Active Safety Information
In engineering, active safety systems are systems activated in response to a safety problem or abnormal event. Such systems may be activated by a human operator, automatically by a computer driven system, or even mechanically. In nuclear engineering, active safety contrasts to passive safety in that it relies on operator or computer automated intervention, whereas passive safety systems rely on the laws of nature to make the reactor respond to dangerous events in a favourable manner.
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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 an accident. This has traditionally referred to non-complex systems such as good visibility from the vehicle. Now days 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 belongs e.g. seat belts, deformation zones and air-bags.
Since the progress within passive safety systems have reach very far, the automotive industry has shift its attention to active safety where still a lot of new unexplored areas exists. Research today focuses primary on collision avoidance with other vehicles, pedestrians and wild animals[1] and vehicle platooning[2].
Active Safety Systems, some examples
- 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.
Passive Safety Systems, some examples
- passenger safety cell,
- deformation zones,
- seat belts,
- loadspace barrier-nets,
- air-bags,
- laminated glass,
- correctly positioned fuel tanks,
- fuel pump kill switches
See also
References
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/user/VolvoCarsNews#p/u/14/DGUuNZbAVgs
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/user/VolvoCarsNews#p/u/51/45IRE8W_3L8
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