SAFETY IN AUTOMOBILES

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, SDMCET, Dharwad Page 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The successful completion of any task will be incomplete without complementing those who
made it possible and whose guidance and encouragement made our efforts successful. I am
grateful to all those who guided, inspired and encouraged me.
First of all I would like to thanks our parents for all they have given us. I am very much indebted
to my beloved project guide and HOD of Mechanical Engineering Prof. V.K.Heblikar who is a
constant source of enthusiasm and whose sincere guidance, valuable suggestions, and benevolent
direction were mainly responsible for successful completion of the seminar work.
I am very deeply grateful to our honorable and beloved Principal Dr. S. Mohan Kumar for
having provided us the academic environment, which nurtured our practical skills contributing to
the success of our invaluable seminar presentation.










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ABSTRACT
The automobile was invented back in 1885. now in the 21
st
century, automobiles are
becoming faster, stronger, more heavy-duty and further technologically advanced every year.
Current models are safer than any other in history, with the introduction of many safety
components as well as the improvements of numerous pre-existing technologies. As soon as
automobiles were invented man has strived to go faster and faster, with specializations of
body parts to enhance the machine possibilities. Safety conscious design has always been and
remain a vital aspect in car development. The increasing luxury and power of the cars pays
major role for the instability and poor safety of the automobile . It is estimated that 70% of
the total fatalities in India is because of road accidents. With this thought in mind,
automobile manufacturers are working hard to enhance safety measures for the driver as well
as the occupants.










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CONTENTS

Chapter No. Title Page No.
1. Introduction 7
2. Advancement in safety measures 8
2.1 Advancement in safety techniques - 8
2.1.1 Description 8
2.1.2 Safety Trends 8
2.1.3 Chart of death rate Vs Time 9
2.2 Technological Advancement 10
2.2.1 Description 10
2.2.2 Antilock Braking System 10
2.2.3 Electronic Stability Control 11
2.2.4 Adaptive Cruise Control 12
2.2.5 Pre-collision Systems 12
2.2.6 Airbags 13
2.2.7 Crash Resistant Door Pillars 13
2.2.8 Crumple Zones 14
2.2.9 Active Head Restraints 14
2.2.10 Lane Departure Warning System 15
2.2.11 All-Wheel Drive Tire 15
2.2.11.1 Emergency Response 16
2.2.12 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems 16
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2.2.13 Emergency Brake Assist 16
2.2.14 Telematics 17
2.2.15 Collision Warning with Automatic Braking 17
2.2.16 Blind-Zone Warning 18
2.2.17 Smart Seat Belts 18
2.2.18 Adaptive Headlights 19
2.2.19 Backup Cameras 19
2.2.20 Night Vision 19
2.2.21 Direction Control Assist system 20
2.2.22 Voice Recognition 20
2.2.23 Run-flat Tires 21
2.2.24 Automatic Traction Control 21
2.2.25 Automatic Stability Control 22
3. Future Scope 23
4. Conclusion 24
References 25






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List of Figures
Sl. No. Figures Page No.
2.1 Graph (Road deaths per vehicles & per population) 9
2.2 Antilock Braking System 10
2.3 Different cases of Antilock Braking System 10
2.4 Electronic Stability control 11
2.5 Adaptive Cruise Control 12
2.6 Different cases of Adaptive Cruise Control 12
2.7 Airbags 13
2.8 Position of Airbags 13
2.9 Crash Resistant Door Pillars 13
2.10 Crumple Zones (rear view) 14
2.11 Crumple Zones (side view) 14
2.12 Active Head Restraints Smart Seat Belts 14
2.13 Lane Departure Warning Systems 15
2.14 All-Wheel Drive 15
2.15 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems 16
2.16 Telematics 17
2.17 Collision Warning with Automatic Braking 17
2.18 Blind-Zone Warning Night Vision 18
2.19 When Seat Belt is used 18
2.20 When Seat Belt is not used 18
2.21 Adaptive Headlights 19
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2.22 Night Vision 19
2.23 Crash 20
2.24 Distance Control Assist System 20
2.25 Voice Recognition 21
2.26 Run-flat Tires 22
2.27 Automatic Stability Control 23

















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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Automobile Industry is undergoing a big transformation never seen before. Today cars
are not only used for personal transport but they are encompassed with entertainment
that vies with the fidelity of your home theatre, seating arrangement more comfortable
than your recliner etc. Globally car companies spend nearly $36 billion annually for
influencing new technologies into their cars. The modern passenger cars have become not
only faster but more comfortable and considerably safer and even though the traffic
volume our roads has increased several fold, the risk of accident remain relatively high.
Some of the big advancement in automotive Industry in last 10 years have come in a area
of safety. Due to the modern safety system adopted, seat belts and airbags are perhaps
two of the most well known and still most effective system. The protective capabilities of
these systems can only be fully realized if seat belts are used on every trip buckle up and
then drive. Wearing seat belt can alone prevent many injuries or lessen the severity of
injuries where as an air bag alone cannot provide the same degree of protection since they
are designed only to supplement the protective effect of the seat belt.








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Chapter 2
ADVANCEMENT IN SAFETY MEASURES
The major part of advancement is not worth if it is not safe. Advances can only be worth if these
advances serve the major role in safety. This section describes the two principle types of
advancement:
Advancement already existing.
Advancement yet to come in picture.


2.1 Advancement in Safety techniques -
2.1.1 Description -
The terms "active and passive" are simple but important in the world of automotive safety.
"Active safety" is used to refer to technology assisting in the prevention of a crash and "Passive
safety" to components of the vehicle (primarily) airbags, seatbelts and the physical structure of
the vehicle that help to protect occupants during a crash.
2.1.2 Safety trends -
Despite technological advances, about 130,000 people die every year in the India. India has the
highest number of road accidents in the whole world. Although the fatality rates per vehicle
registered and per vehicle distance travelled have steadily decreased since the advent of
significant vehicle and driver regulation, the raw number of fatalities generally increases as a
function of rising population and more vehicles on the road. However, sharp rises in the price of
fuel and related driver behavioral changes are reducing 2012-2013 highway fatalities in the India
to below the 1985 fatality count. Litigation has been central in the struggle to mandate safer cars.






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2.1.3 Graph
Fig: 2.1 Road deaths per vehicles & per population










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2.2 Technological Advancement-
2.2.1 Description -
Todays "cutting edge technology" is tomorrow's "commonplace". Here is a collection of already
offered that could be mainstream just a year or two from now.
2.2.2 Antilock Braking System-

Fig: 2.2 Antilock Braking System

Fig: 2.3 Different cases of Antilock Braking System
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Wheel lockup during braking causes skidding which in turn cause a loss of traction and vehicle
control. This reduces the steering ability to change direction. So the car slides out of control.
With ABS system, the driver can brake hard, take the evasive action and still be in control of the
vehicle in any road condition at any speed and under any load.
Concept of ABS - A skidding wheel (where the tire contact patch is sliding relative to the road)
has less traction than a non-skidding wheel By keeping the wheels from skidding while you slow
down, anti-lock brakes benefit you in two ways:-You'll stop faster, and you'll be able to steer
while you stop.
2.2.3 Electronic Stability Control-
This helps in avoiding car crashes and the function is regulated through electronic computerized
technology. It also becomes functional when driver losses steering control when the driver losses
steering and directional control. Recent studies have found that ESC could save as many as
10,000 lives a year if all cars had the system. Beginning in 2012, the federal government will
require that all new cars come equipped with ESC.

Fig: 2.4 Electronic Stability control


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2.2.4 Adaptive Cruise Control-
The innovation used a long radar sense to control the speed of the moving car in accordance with
in a safe distance between two cars or vehicles running on roads. This also works in conjunction
with the antilock brakes to prevent wheel locking, skidding and loss of traction.

Fig: 2.5 Adaptive Cruise Control


Fig 2.6 Different cases of Adaptive Cruise Control
2.2.5 Pre-collision Systems-
In Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, these sense a collision before it happens and take action to warn
the driver and maximize the safety of all the car's occupants. It detects vehicles in front and can
sound an alarm and display warning lights. The system then takes preventive steps such as fully
charging the brakes and air bags, closing windows, adjusting seat positions for optimal air-bag
effectiveness and activating safety-belt pretensioners. An advanced pre-collision system in the
LEXUS LS600h L will detect pedestrians and animals on the road as well as other vehicles and a
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camera will watch if the driver is not looking ahead at potential road hazards and sound to get his
attention an impending collision.
2.2.6 Airbags-

Fig: 2.7 Airbags Fig: 2.8 Position of Airbags
This are very useful because they automatically form cushions to protect the car occupants in
case of car crash or accidents. These airbags are either fitted on the doors, rear seatbacks or in
front of the driver's seat.
2.2.7 Crash Resistant Door Pillars-

Fig: 2.9 Crash Resistant Door Pillars
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This innovation is very significant in case of side collision. This system helps in deflecting the
force of a side-impact collision away from the head area & toward the legs.
2.2.8 Crumple Zones-

Fig: 2.10 Crumple Zones (rear view) Fig: 2.11 Crumple Zones (side view)
Here the car gets crumple up in a predetermined pattern to absorb the collision energy. Crash
impact is displaced & it is being diverted from the passenger compartment keeping the occupants
safe.
2.2.9 Active Head Restraints-

Fig: 2.12 Active Head Restraints
This is one of the underrated features but is definitely important. This feature helps in limiting
head movement during rear impact crash. This in turn reduces the possibility of neck injury.
These are present in the front seats. This technology moves the restraints behind a person's head
during a collision to help absorb energy and prevent whiplash injuries. Neck injuries are the most
common kind reported in auto crashes and tests have shown that good head restraints, especially
active ones, are effective in preventing them.

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2.2.10 Lane Departure Warning Systems-

Fig: 2.13 Lane Departure Warning Systems
Lane departure warning features are more complex systems. Manufacturers are using cameras
and transport data to alert drivers if the car drifts out of its lane. The system captures an image of
the highway & the lines on either side of the vehicle. Depending on the make, when the car
departs from its lane it emits a warning signal ranging from an alarm to a flashing light.
2.2.11 All-Wheel Drive-

Fig: 2.14 All-Wheel Drive
This provides power to all the four wheels in order to maximize traction during high acceleration
& prevents car skidding or slipping.
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2.2.11.1 Emergency Response-
Different responses are required during emergencies. The emergency response system helps in
detecting the cause and responds in accordance. Depending on the emergency cause, the system
automatically turns on the interior lights, unlocks doors, cuts down fuel flow, switches hazard
lights and makes the crash details available to the driver in advance.
2.2.12 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems-

Fig: 2.15 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire pressure monitoring systems require zero training, only the ability to notice a warning light.
TPM already comes in some rides and its long been available in the aftermarket. The federal
government passed legislation in 2008 that all passenger vehicles to be equipped with tire
pressure monitoring systems. Consumer Reports recommends using "direct systems" that
implant sensors to detect air loss; the government permits the indirect option of monitoring
wheel speed and extrapolating air loss.
2.2.13 Emergency brake assist-
This system determines when the driver is applying the brakes in a panic situation and applies
more brake quicker. "Not only might it prevents some crashes", Rader says, "but" it may reduce
the severity of a crash."


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2.2.14 Telematics-

Fig: 2.16 Telematics
Automotive telematics deals with services provided to vehicles over a telecommunications
device. The future of the telematics would be affected by the increased availability of bandwidth
and the penetration of the wireless network. The driver assistance system uses cellular
information and GPS technology from Map Quest to plot directions, contact operators after an
accident, remotely unlock doors, track a stolen vehicle and many more. ATX Group is a
competitor that provides similar services for BMW and Mercedes-Benz customers among others.
There are other telematic services offering varying degrees of services in Acura, Lexus,
Volkswagen, Ford and Chrysler products.
2.2.15 Collision warning with automatic braking-

Fig: 2.17 Collision warning with automatic braking
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This system senses when the traffic ahead is slowing or stopped. It alerts the driver with an
audible warning & will stop the car if it fails to react.
2.2.16 Blind zone warning-

Fig: 2.18 Blind zone warning
Sensing another vehicle is approaching your vehicles flanks, this system alerts you with a
warning light or audible alarm to the drivers as well as the rear driver too with a signal.
2.2.17 Smart seat belts-

Fig: 2.19 Seat belts (when in use) Fig: 2.20 Seat belts (when not in use)
Like the head restraints, they are catalyzed by the anticipation of a crash. Belts are tensed and the
shape of the seat adjusts to a more crash-ready position. This technology's been around since at
least 2003, when Mercedes-Benz put the advanced belts in its S-Class luxury sedans. Specially
equipped infinity also carry them , as do some Honda and Mazda models.

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2.2.18 Adaptive headlights-

Fig: 2.21 Adaptive headlights
These headlamps pivot in response to where the front wheels are pointed, helping illuminate
around curves on dark roads. Rader says 150,000 crashes occur each year on dark curves and the
hope is that adaptive headlights will reduce that number.
2.2.19 Backup cameras-
On a smaller scale, backup cameras, another safety system that is becoming more common, can
now help prevent accidents with children or objects hidden in a vehicle's rear blind zone.
2.2.20 Night vision-

Fig: 2.22 Night Vision
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These system use infrared technology to allow a driver to see distant objects, animals and people
well beyond the reach of a car's headlight. We have found them to be useful in some situations,
but not ideal. New systems by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus might provide a greater range.
In the past, we found these systems to be distracting; we hope that the new ones will be less so.
This will be active only with the permission of driver.
2.2.21 Distance control assist system-

Fig: 2.23 Crash case Fig: 2.24 Distance control assist system
This system maintains the distance between drivers car and the car running in front. After
obtaining particular limited distance gives about warning to the driver. This reduce much more
accidents in traffic regions.
2.2.22 Voice recognition-

Fig: 2.25 Voice recognition
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These systems already exist in some higher-end vehicles, where you can use them to control the
climate, audio, cell-phone and navigation systems. Early versions were cumbersome to use and
had difficulties recognizing voice commands, but the technology has made great strides. Some
voice-recognition systems are now used with Bluetooth technology, which pairs up your cellular
phone to the car's audio system. Using voice commands instead of buttons, knobs and touch
screens should reduce driver distraction which could in turn reduce accidents.
2.2.23 Run-flat tires-

Fig: 2.26 Run-flat tires
Tires that can maintain their shape and can be driven on for 50 miles or more with no air in them
are becoming increasingly common on some new vehicles. More than just a convenience item,
run-flats can add a degree of security by eliminating the need to change a tire in bad weather or
dangerous roadside areas. But their stiff sidewalls can deliver a harsher ride and some owners
have complained of premature wear and high replacement cost.
2.2.24 Automatic traction control -
Automatic traction control systems apply the brakes when a drive wheel attempts to spin and
lose traction. The system works best when one drive wheel is working on a good traction surface
and the other is not. The system also works well when the vehicle is accelerating on slippery
road surfaces, especially when climbing hills




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2.2.25 Automatic stability control -

Fig: 2.27 Automatic stability control
Stability control systems momentarily apply the brakes at any one wheel to correct over steer or
under steer. The control unit receives signals from the typical sensors plus a yaw, lateral
acceleration (G-force) and a steering angle sensor.










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Chapter 3
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The manufacturers are looking in to the possibility of the following things:-
A protective system that automatically adapts itself to take in to account the current
accident situations and the car occupants.
Hybrid electric vehicle in the distant future. It is a type of hybrid vehicle and electric
vehicle which combine a conventional and internal combustion engine system with an
electric propulsion system. This has a better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle.














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Chapter 4
CONCLUSIONS
The recent trend manufacturers shows keen interest in safety and pleasure riding. The seat belts
and the airbags which are now a important attachment of the cars must be utilized fully for safer
riding. The weakest and most hazardous part the glasses in cars are also now made to add safety
with the advanced technology. If this condition persist the safety factor in cars will reach a
pioneer position. With these kind of improved technology will pay way for usage of large
number of passenger cars and for saving of human life.















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REFERENCES
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Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved November 10, 2008.
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Illness of Young Workers ". NIOSH Alert. The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health. Retrieved November 10, 2008.
[4] Gladwell, Malcolm (2004-01-12). "BIG AND BAD" How the S.U.V ran over
automotive safety." (PDF). The New Yorker. Retrieved 2009-97-24.
[5] American Honda Safety Page. Corporate.honda.com.2006-03-02.
Retrieved 2011-09-20.
[6] The Seat Belt, Swedish Research and Development for Global Automotive Safety,
ISBN 978- 91-630-9389-0, page 13.
[7] "Vehicle Safety Past, Present and Future" , page 3. aesvn.org. Retrieved 2011-09-20.