Japanese automobile major Toyota has added a new muscle model, capable of profiling changes in posture pre-collision of vehicle occupants, to its Total Human Model for Safety (Thums) Version 5 software application for virtual crash simulations.
Claiming to have achieved a breakthrough in determining the posture of an occupant, be it braced or relaxed prior to sensing collision, the carmaker has said the findings from the application would pave the way for determining how effective are the seatbelts, airbags and other safety equipment.
The system, offering a detailed computer analysis of injuries, could also help one take a stock of pre-collision system as part of other safety technological applications.
Currently, all the human surrogate models deployed in virtual crash situation are devoid of knowhow capable of charting out defensive actions imminent before a crash or collision.
According to a study quoted by Toyota, nearly 50% of drivers trigger defensive actions that find expression in abrupt braking or turning of steering to avoid crash. It noted that even the posture of the occupant bears a significant effect on body movement during a collision.
Thums Version 5, which simulates the entire human body and studies possible bone fractures, severed ligaments during collisions, is available via Tokyo-based JSOL Corporation and ESI Japan.
Image: Thums Version 5 can simulate the human body and study possible fractures during crash. Photo: courtesy of Toyota Motor.
