What Is a Collision Sensor?
Collision sensors are essential safety devices, and are broadly categorized into two types: collision prevention sensors and collision detection sensors. The former prevent collisions by measuring the distance to an object, while the latter detect the impact of a collision and initiate automatic responses, such as stopping the device.
Collision prevention sensors are integral to automatic braking systems in cars, helping to avoid accidents. They are also used in autonomous devices like drones to prevent collisions. Collision detection sensors, on the other hand, are vital in manufacturing line robots and automobile airbag systems, triggering automatic stopping or impact mitigation measures upon collision.
Uses of Collision Sensors
In the automotive industry, collision sensors, often termed “anti-collision sensors,” are used to measure the distance to obstacles and automatically apply brakes to prevent collisions. Drones also employ these sensors for safe navigation.
Collision detection sensors, installed in manufacturing settings or on rotating equipment like wind turbines, minimize damage by halting operations upon detecting excessive impact. These sensors are crucial in deploying airbags in vehicles during collisions.
Collision Sensors in Automobiles
Cars utilize both anti-collision and collision detection sensors. Anti-collision sensors measure proximity to obstacles and, based on the distance and relative speed, either trigger automatic braking or emit warnings. Collision detection sensors activate airbags upon detecting the substantial impact of a collision, safeguarding occupants.
Collision Sensors in the Manufacturing Industry
In manufacturing, anti-collision sensors prevent accidents involving forklifts and personnel, while collision detection sensors protect production line robots from damage. For instance, forklifts equipped with these sensors can avoid collisions with personnel in blind spots. Collision detection sensors in robots immediately halt operations upon contact with an object, reducing potential damage.
How Collision Sensors Work
Collision prevention sensors utilize cameras, millimeter waves, and infrared rays to measure distances. Camera-based systems analyze images to determine object distance, size, and type. Millimeter wave and infrared systems calculate distances based on the time taken for the waves to reflect back and changes in wavelength.
Collision detection sensors often contain an acceleration sensor, an air chamber, and a pressure gauge, detecting rapid acceleration increases or pressure changes due to external impacts. Connected to a controller, these sensors can send a stop signal or activate shock-dampening mechanisms upon collision detection.