In 1997, pressure sensing as a method for detecting side impacts to passenger vehicles was successfully introduced into production. Since then, compliance with new crash performance regulations and customer specifications requires additional and enhanced side sensing capabilities. Expandable and scaleable systems are inherent to providing optimal and reliable side impact detection. Utilizing multiple sensor inputs and complementary physical sensing approaches allows tailoring the impact sensing system to each individual vehicle setup. By using at least two different sensing technologies, in combination with multi-input data evaluation, a wide variety of vehicle setups are imaginable. The result is significantly improved restraint activation performance and robustness across different side impact scenarios. Included are new demands like the high bumper/hood SUV-type impact proposed by the IIHS, as well as side pole crashes specified by FMVSS 201. In conjunction with intelligent algorithms, very short activation times for side impact restraints are possible. Restraint electronic system suppliers are prepared to supply the market with such a system, combining acceleration and pressure signals for fast side-impact restraint activation. This system is to be introduced in May 2004. For the covering abstract see ITRD E126782.
Abstract