Active safety
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The term active safety (or primary safety) is used in two distinct ways.
The first, mainly in the United States, refers to
However, active safety is increasingly being used to describe systems that use an understanding of the state of the vehicle to both avoid and minimise the effects of a crash. These include braking systems, like
These forward-looking technologies are expected to play an increasing role in collision avoidance and mitigation in the future. Most major component suppliers, such as Aptiv, TRW and Bosch, are developing such systems. However, as they become more sophisticated, questions will need to be addressed regarding driver autonomy and at what point these systems should intervene if they believe a crash is likely.
In
Examples
- The computer operated control rods in a nuclear power station provide an active safety system, whereas a fuel that produces less heat at abnormally high temperatures constitutes a passive safety feature
- Collision avoidance systems in a modern car
- Many buildings have interconnected fire alarms that can be triggered manually by pushing a button or breaking a glass plate attached to sensors
Automotive sector
In the automotive sector the term active safety (or primary safety) refers to safety systems that are active prior to an accident. This has traditionally referred to non-complex systems such as good visibility from the vehicle and low interior noise levels. Nowadays, however, this area contains highly advanced systems such as anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control and collision warning/avoidance through automatic braking. This compares with passive safety (or secondary safety), which are active during an accident. To this category belong seat belts, deformation zones and air-bags, etc.
Advancement in passive safety systems has progressed very far over the years, and the automotive industry has shifted its attention to active safety where there are still a lot of new unexplored areas. Research today focuses primarily on collision avoidance (with other vehicles, pedestrians and wild animals)
Examples of active safety
- Good visibility from driver's seat,
- Low noise level in interior,
- Legibility of instrumentation and warning symbols,
- Early warning of severe braking ahead,
- Head up displays,
- Good chassis balance and handling,
- Good grip,
- Anti-lock braking system,
- Electronic Stability Control,
- Chassis assist,
- Intelligent speed adaptation,
- Brake assist,
- Traction control,
- Collision warning/avoidance,
- Adaptive or autonomous cruise control system.
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
- front & rear wiper
Examples of passive safety
- Passenger safety cell,
- Crumple zones,
- Seat belts,
- Loadspace barrier-nets,
- Air bags,
- Laminated glass,
- Correctly positioned fuel tanks,
- Fuel pumpkill switches
See also
- Passively safe
- Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA)
- Electronic Stability Control