Expanding design process of the Airbag Control Unit ACU - Connection of Active and Passive Safety by using vehicles dynamics for rollover and side crash detection

Vehicle safety is based on the avoidance of accidents (Active Safety) and reduction of injuries in case a crash isn’t preventable (Passive Safety). Therefore, the motion of the vehicle is measured with suitable sensors. The data analysis takes place in qualified vehicle control units. A vehicle stabilisation is calculated in the Electronical-Stability Control Unit (ESC). The restraint systems like seatbelts or airbags are triggered by the Airbag-Control-Unit (ACU). An extension and an advancement of separate safety systems are necessary to achieve sustained success in driver protection. The improvement can be realised by the combination of ESC and Airbag Control Units. This paper introduces a new process and testing method for deployment and transcription of the connection from active and passive safety in the car design process. According to this the boundary conditions of some important crash scenarios are discussed.