Simulation and new correlation method of crash sensor signals in misuse tests

To achieve optimal occupant protection in the event of a vehicle crash, the restraint systems (belt pre-tensioner and airbag) need to be deployed at the precise right time. This point in time depends on the crash severity, the direction of impact and the capability of the vehicle’s structure to absorb the energy. The task of the sensing system is to determine whether and when the safety measures need to be deployed. Therefore, several sensors are positioned at vehicle’s front, center and side (see Figure 1). These are measuring acceleration in the indicated direction. The sensors at the outer position are here called “main sensors”. The sensor sitting in the center of the vehicle is called “confirmation sensor”. The sensors send signals to the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM), located at the same position as the confirmation sensor. The signals of these sensors are processed in the SDM by an algorithm which decides whether, when and which component of the restraint system shall be deployed.