PROTECTION FOR MOVING EQUIPMENTS AND OBJECTS

Abstract

This patent application discloses a protection system using one of multilayer airbag, expandable pads, and compressed air for moving and flying vehicles and equipments. The multilayer airbag consists of a number of independent airbags within one another which will be inflated with a time sequence or simultaneously. This type of protection system can be used for various moving vehicles and equipment to protect them from any force due to a predicted impact.

Claims

1. A vehicle with external protection comprising: a plurality of sensors installed at location internal and external to the body of said vehicle to provide an information data related to the operation of vehicle and vehicle's surrounding environment parameters for a controller to process; a plurality of multilayer airbags installed on the external body of said vehicle; said controller to monitor said information data and decide when to activate at least one multilayer airbag from said plurality of multilayer airbags; said vehicle is at least one of an automobile, a robot, a flying car, a drone, a small plane, a glider, a human and a moving object/device/equipment.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein a sensor within said plurality of sensors is at least one of an image sensor, a wireless sensor (radar) with IP address or identity code, a heat sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a G sensor, and an IR (infrared) sensor.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said sensors are distributed at various locations internal and external to said vehicle, each has an identity code like IP address which is used to avoid collision or confusion with any information data from other sensors, and each uses at least one of wireless or wired communication to send its information data to the controller.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wireless sensor (radar) transmits a coded signal similar to an identity code, or an IP address and receives the reflected signal from objects in surrounding environment of the vehicle to avoid collision with signals from other vehicles or objects.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein multiple of said sensors can be used to better monitor the surrounding environment of the vehicle and calculate and estimate parameters of the vehicle's surrounding environment.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said controller configures itself based on a configuration data stored in its memory and then executes an artificial intelligence executable software which controls all aspects of navigation and protection of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein two or more type of said sensors is used to better monitor the surrounding environment of the vehicle and calculate and estimate parameters of the vehicle's surrounding environment.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wireless sensor with IP address and said image sensor are used to monitor the vehicle surrounding environment, calculate and estimate the distance and approaching speed of objects in the surrounding environment of vehicle and use the information to make a better decision to activate said multilayer airbags.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said multilayer airbags are mounted on the main body frame of the vehicle to provide a firm and strong support.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said multilayer airbag provides protection by inflating n airbags that is within one another sequentially or simultaneously.

11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein multiple multilayer airbags are mounted on all external sides of said vehicle to provide protection for impacts due to external objects on any external side of vehicle.

12. A moving object with a protection system comprising: a plurality of sensors installed at location internal and external to the body of said moving object to provide an information data related to the operation and surrounding environment parameters of said moving object for a controller to process; said protection system uses at least one of a plurality of expandable pads, a plurality of compressed air, a plurality of multilayer airbags; said plurality of multilayer airbags are installed on the external body frame of said moving object; said plurality of compressed airs have an outlet installed on the external body of said moving object; said plurality of expandable pads are installed on the external body frame of said moving object; said controller monitors said information data and decide when to activate at least one of multilayer airbag from said plurality of multilayer airbags, expandable pad from said plurality of expandable pads, and compressed air from said plurality of compressed airs; said moving object is at least one of an automobile, a robot, a flying car, a drone, a small plane, a glider, a human and a moving device/equipment.

13. The moving object of claim 12, wherein said plurality of compress air is a centralized compressed air unit with a plurality of outlets at different sides of the flying object and the air is released only from the outlets on the side that flying object lands or crash to the ground.

14. The moving object of claim 12, wherein said controller configures itself based on configuration data stored in its memory and then starts executing the artificial intelligence software which controls all aspects of navigation and protection of the flying object.

15. The moving object of claim 12, wherein said expandable pad is a polymer that expands when a voltage is applied at its two ends.

16. The moving object of claim 12, wherein said multilayer airbag provides n layer of redundancy.

17. The moving object of claim 12, wherein a subset of airbags from said multilayer airbag is inflated sequentially or simultaneously.

18. The moving object of claim 12, wherein said plurality of sensors is at least one of image sensor, wireless sensor (radar), heat sensor, speed sensor, acceleration sensor, ultrasonic sensor, proximity sensor, pressure sensor, G sensor, and IR (infrared) sensor.

19. The moving object of claim 12, wherein one or more of the multilayer airbags at one or multiple sides of the flying object is inflated to make the crash or landing as smooth as possible.

20. The moving object of claim 12, wherein each sensor of said plurality of sensors has an IP address which is used to avoid collision or confusion of the information data received by the controller from sensors internal or external to the flying object.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1a illustrate a typical scenarios for moving vehicles

[0024] FIG. 1b depicts a moving vehicle or equipment using expandable pads and multilayer airbags for protection

[0025] FIG. 2 depicts a flying vehicle or equipment using compressed air and multilayer airbag for protection

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a multilayer airbag system

[0027] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of an expandable pad

[0028] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a method for using multilayer airbag to protect a moving objects

[0029] The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present technology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction with various embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, the present technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 1b illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle/object 100. In general, the vehicle/object 100 provides external body protection by applying voltage to two ends of an expandable pad and/or inflating a multilayer airbag. The controller 104 receives information data related to operation status and surrounding environment parameters of the vehicle/object 100 from sensors 101.sub.1 to 101.sub.i to detect any malfunction of the vehicle/object 100 or approaching of external objects that results in an impact. When controller 104 detects a potential impact based on its artificial intelligence analyses of the information data received from sensors 101.sub.1 to 101.sub.i which include information data related to internal devices and surrounding environment parameters, it activates one or more of the expandable pads 102.sub.1 to 102.sub.j and/or activates one or more of the multilayer airbag 103.sub.1 to 103.sub.k to minimize the damage to the vehicle/object 100.

[0033] Vehicle/object 100 includes, among other things, sensors 101.sub.1 to 101.sub.i, controller 104, expandable pads 102.sub.1 to 102.sub.j, and multilayer airbags 103.sub.1 to 103.sub.k.

[0034] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, multiple expandable pads 102.sub.1 to 102.sub.j and multiple multilayer airbags 103.sub.1 to 103.sub.k are mounted on all external sides of vehicle/object 100 and provide protection for impacts due to external objects on any external side of vehicle/object 100.

[0035] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, the expandable pads 102.sub.1 to 102.sub.j and multilayer airbags 103.sub.1 to 103.sub.k are mounted on the main body frame of the vehicle/object 100 to provide a firm and strong support.

[0036] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, by activating the expandable pads 102.sub.1 to 102.sub.j and/or multilayer airbags 103.sub.1 to 103.sub.k the impact force to vehicle/object 100 will be lowered by absorption or diffraction and provides more protection to the passengers of vehicle/object 100 if any.

[0037] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, one or more of the multilayer airbags 103.sub.1 to 103.sub.k at one or multiple sides of the vehicle/object 100 can be inflated to protect the external of vehicle/object 100 from fall, crash or impact with an external object.

[0038] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, one or more of the expandable pads 102.sub.1 to 102.sub.j at one or multiple sides of the vehicle/object 100 can be expanded by applying voltage to two ends of expandable pad to protect the external of vehicle/object 100 from fall, crash or impact with an external object.

[0039] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, controller 104 resets, and configures itself based on configuration data stored in its memory and then starts executing the artificial intelligence executable software which controls all aspects of navigation and protection of the vehicle/object 100 using information data provided by sensors 101.sub.1 to 101.sub.i.

[0040] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, multiple sensors 101.sub.1 to 101.sub.i are distributed at various locations internal and external to vehicle/object 100 and each has an IP address which is used to avoid collision or confusion of the information data received by the controller 104 from said sensors internal or external to the vehicle/object 100.

[0041] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, the sensors 101.sub.1 to 101.sub.i can be at least one of image sensor, wireless sensor (radar), heat sensor, speed sensor, acceleration sensor, ultrasonic sensor, proximity sensor, pressure sensor, G sensor, and IR (infrared) sensor.

[0042] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, a wireless sensor (radar) transmits a coded signal similar to an identity code, or an IP address and receives the reflected signal from objects in surrounding environment of the vehicle/object 100 to avoid collision with signals from other vehicles or objects.

[0043] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, two or more type of sensors can be used to better monitor the surrounding environment of the vehicle/object 100 and calculate and estimate parameters of the vehicle/object 100 surrounding environment.

[0044] In one embodiment of the vehicle/object 100, a wireless sensor with IP address and an image sensor are used to monitor the vehicle/object 100 surrounding environment, calculate and estimate the distance and approaching speed of objects in the surrounding environment and use the information data to make a better decision to activate a multilayer air bag and/or an expandable pad.

[0045] In another embodiment, the vehicle/object 100 can be an automobile, a robot, a flying car, a small plane, a drone, a glider, a human or any flying and moving object/device/equipment.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a flying object 200. In general, the flying object 200 provides protection by releasing compressed air and/or inflating a multilayer airbag. The controller 204 receives information data related to operation status and surrounding environment of the flying object 200 from sensors 201.sub.1 to 201.sub.i to detect any malfunction of the flying object 200 that results in loss of altitude, vertical fall due to gravity force and eventual crash to the ground. When controller 204 detects a fall through its artificial intelligence which analyses the information data received from sensors 201.sub.1 to 201.sub.i which include information data related to devices internal to flying object 200 and its surrounding environment parameters, it activates at least one of the compressed air 202.sub.1 to 202.sub.j to release air to slow down the fall at certain distance from ground before the flying object 200 crashes and then activates one or more of the multilayer airbag 203.sub.1 to 203.sub.k for smoother landing or crash.

[0047] Flying object 200 includes, among other things, sensors 201.sub.1 to 201.sub.i, controller 204, compressed air units 202.sub.1 to 202.sub.j, and multilayer airbags 203.sub.1 to 203.sub.k.

[0048] In one embodiment of flying object 200, a subset of compressed air units 202.sub.1 to 202.sub.j and multilayer airbags 203.sub.1 to 203.sub.k allow for smoother crash or landing on any side of the flying object 200.

[0049] In one embodiment of flying object 200, a centralized compressed air unit with multiple outlets at different sides of the flying object can be used and the air is released only from the outlets on the side that flying object 200 lands or crash to the ground.

[0050] In one embodiment of flying object 200, one or more of the multilayer airbags 203.sub.1 to 203.sub.k at one or multiple sides of the flying object 200 can be inflated to make the crash or landing as smooth as possible.

[0051] In one embodiment of flying object 200, controller 204 resets, and configures itself based on configuration data stored in its memory and then starts executing the artificial intelligence software which controls all aspects of navigation and protection of the flying object 200 using information data provided by sensors 201.sub.1 to 201.sub.i.

[0052] In one embodiment of flying object 200, each sensor of flying object 200 has an IP address which is used to avoid collision or confusion of the information data received by the controller from sensors internal or external to the flying object.

[0053] In one embodiment of flying object 200, each sensor of flying object 200 sends its information data to the controller by using wireless and/or wired communication.

[0054] In one embodiment of flying object 200, the sensors 201.sub.1 to 201.sub.i can be at least one of image sensor, wireless sensor (radar), heat sensor, speed sensor, acceleration sensor, ultrasonic sensor, proximity sensor, pressure sensor, G sensor, and IR (infrared) sensor.

[0055] In another embodiment, the flying object 200 can be a drone, a flying car, a small plane, a glider, and a human.

[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a multilayer airbag protection system 300. In general, the multilayer airbag protection system 300 provides protection by inflating n airbags that are within one another. When sensor 304 detects an approaching object to the multilayer airbag protection system, it sends a detection information data to the controller 303. The controller 303 based on the detection information data and other available data decides to activate the inflator 302 to inflate airbags 301.sub.1 to 301.sub.n.

[0057] Multilayer airbag protection system 300 includes, among other things, sensor 304, controller 303, inflator 302, and n airbags 301.sub.1 to 301.sub.n that are within each other.

[0058] In one embodiment, the sensor 304 can be at least one of image sensor, wireless sensor (radar), heat sensor, speed sensor, acceleration sensor, ultrasonic sensor, proximity sensor, pressure sensor, G sensor, and IR (infrared) sensor.

[0059] In one embodiment of multilayer airbag protection system 300, the controller 303 provides the firing driver for the inflator 302 gas generator, monitors operation of the multilayer airbag, and indicates any malfunction.

[0060] In one embodiment of multilayer airbag system 300, the inflator 302 inflates multilayer airbag 301.sub.1 to 301.sub.n based on the activation command it receives from controller 303 by producing a large pulse of hot nitrogen gas.

[0061] In one embodiment of multilayer airbag system 300, the airbag 301.sub.2 resides inside airbag 301.sub.1, the airbag 301.sub.3 resides inside airbag 301.sub.2, and ultimately airbag 301.sub.n resides inside airbag 301.sub.n-1.

[0062] In one embodiment of multilayer airbag system 300, the airbag 301.sub.2 inflates within airbag 301.sub.1, the airbag 301.sub.3 inflates within airbag 301.sub.2, and ultimately airbag 301.sub.n inflates within airbag 301.sub.n-1.

[0063] In one embodiment, the multilayer airbag 301.sub.1 to 301.sub.n provide n layer of redundancy.

[0064] In one embodiment of multilayer airbag 300, the controller 303 activates the inflator 302 based on at least one of the information data it receives from the sensor 304, the central brain or artificial intelligence (AI) of the equipment or gear that uses multilayer airbag 300, and other entities (for example an operating person).

[0065] In one embodiment of multilayer airbag 300, the controller 303 acts as the main brain or artificial intelligence and activates the inflator 302 based on the information data it receives from the sensor 304 and other sensors of the equipment or gear that uses multilayer airbag 300.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of expandable pad 400. In general expandable pad 400 is a polymer that expands when a voltage is applied at its two ends.

[0067] The expandable pad 400 includes, among other things a voltage generator which applies a defined voltage across two ends of the pad.

[0068] In one embodiment of expandable pad 400, the pad 401 consists of a polymer with certain thickness.

[0069] In one embodiment of expandable pad 400, the pad 402 is the pad 401 when expanded after a voltage is applied to its two ends to increased and expanded its thickness.

[0070] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of method 500 for using multilayer airbag and expandable pad to protect a vehicle/object. In various embodiments, method 500 is carried out by sensor, expandable pads, multilayer airbag and controller under the control of processes or executable instructions. The readable and executable instructions reside, for example, in a data storage medium such as processor usable volatile and non-volatile memory. However, the readable and executable instructions may reside in any type of processor readable storage medium. In some embodiments, method 500 is performed at least by one of the circuits described herein.

[0071] At 501 of method 500, Controller is reset; the configuration parameters are set and start executing the artificial intelligence executable software.

[0072] At 502 of method 500, controller using its artificial intelligence executable software analyses the information data from one or multiple sensors to detect any potential or imminent impacts due to approaching objects, falling, or crash.

[0073] At 503 of method 500, the controller based on its configuration parameters select which expandable pad and/or compressed air to activate in order to reduce the force due to impact.

[0074] At 504 of method 500, the controller based on its configuration parameters selects the multilayer airbags to be inflated and activates the inflators of the airbags.

[0075] At 505 of method 500, the airbag inflators generate the gas that is needed to inflate the selected multilayer airbags and a voltage is applied across two ends of selected pads.

[0076] Various embodiments are thus described. While particular embodiments have been described, it should be appreciated that the embodiments should not be construed as limited by such description, but rather construed according to the following claims.