BMW devises smart car door that senses danger
By Donald Melanson 
posted April 7th 2009 7:03PM
posted April 7th 2009 7:03PM
BMW has already clearly shown that it wants to make its cars as smart as possible, and it looks like that extends right down to the doors, which have now been smartened up with a little help from the Technical University of Munich. According to New Scientist, the pair have developed a prototype door that uses a range of sensors to detect any oncoming dangers, and work in concert with an accelerometer in the door to prevent it from being opened. What's more, the sensors are apparently also able to detect the proximity of the object and adjust the resistance of the door accordingly -- for instance, slowing the door down if you're about to slam it into a lamp post. The current prototype does apparently have a bit of a problem when it comes to field of view, however, although BMW says that can be remedied with some added cameras in future versions, which could possibly be in actual cars in as little as a year -- though it's quick to point out that it hasn't made a final decision just yet.
[Via Crave]
[Via Crave]
ok so, zee germans are working on things like this, and GM is working on a wheelchair with a motor. hmm little disconnect here. i dont know whats more idiotic, Government Motors or the fools bailing them out. wait........
Well here in Europe we don't need stuff like the "Puma" to drive like jerks around the city. We use things called walking, cycling or we buy a car that is not a gas guzzler or we can take the public (in most of Europe public is actually good, unlike most places in the US and A I've been to.)
Didn't you get the memo? Modern American suck compared to their European/Asian counterparts. This (innovation, not this specifically) is why
That's "danger" as in "the door could hit something".
That system must however also comply to danger situations when hitting something while opening the door is the least of the person's concern. You don't want the safety system to lock you in at that time.
Granted, that might not be that common a situation, but still, we're talking safety system here.
'All the doors in this BMW have a cheerful and sunny disposition. It is their pleasure to open for you, and their satisfaction to close again with the knowledge of a job well done.'
As the door closed behind them it became apparent that it did indeed have a satisfied sigh-like quality to it.
'Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ah!' it said.
Marvin regarded it with cold loathing whilst his logic circuits chattered with disgust and tinkered with the comcept of directing physical violence against it.
is that a 6 series? oh hellz yeah, i'll take it like that. the engine is completely intact, all it needs is some body work and you got yourself a top of the line luxury beamer. i'll take this over any UK car any day!
Sounds like a good idea to me. Imagine you're in a parking bay, the door will stop you from opening it too far and bashing the car beside it. It could also stop a child from trapping their leg or arm if the door is pushed shut too early. However, all these problems could be solved with sliding doors, or doors that open within the footprint of the car, eg gull wing or some sort of folding method.