High-tech system braces car for impact

Posted Mon Jun 9 2008 3:37 PM by Nelson Ireson

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.

Reader Comments

Mon Jun 9 2008 4:07 PM
chris says

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.
Mon Jun 9 2008 4:42 PM
rnsaza says

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!
Mon Jun 9 2008 9:55 PM
j1v says

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) ...
Tue Jun 10 2008 3:15 AM
bambam says

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

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