Airbag System Research Articles

On optimization of an adaptive pneumatic impact absorber – the innovative rescue cushion

The paper states a complex study on the adaptive rescue cushion and concerns a problem of efficient impact mitigation, which is present during evacuation or assurance of people conducted by fire brigades. In order to minimize negative effects of person’s fall from height an airbag system is applied. Unfortunately, until now only passive solutions have been used. As a result, loads acting on a landing person were not minimized, because passive systems are designed for predefined, extreme conditions. Since the authors proposed to introduce adaptation mechanisms into the rescue cushion, a number of issues arose. They include construction and control of release vents, taking into account the inaccuracies of estimated impact parameters, and optimization of the venting area in case the evacuated person lands outside the airbag’s center. All these problems were addressed within this paper and described in detail. Discussion on the system adaptation and its optimization was preceded by experimental validation of a numerical model. The energy absorbing capabilities of widely used passive rescue cushions were significantly enhanced as a result of the conducted research.

Theoretical and experimental considerations regarding the airbag system operation

Abstract The concept of Passive Safety aims to reduce the harmful effects on vehicle occupants and pedestrians in the event of an accident. Intelligent car bodies and restraint systems have been designed. Thus, side, front, knee and head airbag systems have been introduced, as well as pre-strained seat belts and force limiters. The objectives of car manufacturers are not only to reduce injuries that can cause death, but also a significant reduction of those that can result in permanent damage such as a whiplash. Advanced airbag systems are currently introduced, which offer protection to the occupants at the knees, torso, hips and abdomen. The topic proposed in the paper concerns both theoretical research on the operation of passive security systems, respectively the airbag system, and experimental research. Regarding the theoretical research, this paper proposes a virtual prototyping method by means of the LS Dyna software package of the airbag system functioning in order to protect the driver in the event of a frontal collision. For the analysis of the airbag system functioning, a complex assembly which contains of a dummy, seat, steering wheel, passive safety systems was used. For the experimental research a stand was designed for the analysis and testing of the airbag system, which has the role to protect the driver in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle. In order to carry out the experimental tests, it was proposed to create a sledge type stand, which simulates frontal collisions.

Computer Modelling Study of Volume Kinetics in Intraocular Segments Following Airbag Impact Using Finite Element Analysis.

We have previously studied the physiological and mechanical responses of the eye to blunt trauma in various situations using finite element analysis (FEA). In this study, we evaluated the volume kinetics of an airbag impact on the eye using FEA to sequentially determine the volume change rates of intraocular segments at various airbag deployment velocities. The human eye model we created was used in simulations with the FEA program PAM-GENERISTM (Nihon ESI, Tokyo, Japan). Different airbag deployment velocities, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 m/s, were applied in the forward direction. The volume of the deformed eye impacted by the airbag was calculated as the integrated value of all meshes in each segment, and the decrease rate was calculated as the ratio of the decreased volume of each segment at particular timepoints to the value before the airbag impact. The minimum volume of the anterior chamber was 63%, 69% and 50% at 50, 60 and 70 m/s airbag impact velocity, respectively, showing a curve with a sharp decline followed by gradual recovery. In contrast to the anterior chamber, the volume of the lens recovered promptly, reaching 80-90% at the end of observation, except for the case of 60 m/s. Following the decrease, the volume increased to more than that of baseline at 60 m/s. The rate of volume change of the vitreous was distributed in a narrow range, 99.2-100.4%. In this study, we found a large, prolonged decrease of volume in the anterior chamber, a similar large decrease followed by prompt recovery of volume in the lens, and a time-lag in the volume decrease between these tissues. These novel findings may provide an important insight into the pathophysiological mechanism of airbag ocular injuries through this further evaluation, employing a refined FEA model representing cuboidal deformation, to develop a more safe airbag system.

Safely and Efficiently Prepare Environmental-Friendly Gas Generator with High Gas Production Performance

ABSTRACT Excellent gas generation and boost rate, low residue rate, and low burning temperature, as well as stable combustion, have always been the key performance of gas generators in the effective functioning of automotive airbag systems. Under the conditions of material properties, formulation, and charge structure being determined, how to safely prepare gas generators with closely contacting component interfaces has become a necessary problem to solve. In this study, vacuum freeze-drying technology was used to prepare KNO3/5 aminotetrazole (5-AT) and KNO3/nitroguanidine (NQ) gas generators. The whole process effectively avoids high temperature and thus ensures operational safety. Compared to physically and mechanically mixed agents, the agents prepared through freeze-drying exhibit stable combustion, with a nearly doubled combustion speed and a reduction of nearly 100°C in combustion temperature. The residual rates of KNO3/5-AT and KNO3/NQ after combustion prepared through freeze-drying are 2.55% and 3.30%, respectively, indicating a more complete combustion process. The maximum combustion pressures reach 97.18 MPa and 88.15 MPa, respectively, with a significant increase in the maximum pressure rise rate. Consequently, the prepared gas generators demonstrate enormous potential in automotive airbag systems.

Enhancing Workplace Safety Based on Internet of Things to Provide Intelligent Decision for Preventing Working at Height Fall Incidents for Occupational Workers

In Under develop country like India fall incidents are increasing rapidly at workplace not only in the industrial sector even though construction and private sector too. Fall injury is the highest cause of death/ fatal/severe injuries. The severity of working at height incident depending upon the nature of job, height of application, uneven/cluttered surface etc. In this research paper a unique solution has been studied to bring revolutionary change in personal protective equipment which is used while working at height. There are many technologies are available,in chemical industry if any parameter deviate automatically machine will be shut-down and safe operating protocols will be activated but in conventional personal protective equipment it is hardly say there is still area of research where the technological improvement is needed to bring the robust safety system. Air bags are a very good example to correlate the smart PPE, if any passenger vehicle have air bag system collision with other vehicle automatically within milli second the airbag will be activated which saves the life of driver and passenger as well. Similarly Smart PPE has unique provision if PPE compliance is deviated at workplace immediately the violation shall be captured, and warning alert shall be given to user to remind them to compliance. This will help us to improve workplace safety. It is an error proof system that neither required manual surveillance nor manual recording of violations. In this research paper IOT internet of thing based smart safety harness has been studied and the workplace deviation were compared earlier with manual monitoring data to analyze the human error with respect to compliance of personal protective equipment

Advancements in Bicycle Safety: Integrating Control Sensors and Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Airbag Innovation

Abstract: Motorcycle safety is a critical concern in traffic systems worldwide. This paper introduces a novel approach to enhancing rider safety through the integration of airless tires and advanced airbag systems, underpinned by artificial intelligence (AI) and control sensors. Airless tires contribute to vehicle stability by eliminating the risk of sudden deflation, while AI-driven airbag systems promise dynamic protection for riders during collisions. The study begins with an analysis of airless tire technology, emphasizing its impact on motorcycle stability and safety. It then transitions to the development of motorcyclespecific airbag systems, which utilize AI to process sensor data and make real-time decisions regarding airbag deployment. The effectiveness of these systems is validated through crash simulation tests and impact force measurements, demonstrating a substantial reduction in injury severity. Challenges such as cost, user acceptance, and technical constraints are thoroughly examined. The paper concludes with a discussion on future trends, including the potential for AI to predict and prevent accidents before they occur, thereby setting a new standard for motorcycle safety.

Design and build an airbag system for elderly fall protection using the MPU6050 sensor module

The use of technology has a significant impact to reduce the consequences of accidents. Sensors, small components that detect interactions experienced by various components, play a crucial role in this regard. This study focuses on how the MPU6050 sensor module can be used to detect the movement of people who are falling, defined as the inability of the lower body, including the hips and feet, to support the body effectively. An airbag system is proposed to reduce the impact of a fall. The data processing method in this study involves the use of a threshold value to identify falling motion. The results of the study have identified a threshold value for falling motion, including an acceleration relative (AR) value of less than or equal to 0.38 g, an angle slope of more than or equal to 40 degrees, and an angular velocity of more than or equal to 30 °/s. The airbag system is designed to inflate faster than the time of impact, with a gas flow rate of 0.04876 m3 /s and an inflating time of 0.05 s. The overall system has a specificity value of 100%, a sensitivity of 85%, and an accuracy of 94%.

History of NHTSA’s upgrade of FMVSS 208 addressing airbag induced fatalities and serious injuries

Objective The objective of this paper is to provide a history of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) extensive efforts of incorporating advanced airbag technology capability beyond that available in first-generation airbag systems into FMVSS No. 208. Methods In the paper, NHTSA’s actions and their collaborative efforts with automakers, automaker suppliers, insurance industry, academia, and other Federal agencies were reviewed, and the key efforts have been highlighted. Through their efforts, NHTSA developed its strategy by first undertaking near term actions and then undertaking the strategy for longer term actions. Rulemaking was undertaken in three steps. Then, as sufficient data became available, NHTSA documented the effectiveness of the rulemakings. Results The approach taken by NHTSA with the goal of preserving the safety benefits of the first-generation of frontal airbags while minimizing their danger to children and at-risk adults paved the way for the advanced airbags final rule and an interim final rule issued on May 12, 2000 (see Federal Register Notice 65 FR 30680). A follow-up final rule was issued on August 31, 2006, to change the test speed of the belted 5th percentile female dummy from 48 km/h to 56 km/h (30 mph to 35 mph). The final rule was updated on November 2, 2007, to permit manufacturers to earn advance credits for vehicles that are certified in compliance with the new higher speed requirement one year in advance of the regulatory requirements. Conclusion NHTSA engagement in efforts with multiple partners toward identifying the safety issues, was an integral part of NHTSA’s strategy in addressing the problem, arriving at immediate actions that NHTSA took, and detailing a comprehensive look at the longer-term approach required to resolve the safety issues. The approach taken by NHTSA paved the way for the advanced airbags final rule and an interim final rule issued on May 12, 2000 (Federal Register Notice 65 FR 30680). NHTSA had undertaken a successful collaboration of the Federal Government, the automobile industry, equipment suppliers, insurance companies, traffic safety advocates, law enforcement agencies from across the country, and the media to solve the airbag related safety issue.

Design of a Passenger Ship Launch Using an Air Bag System

Ship launching is one of the stages of ship production before the ship is handed over to the owner, which marks the beginning of the ship's life. With the development of technology at this time, various launching methods have been developed, one of which is the launching method using an air bag system. Launching using air bags has many advantages compared to conventional launching methods that have been used so far. Pre-launch calculations are performed to avoid risks during the launch. Launching using air bags begins with calculating the weight plan of the ship launch and the preparation of the air bag layout. Using CB/T 3837:1998 Technological Requirements for Ship Upgrading or Launching Relying on Air Bags, Shipbuilding Industry Standard, and ISO 14409:2011 ships and marine technology-ship launching air bags, the number of air bag requirements and layout can be determined to support the ship launching process. The passenger ship, with an length overall of 62.80 metres, is planned to have a launch weight of 1058.881 tons. By using the QG6 high-bearing capacity air bag model with 6 layers of cord fabric with a diametre of one metre and a contact length between the air bag and the ship's body of ten metres, a total of 11 air bags are required in a linear arrangement to support the launch of a passenger ship. The distance between air bags is 2.07 metres to 5.736 metres, the longer the distance between air bags, the greater the load supported by each air bag.

IOT Based Smart Solution for Preventing Fall Injuries at Workplace

In India fall injuries are increasing rapidly at workplace not only in the industrial sector even though construction and private sector too. Fall injury is the highest cause of death/ fatal/severe injuries. The severity of working at height incident depending upon the nature of job, height of application, uneven/cluttered surface etc.In this research paper a unique solution has been studied to bring revolutionary change in personal protective equipment which is used while working at height. There are many technologies are available, in chemical industry if any parameter deviate automatically machine will be shut-down and safe operating protocols will be activated but in conventional personal protective equipment it is hardly say there is still area of research where the technological improvement is needed to bring the robust safety system. Air bags are a very good example to correlate the smart PPE, if any passenger vehicle have air bag system collision with other vehicle automatically within milli second the airbag will be activated which saves the life of driver and passenger as well. Similarly Smart PPE has unique provision if PPE compliance is deviated at workplace immediately the violation shall be captured, and warning alert shall be given to user to remind them to compliance. This will help us to improve workplace safety. It is an error proof system that neither required manual surveillance nor manual recording of violations. In this research paper IOT internet of thing based smart safety harness has been studied and the workplace deviation were compared earlier with manual monitoring data to analyze the human error with respect to compliance of personal protective equipment

FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURAL AND SAFETY SYSTEM OF MODERN VEHICLES

The article presents the structural features of modern motor vehicles and the description of the various safety systems presented there, particularly the airbag system. The main goal of the study is to present the possible factors related to structural features and existing safety systems that may hinder rescue operations.

Innovative Design of External Airbag System for Improved Automotive Safety

Innovative Design of External Airbag System for Improved Automotive Safety

Dynamic modeling and simulation for pneumatic landing airbag system with frictional contact

The landing airbag system, a mechanism composed of thin-walled structures, is designed to ensure the safe landing of a lander. To investigate the dynamic behavior of the landing airbag with large deformations, a novel modeling approach incorporating gas exchange and frictional contact is proposed. The Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF) is introduced to model the flexible airbag. Subsequently, the gas parameters inside the airbag are calculated by integrating the Control Volume (CV) Method and the energy conservation equation. Additionally, based on master–slave techniques, a frictional contact formulation for the thin-walled structure and the rigid plane is presented, in which the normal contact force is estimated using the penalty method, and the velocity-based friction model accounting for the stick–slip transition characterizes the tangential friction. Furthermore, the bounding box technology is adopted to improve contact detection efficiency. A series of numerical examples are performed, which demonstrates the proposed model’s advantages in terms of precision and versatility. Finally, the landing dynamic characteristics of the airbag landing system for the small lunar lander are successfully revealed, and the parameter analysis for the airbag system is expected to aid the design optimization of the airbag cushioning system.

Investigation of the adaptation of the belt force limiter to an individual stiffness of the steering column to optimise the overall performance of the restraint system

In the event of a collision, steering columns, airbag systems, and seat belts all absorb the kinetic energy of passengers in front collisions. Most steering columns have a deformation mechanism installed, which allows for a little amount of forward movement of the steering wheel when the occupant is dynamically impacting it. These features deform less when loaded with lower energy, such as when struck by a smaller occupant, because they operate at the re described force levels. So, especially for little passengers, the maximum forward displacement is not utilised, causing them to decelerate at greater g-levels than necessary. In a preliminary investigation, the steering column's stiffness was altered, but the belt force limiter's force remained unchanged. Because of this, the deceleration curve did not follow a continuous force level about the occupant for tiny, light occupants because the belt absorbed a significant percentage of the load. In Western markets where the population is on average larger (about 50 percentile dummy), as well as Asian markets where the population is on average smaller (approximately 5 percentile dummy), this technique could considerably increase vehicle safety.

Smart helmet with integrated Airbag system

Smart helmet with integrated Airbag system

Development of a Human Airbag System for Fall Protection

Abstract: This paper describes the development of a human airbag system which is designed to reduce the impact force from falls. A Micro Inertial Measurement Unit (µIMU), based on MEMS accelerometers and gyro sensors is developed as the motion sensing part of the system. A recognition algorithm is used for real-time fall determination. With the algorithm, a microcontroller integrated with the µIMU can discriminate falling-down motion from normal human motions and trigger an airbag system when a fall occurs. Our airbag system is designed to have fast response with moderate input pressure, i.e., the experimental response time is less than 0.3 second under 0.4MPa. In addition, we present our progress on using Support Vector Machine (SVM) training together with the µIMU to better distinguish falling and normal motions. Experimental results show that selected eigenvector sets generated from 200 experimental data sets can be accurately separated into falling and other motions.

Impact of Steering Column Stiffness on the Injury Criteria of Dummies using Siemens Madymo

In the event of an accident, in today’s vehicle belt and airbag systems and steering columns absorb the kinetic energy of occupants in front crashes. Most steering columns are equipped with a deformation device, which provides additional forward displacement of the steering wheel when being impacted dynamically by the occupant. As these features perform on predefined force levels, they deform less when loaded with lower energy, e.g. when impacted by a smaller occupant. So especially for occupants of lower kinetic energy the maximum available forward displacement is not provided, so they will be decelerated on a higher g-levels than needed. This study investigates for different dummies how the force level of the steering column must be designed to keep the standard injury criteria as low as possible. The aim is to make a statement about the required optimized force levels of the steering column in order to examine technical feasibility in subsequent studies. To carry out these investigations, a parameter study is carried out in Siemens Madymo and the results obtained are interpreted. Subsequently, the limitations of this study are pointed out and further improvements are suggested.

The prediction of autonomous vehicle occupants’ pre-crash motion during emergency braking scenarios

This research investigates a computational method, which can assist the development of occupants’ passive safety in future autonomous vehicles, more particularly in the definition of head kinematics in rotated seat arrangement during emergency braking. To capture these head motions, the methodology utilised an Active Human Model, whose head kinematics were validated in a previous work in three-point and lap-belt restraint configuration scenarios. A sled model was then built where the seat backrest angle (SBA) and the seat orientation, modelled by rotating the acceleration angle (AA), could be adjusted to represent various ‘living room’ seating conditions. A Design of Experiments study was then performed by varying AA from 0° to 360° in steps of 22.5° and SBA from 20° to 60° in steps of 8°. The responses were subsequently converted into a Reduced Order Model (ROM), which was then successfully validated through a comparison with the kinematic responses predicted with simulations. In terms of simulation time, it was found that the ROM was able to calculate the head kinematics in 3 s instead of the 1.5 h taken using Simcenter Madymo, without compromising predicted responses accuracy. This research has provided a unique method to define head kinematics corridors for seated occupants in autonomous vehicle interiors, including maximum head excursion, head kinematics as a function of time and define for the first time (a) the safe “or’ but not both head envelope within the cabin interior, and (b) capture the seated scenarios where head proximity to airbag systems could be of concern, following emergency braking.

Reliability and Service Life Analysis of Airbag Systems

Airbag systems are important to a car’s safety protection system. To further improve the reliability of the system, this paper analyzes the failure mechanism of automotive airbag systems and establishes a dynamic fault tree model. The dynamic fault tree model is transformed into a continuous-time Bayesian network by introducing a unit step function and an impulse function, from which the failure probability of the system is calculated. Finally, the system reliability and average life are calculated and analyzed and compared with the sequential binary decision diagram method. The results show that the method can obtain more accurate system reliability and effectively identify the weak parts of the automotive airbag system, to a certain extent compensating for the lack of computational complexity of dynamic Bayesian networks in solving system reliability problems with continuous failure processes.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF WEARABLE SMART AIRBAG WITH PROTECTION AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

This design introduces a mobile airbag system designed for fall protection for people from bike accidents. the development of an integrated sensing system for the airbag deployment decision in an intelligent jacket. A number of sensing systems have been developed and fused their opinions to give an airbag deployment decision. The performance of the prototype system is estimated through several test runs. The results proved that the airbag deployment decision is robust and intelligent and can be retrofitted into vest/jacket with built-in airbag control. This unit consists of three-dimensional MEMS accelerometers, a vibration detector, GSM, a GPS announcement IoT module, and a Micro Controller Unit ( MCU). It records mortal information through the analysis of fall discovery. It also have a notification system to alert the users caretakers or family members.