Continental Automotive | Systems Competences

Passive Pedestrian Protection

Over the course of our overall vehicle development process, we define the necessary deformation zones and energy-absorbing measures in the impact area.

Numerical simulation is used to design structural parts and components with the required rigidity. Materials, wall thicknesses and designs are all carefully chosen to provide the best levels of pedestrian impact protection.

Evaluation takes the form of actual tests. Highly precise impacts representing collisions of the pelvis, leg, and head against the corresponding parts of the vehicle are performed, enabling the severity of injury to be determined and structural design further enhanced.

Active pedestrian protection

Pedestrian protection with greater design freedom Active pedestrian protection systems are needed if vehicle design or lack of underhood space conflict with the requirement for a deformation zone. By raising the hood promptly, active systems create the necessary space to absorb the impact energy.

We take care to ensure that the system response is appropriate to each stage of the accident. The sensor in the algorithm makes a triggering decision when the pedestrian first contacts the vehicle. If the outcome is “trigger,” the actuators raise the hood in time to soften the pedestrian’s impact.

With our comprehensive expertise, we combine electronic and mechanical systems into a single protective system. The development process includes the integration of the sensor, determination of reliable triggering criteria in the algorithm, configuration of mechanical actuators, and testing, approval, and type approval of pedestrian protection systems.