ON OCCUPANT IDENTIFICATION AND RELATED CRASH OUTCOME IN OUT OF POSITION CONDITIONS

The methodology for crash tests in vehicle development and homologation is based on dummies sitting in a standardized posture, defined by the H-point of the car body and design specifications. As a result, injury criteria are directly influenced by these precisely defined initial conditions. Out-of-Position scenarios are not included in passive safety tests but are usually analysed conventionally through specialized experiments. The combination of crash dynamics and improper airbag deployment can increase the forces exerted on the body. While airbags have saved numerous lives, statistics also report injuries and fatalities caused by improper contact with deploying airbags. This study examines strategies to make the Airbag Control Unit effectively adaptive to an occupant position. Pre-crash scenarios are identified using sensors in the vehicle seat and the corresponding outcomes are simulated. The research highlights the importance of a thorough examination of crash circumstances, process and outcomes to improve safety in intelligent vehicles.