Pedestrian Protection In Europe The Potential of Car Design and Impact Testing (week 5)

Frequency of contacts for AIS 2+ -injuries, lower extremities (front-topedestrian impacts, only passenger cars, all impact speeds)

In both, the GIDAS- and IHRA-data, about 75% of the bumper contacts are related to the lower leg injuries. Knee injuries account for 5-13%.

GIDAS (German In-Depth Accident Study) is the largest accident study in Germany.The data collected in the GIDAS project is very extensive, and serves as a basis of knowledge for different groups of interest. Due to well defined sampling plan, also representativity compared to the federal statistic is guaranteed.

IHRA (The International Harmonized Research) do Activities on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) was established to coordinate, collaborate and exchange information on research aimed at optimizing the safety performance of ITS.

A realistic overall potential of a test procedure relating to the front end of passenger cars, the portion of impacts with passenger cars (75%) and the full frontal car impacts (54%) should only be considered. These shares, taken from the GIDAS-data are presented above.

Volvo S60 Pedestrian Dectection

Mercedes-Benz - Pedestrain protection

System function

The overall system functionality when impacting a pedestrian will be as follow:

1/ Sensor detection of a pedestrian (not part of this project).

2/ The bonnets hinges are released.

3/ The airbag starts to inflate and lifting the bonnet approx. 100mm in the rear edge

4/ The airbag is positioned over the windscreen and A-pillars

5/ The airbag have full performance up to 300ms. Target HIC<650.

Packaging/Installation

When introduce a new system in an existing vehicle packaging is often a problem. In this case the airbag module is packaged in centre Y0 area, see picture below. Critical packaging issues are specific wipers, brake booster and brake fluid reservoir and the battery. Important for the functionality of the protection system is also the position of the airbag module relative the bonnet. The bonnet must overlap airbag module to be able to lift the bonnet and to support the bonnet in a lifted position. Further on the airbag attachments to BiW should withstand a force of approx 8-10 kN.

Packaging example of a pedestrian airbag module

Vehicle requirements

On a system level the important parameters to control are:

1.Wrap Around Distance (WAD) 

• Coverage area of the airbag. The airbag must protect the area where a pedestrian can impact the vehicle up to WAD 2100mm

2.Timings 

• Head Impact Time (HIT) of the pedestrian need to be higher than Total Response Time (TRT) of the active protection system.

• HIT start when the pedestrian leg impact the bumper and stop when the head impact the vehicle. Typical head impact times can be seen in picture below for different pedestrian size and impact velocities. These times differ due to car geometry and need to be defined per vehicle.
• TRT consist of sensing time (not part of this study), activation of actuators and position/inflation of actuators/airbag

Example of different head impact times from first contact between pedestrian and vehicle.

3.Stand up time   

• The airbag need to be in position up to 300 ms to manage different pedestrian sizes, vehicle speed and vehicle geometries.

4.Head form testing                       

• Testing is performed according to Euro-NCAP test procedure. Target for the project has been HIC< 650.

Airbag module and bag folding pattern

The airbag unit, consist of a gas generator (1) which inflates the airbag (2), an airbag container (3), a module cover (4) and a deflector (5) which secure the gas flow from the gas generator. The airbag cover is design to open up when the gas generator is activated.To secure a bonnet lifting and the final position of the airbag a specific patented folding pattern has been developed.

      Airbag module mounted in test vehicle

Bonnet hinge prototype

Experimental test result

Physical test results using the EuroNCAP test method, with adult head impacts.

Tests have been done both on the rear bonnet end as well as on the actual airbag.

The actual test performance and test location in shown in picture below

Physical test result

Head impact test at airbag

Reduced collision speed by using a brake-assistant

Investment into research for advanced systems, aimed at accident avoidance rather than injury reduction is the most promising strategy to reduce traffic casualties for pedestrians and occupants.Given the actual and rapid development of advanced sensor technologies, this is a realistic objective in the near future.Possible new active systems in vehicles which have additional potential to reduce pedestrian accidents in the future include:

• Brake-Assistant
• Anti-Lock Brakes Systems (Enhanced)
• Headlamp Lighting Systems (swivelling headlamps or bend-lighting)
• Radar Sensors (24 GHz-technology)
• Increasing Visibility
• Intelligent Mirror Systems
• Wheel & Tire Systems
• By-Wire Systems
• Yaw Control Systems

Tips for Pedestrians (Week 4)

  Almost every person in the world regardless of their age is classified as a pedestrian. In today’s fast moving world, there is an increased stress on the deadlines and on incredible amount of traffic in some locations, this sometimes increases the risk for pedestrians. While many people don’t give importance to the fact that they can walk safely from one place to another because of some reasons, there has been an increase in accidents involving pedestrians in recent past almost every year. Looking at the statistics, usually children and adults are mostly involved in traffic accidents associated to the pedestrians. However, it is fairly safe to walk near the busy roads, here are nine common sense tips that are very helpful to keep pedestrians of all ages away from accidents and dangers. Keep it in mind ya..

1. Always Be Aware

When a pedestrian is fully aware of its surroundings and the possible dangers related, they can have fun with their pals and at the same time being prepared for anything than can possibly happen because they are aware in advance about the risks.

2. That Traffic Signal Is Talking To You

There are everyday examples of people who cross the street ignoring the flashing traffic signal saying ‘Do Not Walk’. They mostly cross the street successfully but there are some cases when their decision results in a change of life for both the pedestrian and the unsuspecting car’s driver who was following his green light going the other way. There are blind corners in many traffic situations where the driver is unable to see and when they see a person walking in the middle of the road, its too late. Crossing the street or road when the go ahead signal is given by the traffic signal is of course the smartest thing to do.

3. Use Sidewalks Of Course

Those pedestrians who use sidewalks are safer than those who don’t. Those who insist on walking near the road are at risk or the worst can be the actual surface or the road. In case of non availability of sidewalks, then a pedestrian should use the left shoulder of the road that faces the oncoming traffic so those vehicles traveling near them will be in their full view.

 

4. Cross The Street Where You Are Supposed To

The reason why many pedestrians get hit by the car is because they attempt to cross a street in a place where they are not supposed to. Drivers are driving at a high speed than the speed of the walking pedestrians. Most drivers have a habit to look for pedestrians at intersections and marked crosswalks. When pedestrians attempt to cross at a location that is unmarked, the driver can be taken by surprised and the confusion can result in accident.

5. Look Left, Then Right, Then Left Again

Crossing the street blindly is a recipe for tragedy and disaster. The right way under any situation is that a person should cross road is after checking the oncoming traffic on both directions. A fairly easy way is to look left, then right and left again. This is all it takes for a pedestrian to identify if there is any danger.

6. Use Pedestrian Bridges, Specifically Built For Pedestrians

Huge amount of money is spent all the time around the country for analyzing the safety levels of particular areas of roads. When a particular area of road is to be of kind that is not safe for the pedestrians at street level, pedestrian bridges are regularly installed by transportation agencies. Those people who ignore these bridges don’t only risk their lives but they are doing it at a location that is very dangerous place to choose.

7. Make Sure Drivers Know You Are There

A great way for a pedestrian to improve the chances of safety is to make sure that the driver who comes near them is aware of their presence. This can mean eye contact with a driver when crossing the street or carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing when walking at night. It is also better to not enter a street at those locations where the view of the driver may be blocked.

8. Drinking While Walking – Not Always Safe

Drunk driving has been a big focus. To a low level, people who drink too much alcohol or other reaction impairing drugs are always giving problems when they walk near busy streets. When a person is impaired to a level at which they are confused and have trouble walking, then they are a danger to themselves and the passing nearby motorists. The better option is to take a ride home with a friend.

9. Children Are Completely A Different Story

Children should never be allowed to play on the road under any situation. Toy can fly or be thrown on the street and the child without any supervision may run on the street and can come in front of a speeding car that is totally unaware. For avoiding such tragedies, a fence should be constructed to keep children away from the roads. Children should hold the hand of the adult when walking on the road and they should be warned of the dangers that the passing vehicles can bring. Many children are not able to judge the speed of the oncoming vehicle or the distance between the vehicle and themselves properly, this is the reason children should be supervised when crossing the roads.

  These rules and tips are simple to follow and using common sense is all what it takes for pedestrians of all ages to stay safe when walking on busy roads. Many people who don’t take care will surely get injured and can even die as they get involved in traffic accidents despite they were not driving. By using common sense and paying attention to the surroundings, it is a lot more possible to avoid such tragedies and accidents.

Safety Technologies And Features by Manufacturers in 2010 (Week 3)

BMW - BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection

You know, according to NCAP test, BMW X1 has get one of the highest rating as pedestrian friendly vehicle at 2009 by 63% rates. N then at 2010, it BMW 5 series got 78% rates, the highest rates for pedestrian safety.

Why and how they get the highest rates? Of course, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian detection is the answer. This technology helps drivers like us in detecting objects up to 300 meters ahead of vehicle especially in the dark night. Based on BMW research, most of the vehicle-pedestrian collisions happen at night.

This system uses an infrared-sensitive grille-mounted sensor and camera to capture what’s on the dark road ahead of the car. When the system detect pedestrian shown in yellow on the screen, it will send additional warning to driver via Control Display or Optional Head-up Display. It begins working at speeds above 25 mph and functions at or below 82 degrees. BMW design a system that avoid the collision, compare with other manufacturer that design a feature to reduce the impact of collision.

Active Bonnet System

BMW 5 series also applied Active Bonnet System that widely used on others sedans car. The combination both Pedestrian Detection Tech + Active Bonnet make this machine one of safest car to pedestrian.

HONDA - Honda CR-Z

This machine got 71% rates in 2010, second highest after BMW 5 series. However, it is no 1 of the pedestrian friendly MPVs in 2010. What system is applied in this machine that help reduce risk on the pedestrian??

Pedestrian Protection

The name is simple but meaningful. The CR-Z designed with pedestrian-protection in mind. Research has shown that these features can dramatically improve a pedestrian's chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle. Features include

•  Windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away on impact
• Energy absorbing front wing mounts and bonnet hinges
• As well as an unobstructed area beneath the bonnet allowing greater space for deformation

TOYOTA - Toyota Corolla Verso 

Pedestrian Collision Hood design

In year 2010, NCAP rated this vehicle 71% for pedestrian safety. Compared with BMW that use electronic-based tech, this car is more focus on the design of it hood. In order to reduce impact and risk during vehicle-pedestrian crash, it design a softness at the centre of bonnet/hood to absorb the impact.

Daimler Active Bonnet System

Daimler had designed another pedestrian protection tech This system, fitted as standard, includes three impact sensors in the front section as well as special bonnet hinges pretensioned and arrested by powerful springs.

How it works?

Upon impact with a pedestrian, the sensors send information to the electronic control unit which, in turn, activates two solenoids in the hinges instantaneously. These solenoids release the arresters so that the rear section of the bonnet is pushed upwards by 50 millimetres by means of spring force. It all takes just a fraction of a second.

 

Frontal Protection System (Week 2)

This thing protect the vehicle but how about pedestrian it hit??

 Have you see this before (photo above)?Yes right. It was bull bar. It was commonly fix in front of a four wheel drive vehicle. There is replacement for this bull bar and it was call Frontal Protection System which enhance the safety of vehicles.

  From May 2007,the EU legistation banned the fitting and selling of the old style metal bull bars.The purpose of this new EU legistation was to reduce the potential for vulnerable road users to be killed or seriously injured in collision with vehicles.

What is a Frontal Protection System?    

Frontal Protection System is the name given to any separate structure or structures fixed to the front of a vehicle above or below the original bumper intended to protect the outer surface of the vehicle from damage in the event of a collision. This includes any A frame, nudge bar, bull bar, styling element or extra bumper cover with a mass of more than 0.5 Kg. In the EU country,the FPS has an EU certificate and the part has the 'e' number stamped or indelibly printed on it. Thats mean it was legal and can be use on a vehicle. If it does not, then it is illegal to be sold.

                                                              
New Frontal Protection System

 

 One of Europe's leading vehicle design, developement and certification centres,MIRA has carried out a testing of  Concept's revolutionery new plastic frontal protection system. The results showd the frontal protection system reduced the risk of head injuries from over 99% in the worst case down to less than 2% . FPS also substantially reduced the potential for injuries to the upper leg, abdomen and pelvis, bony, basin-shaped structure that supports the organs of the lower abdomen.  It receives the weight of the upper body and distributes it to the legs, it also forms the base for numerous muscle attachments. Head injuries from fronts of the vehicles are typically incurred by children and these often prove to be fatal. A short video of the test :
 

 The test was based on typical large four wheel drive vehicles and vans. The new frontal protection system works by absorbing energy and protecting pedestrians from hard parts at the front of vehicles such as the bonnet edge, radiator and engine. A recent report from the Commission for Global Road Safety highlighted that road traffic deaths represent a global public health crisis and one of the recommended measured was to manufacture safer vehicle fronts, so as to reduce injury to vulnerable road users.

Thanks God, the car stop on time. But her foot Ouchhh!
Please look left and right twice for your own safety.