Car collision sensors play a crucial role in airbag systems, as they can detect the intensity of a car collision and transmit relevant signals to the electronic control unit (ECU) of the airbag system to determine whether to deploy the airbag, providing protection for drivers and passengers. The following is a detailed introduction to the classification and application of automotive collision sensors:

classification

There are multiple classification methods for car collision sensors based on their functions and structures:

Classified by Function

Collision intensity sensor: used to detect the degree of collision on a car. This type of sensor can sense the acceleration or deceleration during a collision, thereby determining the intensity of the collision. According to the installation location, collision intensity sensors can be divided into left front collision sensor, right front collision sensor, and central collision sensor.

Collision protection sensor: used to prevent the airbag from accidentally inflating. Also known as safety collision sensors or collision detection sensors. This type of sensor usually has a low deceleration threshold, which can prevent the airbag system from detonating accidentally when detecting non collision anomalies (such as sensor short circuits, misoperations during maintenance, etc.).

Classified by structure

Mechatronics collision sensor: uses mechanical motion to control the airbag circuit by opening and closing electrical contacts. This type of sensor contains mechanical components inside, such as rolling balls, rollers, or eccentric hammers. When a car collides, these mechanical components will move and trigger the on/off of electrical contacts. Common structures include rolling ball type, roller type, and eccentric hammer type.

Rolling ball collision sensor: triggers the on/off of electrical contacts by the movement of the rolling ball during collision.

Roller type collision sensor: uses the deformation or movement of the roller during collision to control the on/off of electrical contacts.

Eccentric hammer collision sensor: It drives the contact to move by the inertial force of the eccentric hammer during collision, thereby triggering the on/off of the electrical contact.

Electronic collision sensor: uses the deformation of strain resistance during collision to change its resistance value or the force on piezoelectric crystals to change the output voltage to control the airbag circuit. This type of sensor contains electronic components inside, such as resistance strain gauges, semiconductor strain gauges, or piezoelectric crystals.

Resistance strain gauge collision sensor: changes the resistance value through the deformation of the strain gauge during collision, thereby outputting an electrical signal.

Semiconductor strain gauge collision sensor: using the piezoresistive effect of semiconductor materials to detect strain during collision.

Piezoelectric effect collision sensor: using the piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric crystals to detect pressure changes during collisions and output electrical signals.

Mercury switch type collision sensor: uses the conductive properties of mercury to control the airbag circuit. When a car collides, the mercury switch type collision sensor detects the inertial force generated by the collision, causing the mercury to move inside the sensor and connect the circuit.

application

Car collision sensors are widely used in modern car airbag systems. They are usually installed in key parts of the vehicle body, such as the inner side of the front fenders on both sides, under the headlight bracket, on the left and right sides of the engine radiator bracket, under the dashboard and under the glove compartment. These sensors can monitor the collision situation of the car in real time and quickly send signals to the electronic control unit of the airbag system when a collision occurs. The electronic control unit determines the intensity of the collision based on the received signal and decides whether to deploy the airbag.

In addition, with the continuous development of automotive technology, the performance and reliability of collision sensors are also constantly improving. Some advanced collision sensors also have adaptive functions, which can adjust their sensitivity and response speed according to the driving speed and collision type of the car. This enables the airbag system to provide effective protection for drivers and passengers in a wider range of situations.

In short, car collision sensors are important devices for ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers. By selecting and installing collision sensors reasonably, the safety performance and passenger protection capability of automobiles can be significantly improved.

Source: Sensor Expert Network. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion