DESIGN, SENSOR, AND MANUFACTURING FRAMEWORK FOR COST-EFFECTIVE AIRBAG INTEGRATION IN MOTORCYCLES FOR EMERGING ECONOMIES

Abstract

This engineering study investigates the technical and design feasibility of integrating airbag systems into low-CC motorcycles and three-wheelers for developing markets. Through systematic analysis of chassis dynamics and spatial constraints in common 70-150cc vehicles, the research identifies the fuel tank area as the most viable location for airbag module placement, with a strict weight limitation of 1.5-2 kg to maintain vehicle stability and performance. The core engineering challenge centers on developing a cost-constrained sensor fusion algorithm capable of reliably distinguishing crash events from common road anomalies using accelerometer-gyroscope combinations. Technical specifications derived from expert analysis indicate the system must withstand vibration profiles simulating prolonged operation on poor road surfaces and maintain functionality in extreme environmental conditions. Manufacturing analysis reveals that achieving the critical 10% cost ceiling requires localized production of non-critical components while maintaining imported quality for the inflator mechanism. The study concludes that successful implementation demands a fundamental redesign of motorcycle architecture to accommodate safety systems while preserving the cost structure essential for mass-market adoption in price-sensitive regions.