The car deforms to support the collision

German researchers are developing a car that can predict shocks from the side and quickly change shape to absorb impact.

The car will use cameras and a roof-mounted radar to detect another vehicle that tends to crash into its hips. If a collision is imminent, the vehicle activates a deformed metal on the door, allowing the link between the door and the chassis - usually the weakest point - to help distribute the force. crash safer.

Combined cameras and radar work out the location and velocity of potential collisions. ( Photo: Siemens )

Side collisions are as common as frontal collisions, but cause more casualties, says Joachim Tandler, a car safety researcher at Siemens engineering.

" That's because the impact zone is too small, and the energy is absorbed very little before being transmitted to the cabin ," he said. Also in such situations there is not enough time to launch classic protection systems, such as airbags in the car.

This is why Tandler's team seeks to provide a solution to protect people in the car before the car is stabbed. They began testing collision detection systems on experimental vehicles and built prototype systems for this frame-deformation system.

" Starting next year we will have a fully integrated system in one vehicle." In 2008 we will be experimenting with real collisions , "he said.

T. An