Method and system for achieving constant average impact deceleration independent of vehicle load

摘要

A method for achieving a constant average deceleration of a vehicle is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes comparing an effective load mass of the vehicle to a baseline load mass. If the effective load mass differs from the baseline load mass by at least a designated percentage, then upon detection of a vehicle impact, energy absorbing structures within the vehicle are adjusted so as to alter crush forces of the vehicle, thereby resulting in a desired average deceleration of the vehicle.