WO2024175984A1

WO2024175984A1 - Automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device

Info

Publication number: WO2024175984A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/060082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohammad KHADEMI; Mahmoud RAKHSHBAHAR; Amir Hossein NOBAKHT; Zahra SHAHGOLI
Original assignee: Khademi Mohammad; Rakhshbahar Mahmoud; Nobakht Amir Hossein; Shahgoli Zahra
Priority date: 2023-10-07
Filing date: 2023-10-07
Publication date: 2024-08-29

Abstract

The invention relates to an automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device designed to enhance the safety of vehicle occupants during accidents. Conventional vehicles lack effective measures to prevent heavy objects from penetrating the front windshield, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. This invention addresses this problem by providing a protective mechanism that minimizes the impact of such objects. The device comprises an airbag sensor, a D3O plate, an electric rail, an inflator, a spear barricade, a base, and a CPU. When a collision or rollover occurs, the airbag sensor activates the mechanism, causing the D3O plate to move upward from the vehicle's hood toward the front windshield. The plate serves as a protective layer, absorbing and dispersing impact energy. It moves on the electric rail, which extends above the windshield columns, and is facilitated by wheels on bases. An inflator triggers the rapid movement of the rail. A spear barricade prevents the plate from returning off the rail. The device enhances occupant safety, mitigates injuries, improves crashworthiness, and is compatible with existing safety systems. It is versatile, cost-effective, and compliant with safety regulations, contributing to brand reputation and customer confidence.

Description

Title of Invention: Automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device

This invention is related to the field of Vehicle safety equipment.

In the field of vehicle safety equipment, numerous inventions and technologies have been developed to enhance the protection of vehicle occupants during accidents. One area of concern is the potential impact of heavy objects on the front windshield, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities to the driver and occupants of the vehicle.

Conventional vehicles are typically not equipped with effective measures to mitigate or prevent the penetration of such objects through the windshield. In the event of a collision or rollover, the force exerted by these objects can cause significant harm, including fractures and even death.

Various approaches have been proposed in the prior art to address this issue. For example, some vehicles incorporate reinforced windshields made of laminated glass or tempered glass, which offer increased resistance to impact. While these solutions provide some level of protection, they may not be sufficient to withstand the force of heavy objects propelled towards the windshield at high speeds.

Other existing technologies focus on improving the structural integrity of the vehicle's body to enhance overall crashworthiness. These include the use of high-strength materials, such as advanced steel alloys or carbon fiber composites, in the construction of vehicle frames. While these measures enhance the overall safety of the vehicle, they do not specifically target the prevention of objects from penetrating the front windshield.

Additionally, airbag systems are commonly employed in vehicles to protect occupants during crashes. However, these systems primarily aim to mitigate the impact of the occupants on the vehicle's interior and do not directly address the threat of objects penetrating the windshield.

Therefore, there remains a need for a technical solution that effectively reduces the impact of heavy objects on the front windshield, preventing their penetration and ensuring the safety and preservation of the lives of the driver and occupants in the event of accidents or vehicle rollovers. The present invention aims to fulfill this need by providing an innovative automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device that minimizes the risk of severe injuries or fatalities caused by objects propelled toward the windshield during collisions or rollovers.

This device is designed to minimize the impacts caused by the projection of heavy objects toward the front windshield of a vehicle and to ensure the safety of passengers during accidents. The functionality of this device is as follows: when the oncoming vehicle is carrying a load, such as iron profiles, during a collision, the carried object is propelled towards the front windshield of the vehicle. By breaking through the windshield, it can result in serious injuries or fatalities to the driver and occupants of the vehicle. This innovation is also effective during vehicle rollovers. In such cases, if the vehicle falls into a ravine, the initial impact occurs on the front of the vehicle and the windshield, causing severe injuries, including fractures and even death of the individuals inside the vehicle. This device can prevent the impact from reaching the front windshield.

One of the technical problems addressed by this invention is the susceptibility of vehicle occupants to injuries or fatalities caused by the impact of heavy objects being propelled toward the front windshield during collisions or rollovers. Conventional vehicles are not equipped with effective measures to mitigate or prevent the penetration of such objects through the windshield, leading to severe injuries or even death. Therefore, there is a need for a technical solution that minimizes the impact of these objects on the front windshield and ensures the safety and preservation of the lives of the driver and occupants in the event of accidents or vehicle rollovers.

The operation of this mechanism is as follows: When a vehicle impacts the rear of another vehicle at high speed, the airbag sensor is activated, which, along with the activation of the airbag sensor, triggers the protective mechanism. Upon activation, an explosive device called the inflator, located behind the rail, causes the rail to move. This mechanism consists of a rail that is positioned on the vehicle's hood, extending above the columns on both sides of the front windshield. Wagons on this rail are responsible for carrying the protective plate (D3O). After the plate moves upward towards the windshield, there is a component called a barrier located at the bottom of the windshield, which is activated after the plate's movement and its purpose is to prevent the plate from moving downwards onto the vehicle's windshield.

One of the advantages of this mechanism is its effectiveness during accidents, including situations such as falling into a ravine. Although the vehicle may sustain significant damage upon such an impact, this mechanism can reduce the severity of injuries to the occupants inside the vehicle.

This device consists of several components, including:

1- Airbag Sensor: This sensor is responsible for detecting a collision or impact and initiating the activation of the protective mechanism.

2- D3O Plate: The D3O plate is a specialized material that is designed to absorb and disperse energy upon impact. It serves as a protective layer to minimize the force transmitted to the front windshield.

3- Electric Rail: The electric rail is a track-like structure located on the vehicle's hood, extending above the front windshield columns. It provides the pathway for the movement of the protective plate.

4- CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is the computerized management system of the device. It processes the signals from the airbag sensor, controls the activation of the protective mechanism, and manages the overall operation of the device.

These components work together to ensure the effective operation of the device in mitigating the impact of heavy objects on the front windshield and enhancing the safety of vehicle occupants.

Component Descriptions:

1. Airbag Sensor: The reason for using this component is that the activation of the front windshield protective plate (d3o) requires receiving an impact from the oncoming vehicle. When the impact is detected by the airbag sensor, the plate moves from the hood towards the front windshield, fully covering it to prevent the entry of foreign objects and impacts into the cabin.

2. D3O Plate: The reason for using this plate is its high resistance and low weight. It is positioned on the vehicle's hood in a way that preserves the vehicle's aesthetics, being placed on the surface of the hood. The use of the d3o material is due to its high impact resistance.

3. Rail: The type of rail used in this mechanism is a conventional rail. The d3o plate moves on the rail through bases at its ends, which have wheels that facilitate the plate's movement.

4. Inflator: This component is responsible for moving the desired object by means of an explosion. It is used to rapidly move the rail wheels at high speed.

5. Spear Barricade (Miniature): This component is a pointed spear-like structure that prevents the d3o plate from returning off the rail during an accident.

6. Base: The reason for using a base in this mechanism is to assist in moving the d3o plate using wheels connected to it.

7. CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is responsible for controlling the internal system, including activating the sensors and the electric rail. The entire mechanism is powered by the vehicle's battery.

1. Enhanced Occupant Safety: The primary advantageous effect of this invention is the improved safety it provides to vehicle occupants. By incorporating the protective mechanism, the invention minimizes the risk of heavy objects penetrating the front windshield during collisions or rollovers. This significantly reduces the potential for severe injuries or fatalities to the driver and passengers.

2. Injury Mitigation: In the event of an accident, including scenarios such as falling into a ravine, the invention effectively mitigates injuries. While the vehicle may still sustain damage, the mechanism's ability to prevent the plate from impacting the windshield downwards helps reduce the severity of injuries to individuals inside the vehicle.

3. Improved Crashworthiness: The invention enhances the crashworthiness of vehicles by offering an additional layer of protection against the impact of heavy objects. This feature increases the structural integrity of the vehicle, thereby enhancing its ability to withstand collisions and rollovers.

4. Versatility and Adaptability: The protective mechanism can be integrated into various vehicle models and types, making it a versatile solution. It can be implemented in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, ensuring the safety of occupants across different vehicle segments.

5. Compatibility with Existing Safety Systems: The invention is designed to work in conjunction with existing safety systems, such as airbag sensors. This compatibility ensures seamless integration into the vehicle's overall safety framework, maximizing the effectiveness of the protective mechanism.

6. Cost-Effective Solution: The invention offers a cost-effective solution for improving occupant safety. By minimizing the potential for severe injuries or fatalities, it can reduce healthcare costs, insurance claims, and legal liabilities associated with accidents.

7. Regulatory Compliance: The incorporation of this protective mechanism aligns with stringent safety regulations and standards imposed by regulatory bodies. By adopting this invention, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to safety and compliance with industry requirements.

8. Public Confidence and Brand Reputation: By prioritizing occupant safety, the invention enhances public confidence in vehicle manufacturers and brands. This can lead to improved brand reputation, customer loyalty, and increased market competitiveness.

Overall, the advantageous effects of this invention encompass enhanced occupant safety, injury mitigation, improved crashworthiness, versatility, compatibility with existing safety systems, cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and a positive impact on brand reputation.

. Mechanism components: 1- Front windshield column, 2- D3O plate, 3- Rail, 4- Inflator, 5- Foundation

[Fig.2]. The state of the mechanism a) before and b) after activation.

Embodiment 1:

In one embodiment of the automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device, the protective mechanism consists of an airbag sensor, a D3O plate, an electric rail, an inflator, a spear barricade, a base, and a CPU. The airbag sensor detects a collision or impact, triggering the activation of the protective mechanism. The D3O plate, made of a specialized material with high impact resistance, is positioned on the vehicle's hood and moves toward the front windshield when activated. The plate acts as a protective layer, minimizing the force transmitted to the windshield. The plate moves on the electric rail, which extends above the front windshield columns, facilitated by bases with wheels. The inflator, located behind the rail, causes the rail to move rapidly when activated. A spear barricade prevents the D3O plate from returning off the rail during an accident. The CPU, serving as the device's management system, controls the activation of sensors and the electric rail, ensuring the overall operation of the device.

Embodiment 2:

In another embodiment, the automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device includes similar components as in Embodiment 1, with some variations. The airbag sensor detects a collision or impact, initiating the activation of the protective mechanism. The D3O plate, positioned on the vehicle's hood, moves upwards towards the front windshield when activated. The plate is guided by an electric rail, which extends above the front windshield columns. The rail is equipped with wheels that facilitate the movement of the plate. An inflator, located behind the rail, provides the necessary force to move the rail and the plate. A spear barricade ensures that the plate remains securely on the rail during an accident. The CPU, as the device's central processing unit, controls the system's functions and coordinates the activation of sensors and the movement of the protective plate.

The industrial applicability of this patent lies in the field of vehicle safety equipment. The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device is designed to enhance the protection of vehicle occupants during accidents, specifically addressing the potential impact of heavy objects on the front windshield. It offers a technical solution to mitigate or prevent the penetration of such objects through the windshield, reducing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities to the driver and occupants of the vehicle.

The device can be applied to various types of vehicles, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles, making it applicable to the automotive industry. It can be integrated into new vehicle models or retrofitted into existing vehicles, providing an additional layer of safety and enhancing the crashworthiness of the vehicles.

Furthermore, the device can be manufactured using a variety of materials and technologies, allowing for industrial-scale production and implementation. It can be produced and installed by automotive manufacturers or aftermarket suppliers, contributing to the overall improvement of vehicle safety standards.

Overall, the industrial applicability of this patent lies in its potential to enhance vehicle safety, reduce the severity of injuries, and improve the crashworthiness of vehicles in the event of accidents or rollovers.

Claims

An automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device, comprising:
An airbag sensor for detecting collisions or impacts;

A D3O plate made of a specialized material with high impact resistance, positioned on the vehicle's hood;

A electric rail extending above the front windshield columns;

Bases with wheels facilitating the movement of the D3O plate on the electric rail;

An inflator located behind the rail, causing rapid movement of the rail when activated;

A spear barricade preventing the D3O plate from returning off the rail during an accident;

A CPU for controlling the internal system, activating sensors, and managing the overall operation of the device.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, wherein the airbag sensor detects a collision or impact and triggers the activation of the protective mechanism, causing the D3O plate to move from the hood towards the front windshield, fully covering it to prevent the entry of foreign objects and impacts into the cabin.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, wherein the D3O plate serves as a protective layer, absorbing and dispersing energy upon impact, thereby minimizing the force transmitted to the front windshield.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, wherein the electric rail provides a pathway for the movement of the D3O plate, enabling effective positioning and deployment of the protective layer.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, wherein the rapid movement of the rail caused by the inflator enhances the timely deployment of the D3O plate, reducing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities to vehicle occupants.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, wherein the spear barricade prevents the D3O plate from dislodging off the rail during an accident, ensuring the continued protection of the front windshield.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, wherein the CPU serves as the central processing unit of the device, controlling the activation of sensors, managing the movement of the D3O plate on the rail, and coordinating the overall operation of the device.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, further comprising compatibility with existing safety systems, such as airbag sensors, for seamless integration into the vehicle's overall safety framework, maximizing the effectiveness of the protective mechanism.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, wherein the device enhances the crashworthiness of vehicles, offering an additional layer of protection against the impact of heavy objects, thereby increasing the structural integrity of the vehicle to withstand collisions and rollovers.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, wherein the device is cost-effective, reducing healthcare costs, insurance claims, and legal liabilities associated with accidents by minimizing the potential for severe injuries or fatalities.
The automotive windshield impact intensity reducer device of claim 1, complying with stringent safety regulations and standards imposed by regulatory bodies, demonstrating the commitment to safety and ensuring regulatory compliance for vehicle manufacturers.