Daimler firstly introduced PRE-SAFE® applications in the S-Class, 2002. Up to now sensor information is used to bring front seats in a crash optimized position, to close windows and sunroofs, to eliminate the risk of penetrating objects, to prestress restraint systems and to activate braking systems in advance of a physical impact.

Future PRE-SAFE® applications are under investigation at the Research and Development Lab of Daimler. In cooperation with suppliers and Research Institutes crash structures have been developed which can be adapted to the individual impact scenario.

In general the strengthening of vehicle BIWstructures can be introduced for frontal impact scenarios as well as for side impact scenarios.

The benefits of pressurized front and side members and door components have been evaluated. In general pressurizing is done by gas generators. These components are comparable to state of the art gas generators which are used for airbag applications. Within a few milliseconds the pressure increases up to 20bar. Depending on the initial shape of the structure, pressurizing can force an increase of the cross section and moment of inertia.

Various door beam designs have been investigated. Pressure increased the initial cross section by about 200%. Component and vehicle tests were conducted to assess the repeatability of beam deformation, to emphasis benefits and to set up validated simulation tools.

Using simulation tools active BIW-structures have been assessed for frontal and side impact scenarios.

Having pre-crash triggered crash structures available, an impact on vehicle crash performance, passenger protection and weight reduction is expected.