Continental Automotive Systems' new closing velocity sensor is designed to
help drivers avoid collisions when traveling at low speeds
DETROIT, April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest statistics
from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nearly 5,000
pedestrians were killed by vehicles in the United States in 2005 and almost
three-fourths of these deaths occurred in urban areas. To address the issue
Continental Automotive Systems announced today, at the Society of
Automotive Engineers trade show being held in Detroit, that is has
developed an optical sensor that can help a driver reduce the severity or
completely avoid collisions when traveling at speeds less than 25 miles per
hour. Continental Automotive Systems is discussing the product with
automobile manufacturers around the world and will launch the system next
year with one of its European customers.
Closing Velocity Sensor assists in often hectic urban traffic
Continental Automotive Systems developed the closing velocity sensor
system (CV) to help reduce crashes in high-stress urban traffic situations.
This pre-crash system scans the space in front of the vehicle up to
approximately 10 meters, in three areas: to the right, the left and
straight ahead. Once the CV sensor detects another vehicle, motorcycle,
bicycle or pedestrian ahead it sends a signal back to a "transceiver" that
is mounted near the rearview mirror. The transceiver then uses the signal
to calculate the distance of the object in front of the vehicle along with
its closing speed.
Enhanced brake assist enables crash-avoidance strategies
If the distance between the vehicle or pedestrian is closing so quickly
that a collision is imminent, the system responds as follows:
-- The brakes are put on alert mode and sufficient pressure is built up in
the braking system so the brakes can respond as soon as the driver
applies the brake pedal (prefill).
-- If the driver takes his/her foot off the accelerator, the pre-crash
system initiates automatic braking at up to 0.5 g (prebraking).
-- If the driver operates the brake pedal, but with too little sustained
pressure, the intervention of brake assist ensures the maximum possible
braking power.
-- For further driver protection function, the system can also tighten the
seat belt.
During the development of the system it was demonstrated that these
measures in combination could assist drivers avoid a crash, which could
help reduce the number of collisions in urban traffic.
Closing Velocity sensors provide benefits for all road users, as well
as car manufacturers
Once a Closing Velocity Sensor and pre-crash system is integrated into
a car, vehicle occupants can expect the following benefits:
-- Because the risk of a crash is significantly lower, drivers and
passengers are safer.
-- If a crash does occur, vehicle occupants will be better protected
against injury since seatbelts will be tightened to the optimum degree.
-- The CV sensor also will provide data to the airbag control unit,
enabling it to better respond by assessing the extent of an impact and
activating an airbag if needed.
-- Vehicle repair and medical costs for all involved parties are also
likely to be significantly lower since the resulting collision will be
less severe.
This new sensor provides the automotive industry with a system that
makes pre-crash functionality affordable even for small and mid-range
vehicles. "It is easily integrated into the vehicle electronics and does
not require any adjustment to the vehicle structure" explains Dr. Ralf
Cramer, head of the business unit electronic braking and safety systems at
Continental Automotive Systems. "The new sensor system is yet more evidence
of our strong position in terms of developing and manufacturing safety
systems that are priced attractively enough for use in cars below the
luxury range. The CV sensor highlights the functionality of Continental's
APIA project that combines active and passive safety for mass-market
vehicles. We strongly believe that such comprehensive safety systems should
be made available to all vehicle categories". This innovative sensor
system, with many of the functions described, will be launched in 2008 in a
European-made car."
The Continental Corporation is a leading automotive supplier of brake
systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical
elastomers. In 2006 the corporation realized sales of EUR14.9 billion. At
present it has a worldwide workforce of around 85,000.
As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry,
the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates extensive
know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving safety,
embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems, powertrain and
comfort. In 2006 the Division achieved sales of approx. EUR 6 billion with
a workforce of more than 30,000. Continental Automotive Systems develops
and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and chassis control
systems, electronic air suspension systems, sensors, engine management and
transmission control systems, hybrid drives, cooling fan modules, body and
security electronics and also is the industry leader of embedded telematics
and communication systems in vehicles.
SOURCE Continental AG
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Related links:
http://www.conti-online.com
http://www.contitevesna.com
http://www.contiautomotive.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/437525.html/
CONTACT:
Sue Frederick of Continental, Automotive
Systems Division, +1-248-393-5273,
sue.frederick@us.contiautomotive.com
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