Eric Zimmerman

A new pre-crash system for side impact protection

Sub-project 6 of the European Integrated Project APROSYS, implemented within the 6th Framework Programme, has developed an integrated safety system for side impact protection. For this, two different innovative technologies have been applied for the first time as a technology showcase in a car: shape memory alloy based actuators and a pre-crash sensing subsystem using radar and stereo-vision observing the side of a vehicle. Several technical challenges had to be met during development work. The sensing subsystem detects an imminent collision and decides about the probability of a collision. It activates the actuator before the crash occurs in order to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment. This article describes the sensing subsystem, the actuator subsystem and finally the testing programme that was executed to evaluate the complete system.

Novel Pre-Crash-Actuator-System based on SMA for Enhancing Side Impact Safety

The European IP APROSYS (Advanced PROtection SYStems) is currently being finished. The overall project goal was to decrease the number of fatalities on European roads. Within Sub-Project 6 a novel pre-crash side impact protection system was developed which improves structural behaviour in side crash. The main focus is to reduce intrusions. The given paper presents research activities which were carried out within SP6. The pre-crash-system combines a sensor unit, a data processing or data fusion unit and at least one reversible high-speed actuator. As outcome of this study about the pre-crash-system, a crash load redirection to the unstruck side was found to be most powerful and a suitable actuator was developed which takes away the crash loads directly from the incoming object at the door. This was achieved by creating a rigid connection from the struck door to other stiff car regions. By this, the energy absorbing process starts earlier and involves more structural parts. This system changes the crash deformation modes completely. Both, the B-pillar as well as the door intrusions are being significantly reduced, especially in regions being most critical for the occupant.