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A Sensor Suite for Toeboard Three-Dimensional Deformation Measurement During Crash.
Mengyu Song1, Cong Chen1, Tomonari Furukawa2
1Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Stapp Car Crash Journal
|April 21, 2020
Summary
A new sensor suite accurately measures toeboard three-dimensional (3D) dynamic deformation during crash tests. This system achieves a 1.3 mm measuring accuracy, enhancing vehicle safety analysis.
Area of Science:
- Automotive Engineering
- Biomechanics
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Accurate measurement of vehicle component deformation during crash events is critical for safety analysis and design.
- Existing methods for measuring toeboard deformation may lack the precision or dynamic range required for high-fidelity crash simulations.
- Understanding the three-dimensional (3D) dynamic deformation of the toeboard provides crucial insights into occupant injury mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel sensor suite for precise measurement of toeboard 3D dynamic deformation during crash tests.
- To establish a robust methodology for utilizing the sensor suite in automotive crash scenarios.
- To quantify the measurement accuracy of the developed system.
Main Methods:
- Development of a sensor suite comprising three high-speed cameras and inertial sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) mounted on a rigid frame.
- Utilization of stereovision principles with two cameras for toeboard shape measurement.
- Employing a third downward-facing camera with inertial sensors for global localization and vibration removal.
- Integration of a data processing pipeline for analyzing collected sensor data.
- Validation through a 56 km/h frontal barrier crash test and a sled test for accuracy assessment.
Main Results:
- The sensor suite successfully identified its position and orientation, enabling effective removal of stereo camera vibrations.
- The system demonstrated a high measuring accuracy of 1.3 mm, independent of temporal or positional factors.
- The methodology enabled the measurement of global 3D toeboard deformation during crash events with the validated accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensor suite provides a reliable and accurate method for measuring toeboard 3D dynamic deformation in crash tests.
- The system's ability to compensate for sensor vibration enhances the precision of deformation measurements.
- This advancement contributes to improved vehicle safety design and occupant protection through detailed crash analysis.
