Skip to main content

TRW pedestrian protection system

TRW Automotive Holdings has developed an advanced pedestrian protection system that uses up to three remote acceleration sensors (RAS) located in the front bumper area.
January 26, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSS601 TRW Automotive Holdings has developed an advanced pedestrian protection system that uses up to three remote acceleration sensors (RAS) located in the front bumper area. These sensors continuously transmit acceleration signals to an electronic control unit (ECU) which analyses the sensor data. In the event of a collision, the system will determine if the vehicle has struck a human body (of various sizes) or another object. If a pedestrian collision is detected, the system triggers hood lifter mechanisms – located on either underside of the hood – to activate and create more space between the hood and the hard engine components to help reduce potential injury.

"Our goal is a reliable system based on proven technology for the hardware, software and control algorithms," said Martin Thoone, vice president, TRW global electronics engineering. "In the pedestrian protection system, the RAS can be mated to a stand-alone ECU, but the more cost effective solution is to have the software integrated into an existing TRW airbag control unit."

TRW says the preferred integrated option also offers better interactions between the frontal impact sensing and pedestrian impact sensing algorithms; resulting in enhanced overall sensing performance. System advantages also include: sensor packaging flexibility across a wide range of vehicle applications; an electronic communication interface that works within established industry protocols, helping ensure high compatibility and reliability; and the use of TRW's proprietary X-RISA_8 pedestrian impact sensing algorithm.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Flir showcases new TrafiOne smart city wireless sensor
    June 3, 2016
    Flir Systems will be launching the Flir TrafiOne Smart City Sensor, an all-round detection sensor for traffic monitoring and dynamic traffic signal control. Offered in a compact and easy-to-install package, the system uses thermal imaging and wi-fi technology to provide traffic engineers with high-resolution data on vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians at intersections and in urban environments. The Flir TrafiOne sensor uses thermal imaging to detect the presence of pedestrians and cyclists who are approac
  • Flir launches TrafiOne Smart City Sensor
    June 13, 2016
    Flir Systems is launching the Flir TrafiOne Smart City Sensor, an all-round detection sensor for traffic monitoring and dynamic traffic signal control. Offered in a compact and easy-to-install package, the system uses thermal imaging and Wi-Fi technology to provide traffic engineers with high-resolution data on vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians at intersections and in urban environments. The Flir TrafiOne sensor uses thermal imaging to detect the presence of pedestrians and cyclists who are approaching or
  • Integrated weather and traffic data aids winter maintenance
    October 10, 2012
    A US pooled fund study group has developed a system of software aimed at taking the concept of winter maintenance decision support to a new level – a scientific ‘one-stop-shop’ of weather and service performance data. This report is by Charles Chambers and Benjamin Hershey. With advancements in environmental technology come new systems that assist agencies with better management of winter roadway maintenance resources. In the late 1990s the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) began work developing a pr
  • Ford and Toyota announce hybrid and telematics collaboration
    April 18, 2012
    Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers. The two companies also agreed to work together on enablers to complement each company's existing telematics platform standards, helping bring more Internet-based services and useful information to consumers globally.