based on the location, optimizing detection deviations and ensuring precise impact detection regardless of the location on the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer that detects acceleration perpendicular to the impact applied to the vehicle and generates acceleration signals
Implementation Method 2
a signal processor that determines and output a vector sum of the acceleration signals as the impact value
Implementation Method 3
may perform Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the acceleration signals at the maximum impact force point to estimate the location
Data Source
AI summary
An impact detection system for a vehicle and an impact detection method therefore are provided. The impact detection system includes an impact value calculator that determines an impact value corresponding to a magnitude of an impact applied to a vehicle, an impact location estimator that estimates a location to which the impact is applied in the vehicle and generates an impact location signal including a parameter value corresponding to the estimated location, and an effective impact determining device that compares the impact value with an impact detection reference value for each location of the vehicle, corresponding to the parameter value.