Porsche's 2011 Boxster Takes Its Top Off
High-tech system braces car for impact

High-tech system braces car for impact

Nelson Ireson June 9th, 2008 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author June 9th, 2008
  • Articles Contributed: 1710
  • Comments Posted: 0
  • Leaderboard Rank: N/A

December 31st, 1969 Scientists working at Continental, funded by the EU's Advanced Protection Systems project (or APROSYS) have developed a computerized system that can detect when a crash is unavoidable and brace the car for the impact. The system involves a side beam that moves into place at the last second before an impact, strengthening the passenger cell. Using a combination of cameras, radar, and software the system calculates relative position and speed to determine if collision is imminent. If it decides an impact is certain, it will deploy a metal bar down the center of the side doors, bracing the normally weak structures internally. The added protection could seriously reduce the chances of injury or death for vehicle occupants in side-impact crashes. Time elapsed from crash detection to deployment of the internal brace is a mere 70 milliseconds. Testing has shown the brace reduces deformation on impact by as much as 80mm (3.15in). Reducing intrusion into the cabin is essential in side-impact crashes, because there is less material to absorb the impact than at either end of the car. Like airbags, the system needs to be professionally removed and replaced after an accident.
High-tech system braces car for impact

High-tech system braces car for impact

Enlarge Photo

Scientists working at Continental, funded by the EU's Advanced Protection Systems project (or APROSYS) have developed a computerized system that can detect when a crash is unavoidable and brace the car for the impact. The system involves a side beam that moves into place at the last second before an impact, strengthening the passenger cell.

Using a combination of cameras, radar, and software the system calculates relative position and speed to determine if collision is imminent. If it decides an impact is certain, it will deploy a metal bar down the center of the side doors, bracing the normally weak structures internally. The added protection could seriously reduce the chances of injury or death for vehicle occupants in side-impact crashes.

Time elapsed from crash detection to deployment of the internal brace is a mere 70 milliseconds. Testing has shown the brace reduces deformation on impact by as much as 80mm (3.15in). Reducing intrusion into the cabin is essential in side-impact crashes, because there is less material to absorb the impact than at either end of the car.

Like airbags, the system needs to be professionally removed and replaced after an accident.

Tags: Gadgets, Safety, Technical

Posted in: News


Comments (4 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. By chris #1, Posted: 6/9/2008

    wow.. 3 inches.. in a side impact, thats the difference between a bruised arm and death.

    Just like the airbag, I'm sure everyones going to be very concerned about a bar sliding through the doors when ever a computer senses a crash is imminent. I presume they've already considered the problem of getting the occupant out of the car afterwards.

  2. By rnsaza #2, Posted: 6/9/2008

    In my SL the stupid roll bar would ratchet up every now and then when I went over a mid corner bump! 1st time it happened I nearly died of fright!

  3. By j1v #3, Posted: 6/9/2008

    If the deployment of the brace is just 70ms why don't they engage it every time the door is closed ... or is it one time working mechanism (as in airbag) ...

  4. By bambam #4, Posted: 6/10/2008

    Its done and tested. its a total failure with the future of car design. However there is a alternative which was not tested and I believe the research has stop or disbanded.
    I've seen the prototype and it should be above a 5 star rating, it also makes the car lighter, like it there was no doors. Good luck

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media