Collision or collision detection sensors play a significant role in different industries for improving security & operational efficiency. These types of sensors have an important function to notice near obstacles and objects to trigger a response to avoid accidents or collisions. In addition, they possess high sensitivity, allowing effective detection of even little or less contrast objects. So these are identified due to their rapid response times, rendering them appropriate for fast-paced and dynamic environments. Furthermore, these sensors can be adapted easily and integrated into different systems & platforms to provide a gainful solution for improving security and efficiency across industries. This article elaborates on a collision sensor, its working, and its applications.
What is a Collision Sensor?
An automobile sensor that is used to detect potential collisions or impacts with objects is known as a collision sensor collision avoidance sensor or Impact sensor. These sensors are found mostly in automobiles to activate security features like airbags crash, avoid collisions with obstacles in automated systems & robotics during movement; etc. This sensor detects whenever any object approaches another object which acts as a “crash detector” by transmitting a signal whenever a collision occurs. These sensors usually detect an actual collision between any vehicle & any object.
If the device notices the chance of a collision, then it gives a warning signal in some manner to keep away from a collision. These sensors must notice collisions and change them into utilizable signals in msec (or) less. Once a collision occurs, accelerating forces performing on these sensors can be as high as 100g.
How do Collision Sensors Work?
A collision sensor works by sensing physical contact with an object through a mechanical device that activates an electrical signal whenever impacted or compressed. This sensor acts as a switch when a collision happens then it transmits a signal to a control system. It allows immediate responses like alerting an operator or stopping a machine in circumstances where a collision is noticed.
This sensor is used in automobiles which work by noticing an unexpected impact (or) change within acceleration occurred by a collision. After that, it sends a signal to the control unit of a car to activate security features. These sensors use technology like accelerometers, pressure sensors, or a mixture of both to measure the crash force to decide if a collision has happened.
Pin Configuration:
The collision sensor pin configuration is shown below. So this module includes three pins which are explained below.
Collision Sensor Pin Configuration
- Pin-1(VCC): This is a power supply pin, connected to the +ve power supply generally 5Volts on the Arduino boards.
- Pin-2 (GND): This is a ground pin, connected to the GND terminal of your circuit.
- Pin-3 (OUT): It is an output pin. Whenever a collision happens then this pin outputs a low signal or else it will provide a high signal.
Features & Specifications:
The features and specifications of a collision sensor include the following.
- This sensor gives forward collision and lane departure warnings.
- It provides adaptive cruise control.
- These sensors monitor the blind spots of vehicles & alert drivers if another car is in that region.
- These sensors detect an impending collision and apply the brakes automatically if the driver doesn’t respond in time.
- These sensors detect approaching vehicles from the side when backing out of a parking spot.
- Active lane assist and pedestrian identification.
- Response Time 4-10 ms
- Its detection range is from cm to above hundred meters
- Its sensing angle ranges from 20 degrees to 120 degrees.
- The output signal type is digital low or digital high.
- Its operating voltage ranges from 3V to 5V DC.
- Its current range is from a few mA to 20 mA.
- This sensor’s response time is milliseconds or ms.
- The mounting type is direct mounting.
- Its operating temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C.
Collision Sensor Interfacing with Arduino Board
Generally, a collision sensor is used to detect the collision of an object with nearby objects. So it includes a mechanical switch when it is pushed then it outputs a signal by measuring the signal voltage with a microcontroller. So a user can detect whether the object collides easily with the nearby object or not. When this sensor is pressed, it will provide 5V otherwise it will provide 0V or vice versa based on whether your switch is attached with a pull-up resistor (or) pull-down resistor.
The required components to make this interfacing mainly include Arduino UNO, collision sensor, breadboard & jumper wires. Connect this circuit as per the diagram shown below.
- Connect the sensor’s VCC pin to the 5V pin of the Arduino UNO.
- The collision sensor’s GND pin is connected to the GND pin of the Arduino.
- The OUT pin of the collision sensor is connected to the Arduino’s D2 pin.
Collision Sensor Interfacing with Arduino Board
Code:
The required code for interfacing the collision sensor with the Arduino board is shown below.
const int collision=2;//Define the pin for the OUT pin of the sensor
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);//Set baud rate for serial communication
pinMode(collision,INPUT);//Set the sensor pin as INPUT
}
void loop()
{
int collisionData=digitalRead(collision);//Read data from the sensor using digital read function
if(collisionData==0)//If switch is not pressed
{
Serial.println(“No Collision”);//print no collision
}
else if(collisionData==1)//If switch is pressed
{
Serial.println(“Collision”);//print collision
}
else
Serial.println(“No Data”);
}
Working
The working of this interfacing is, if a switch is pressed then no collision is printed on the serial monitor. Likewise, if a switch is not pressed then the collision will be printed on the serial monitor.
Advantages & Disadvantages
The advantages of collision sensors include the following.
- Collision sensor detects potential collisions & alert drivers by providing them time to respond.
- It helps avoid injuries to users and defend equipment.
- This sensor avoids delays and enhances productivity by avoiding accidents.
- This sensor keeps traffic flowing easily by avoiding accidents & maintaining constant speeds.
- It helps drivers & passengers save time by keeping away from traffic delays caused by accidents.
- They detect potential collisions & alert drivers by providing them time to respond.
- It helps avoid injuries to people & defend equipment.
- It helps avoid delays & enhances productivity by avoiding accidents.
- This helps keep traffic flowing easily by avoiding accidents and maintaining constant speeds.
- It helps drivers & passengers save time by preventing traffic delays caused by accidents.
- It reduces the risk of accidents by changing drivers to potential collisions.
- They help drivers to avoid crashes and defend pedestrians.
The disadvantages of collision sensors include the following.
- These sensors can also detect non-threatening objects like snow, road debris, and rain which leads to avoidable alerts.
- This sensor’s accuracy can be affected by fog, rain, and snow, so it reduces its effectiveness.
- They might struggle to notice thin objects because of their size & shape.
- Over-reliance on these sensors can lead drivers to turn into complacent which potentially reduces their attentiveness. :
- These sensor systems are costly to repair if injured which affects vehicle maintenance costs.
- Adjusting its sensitivity (or) calibration can be difficult and needs professional intervention.
- Certain driving conditions can affect sensor accuracy.
Applications
The applications of collision sensors include the following.
- Collision sensors are applicable in different industries like manufacturing & utilities.
- These sensors can also be utilized in consumer goods like collision detection & avoidance systems within automobiles.
- Collision detection systems can be used in manufacturing robotics to register tool head impacts, absorb the shock & reset the robot within its tool path.
- These sensors are used in tractors, Trucks, construction vehicles, robots, drones, and cranes for obstacle detection to avoid damage & accidents occurring by collisions with obstacles or people.
- The types of sensors are used in consumer goods like collision detection & avoidance systems within automobiles.
- It detects obstacles in the vehicle’s path, assisting in avoiding or mitigating collisions.
- These sensors play an important role in different industries to improve safety significantly & operational efficiency.
- These sensors detect obstacles & objects near them and provide immediate feedback to prevent collisions.
- They have high sensitivity that allows effective detection of even low-contrast or small objects.
- These types of sensors are identified for their fast response times making them appropriate for fast-paced and dynamic environments.
Thus, this is an overview of collision sensor or collision detection – working, and their applications. These sensors can be easily adapted & integrated into different systems & platforms. As a result, they offer a cost-effective solution for improving security & efficiency across industries. So it represents a careful investment for an industry seeking disaster reduction & sharp productivity. Here is a question for you; collision sensor also called?