- Dynamic sensor system: This evaluates the actual vehicle dynamics and detects critical deviations from the nominal dynamic values. For this purpose it measures, for example, the speed, braking torque, brake pedal speed, wheel slip, acceleration around the vertical axis, spring travel, steering speed and tyre pressure.
- Pre-crash sensor system: This monitors the surroundings using, for example, ultrasonic, infrared or radar technology and image processing and registers the distance from a possible obstacle, the relative speed and the possible angle of impact. This provides information concerning the nature and severity of an accident.
- Crash sensor system: This recognises an actual impact within a few milliseconds with the help of acceleration, pressure, intrusion and contact sensors that can even provide information about the final severity of the accident.
- Interior sensor system: This establishes which seats in the vehicle are occupied, measures the weights of the passengers, monitors the seat belt buckles and will in the distant future also register the positions of the occupants using infra-red signals or image processing.
PREVENTION: VEHICLE BODY INSTANTLY RAISED BEFORE THE IMPACT
On the basis of these sensor data a powerful computer prepares the vehicle components and vehicle structure for an impending accident. This involves, for example, extending the bumpers and activating the crash boxes in the front-end structure so that depending on accident severity, they will generate suitable forces to absorb a large proportion of the impact energy before it can act on the vehicle occupants. In the event of an impending lateral collision with an off-road vehicle, van or truck the computer uses the Active Body Control system to raise the vehicle body and improve compatibility. At the same time the sliding roof is automatically closed to prevent the occupants from being thrown out in the event of a rollover.