3. Application to airbags

SPINE was initiated by the realization that airbag systems, whose virtues are well established (30% reduction in deaths in frontal collisions), still had their shortcomings.

On the one hand, there is a certain aggressiveness when the occupant is poorly positioned in relation to the airbag, due to his or her size or movements on the seat. Gases are propelled at 300 km/h, and the airbag remains dangerous at less than 10 cm from the steering wheel. It is therefore essential to be able to detect an incorrect position in relation to the airbag, or if the passenger seat is occupied by a child.

On the other hand, deployment timing should be adjusted according to crash characteristics: relative speed with the obstacle, approach angle and obstacle class. Indeed, these parameters determine the pressure and the time taken by...