Continental Sensor Technology’s latest innovation, the Crash Impact Sound Sensing technology, is changing the way airbags deploy in frontal collisions.
In frontal collisions, occupant safety is measured in milliseconds. Continental improved occupant protection by using structure-borne noise as the determining factor. While its new clipSAT pressure satellites saves time and money for automakers.
Continental’s new technology is different from current impact sensor models. Current models measure changes in acceleration or air pressure, but the Crash Impact Sound Sensor features a revolutionary new sensing principle. It measures the structure-borne noise generated in a collision and can transmit critical information about crash severity to a vehicle’s restraints control module. It is also three times faster than acceleration sensors.
Dean McConnell, head of business development for Continental’s North American Passive Safety Active Driver Assistance Business Unit (PSAD), said they’re getting as much data as they can about crash events vis-a-vis the restraints modules as quickly as possible.
“Every millisecond counts when it comes to optimizing crash protection,” McConnell said.
The new technology is also cost-effective. In markets outside the United States where safety regulations can be met without using acceleration-based sensors, a Crash Impact Sound Sensor can save automakers money. Tests show that one Crash Impact Sensor can replace two acceleration sensors.
“Just like a seismograph that measures vibrations when layers of the earth move in an earthquake, Crash Impact Sound Sensing measures sound waves. Then the collision is analyzed and evaluated within just a few milliseconds using specially developed algorithms and a complex signal analysis, deciding what measures to initiate in order to mitigate the accident’s severity. That’s critical information when it comes to deploying restraint systems. Better information leads to better decisions.”
Dean McConell, head of business development for Continental’s North American Passive Safety Active Driver Assistance Business Unit, Continental Sensor Technology
With more than 250 million safety sensors on the road today, Continental is recognized as a global industry leader in occupant safety. With targeted annual sales of EUR 25 billion for 2010, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide.
