SYSTEM FOR THE EXPANSION OF MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS FOR IMPACT ABSORPTION IN THE EVENT OF IMMINENT COLLISION

Abstract

It is an expansion system (10) of parts (20) of a vehicle (VE) for reducing the impact resulting from a collision with another vehicle (VE′) or any obstacles, said expansion system (10) of parts (20) of a vehicle (VE) is comprised by the association of proximity/speed readers (30) with at least one electrical trigger device (40) housed in a gas release capsule (51) that has an association with at least one hermetically-sealed extension arm (50) that, once actuated, is responsible for displacing one or more components (20) that are part of the protective fairing of the vehicle (VE), such as the front (21) and/or rear (21a) bumper, door (P) plates and/or trim pieces (22), roof (T) plates and/or trim pieces, or other components that can be displaced relative to the vehicle (VE) fairing in collisions with obstacles or other vehicle(s) (VE′)

Claims

1. System for expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in event of imminent collision, comprising vehicle (VE) parts for reduction of impact resulting from a collision with another vehicle (VE′) or any obstacles, wherein the expansion system of parts of the vehicle (VE) being comprised by an association of proximity/speed readers with at least one trigger device housed in a gas release capsule that has an association with at least one extension arm that, once actuated, is responsible for displacing one or more components that integrate the vehicle (VE) protective fairing, such as the front and/or rear bumper, door (P) plates and/or trim pieces, roof (T) plates and/or trim pieces, or other components liable to be displaced relative to the vehicle (VE) fairing in collisions with obstacles or other vehicle(s) (VE′).

2. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision, according to claim 1, wherein in a preferred constructive version, the expansion system providing extension arms formed by a cylindrical capsule in which a telescopic profile is installed that moves when the trigger device is ignited; said extension arms have a first end and a second end of contact with the vehicle (VE) provided with radial reinforcements.

3. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision according to claim 2, wherein detection of sudden proximity to a vehicle (VE′) or obstacle is understood by proximity reading of devices such as cameras, sensors, laser, radar, ultrasound or other which send a signal to the triggering device, specifically, an electronic control unit for issuing an electrical signal to a gas generator ignitor with optimal combustion for expansion of the extension arm or the release of the expansion of the springs; said triggering device is integrated in a capsule belonging to the extension arm.

4. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision according to claim 1, wherein trigger devices and related ones being fixed on one or more rigid bars installed on fixed parts of the vehicle (VE) for extension of the extension arms provided with radial reinforcements.

5. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision according to claim 1, wherein in a second constructive variation the capsule being comprised by a U-shaped profile in whose orthogonal extreme extensions are installed the telescopic profiles, in turn, with an end installed on the moving parts of the vehicle (VE) in the bumper; the extension arms having radial reinforcements.

6. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision, according to claim 1, wherein in a third constructive variation, a capsule being comprised by U-shaped profile, and between the external extensions a pair of tubular branches developing; both the external extensions and the branches receive telescopic profiles, in turn, with ends installed on the moving parts of the vehicle (VE) as in the case of the illustration, the bumper, as well as provides for extension arms provided with radial reinforcements.

7. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision, according to claim 1, wherein in a fourth constructive variation, an expander system providing two or more trigger devices, each with its own capsule and tubular profiles independent of each other, arranged orthogonally to the moving part (20), in the case of the illustration a bumper; the firing devices being equally distributed and each equipped with its own telescopic profile.

8. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision, according to claim 1, wherein in a fifth constructive variation, an expander system providing a pair of individual “U” shaped trigger devices, each connected on one half of the bumper and containing a passive mechanism on each side, for eventual expansion of only half of the extension arms provided with radial reinforcements and expansion of the telescopic profiles; said firing devices are electronically associated with another central firing device comprising a central arm of ‘U’ shape with at least one gas release capsule and whose extensions receive respective telescopic profiles; between the extensions a pair of individual firing devices is installed, mounted crosswise to each other and anchored at pivot points (A1) and with respective secondary arms.

9. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic profiles being provided with anti-return safety lock after expansion of the cylindrical capsule.

10. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision according to claim 8, wherein a safety latch, comprising a plurality of movable teeth, of triangular shape, installed in recesses executed in the tubular profiles, each recess accommodating a set of springs for the movement of the teeth that are contained by a projecting edge; each movable tooth engages in projections provided on the telescopic tubular profiles and the capsule when forced in opposite direction to the expansion, for immediate locking.

11. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle (VE) providing individual capsules arranged on the roof of the vehicle which may be accompanied by a system of pipes for expanding the entire roof of the vehicle (VE).

12. The system for the expansion of motor vehicle parts for impact absorption in the event of imminent collision according to claim 2, wherein vehicle (VE) provides for expansion of vehicle parts, using springs (ML) contracted within cylinders in which concomitantly releases a lock (TV) that allows expansion.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] To complement the present description in order to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present invention and in accordance with a preferential practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached to the description, where, in an exemplified, although not limiting manner, its operation has been represented:

[0026] FIGS. 1 and 1A represent perspective views of a vehicle model illustrating examples of expansive parts in resting and driven position;

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a vehicle in imminent collision with another vehicle;

[0028] FIG. 2A shows a side view of the actuating extension arms after the triggering device is actuated, illustrating the bumper expansion;

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a vehicle approaching a collision with another vehicle;

[0030] FIG. 3A shows a top view of the vehicle illustrating the bumper expansion by the extension arms in a first construction version;

[0031] FIGS. 4 and 4A represent top views of a second and third construction version in actuated position of the extension arms to the bumper of a vehicle;

[0032] FIG. 5 shows the top view of a fourth construction version with 4 independent extension arms, each with its own gas capsule;

[0033] FIG. 5A shows a fifth construction version with 2 independent “U” shaped extending mechanisms, one in each half of the bumper, exemplifying the possibility of an eventual expansion of only one half of the bumper under specific conditions;

[0034] FIG. 6A represents an enlarged A.A. longitudinal section detail of the passive extension arm, illustrating a preferred locking version;

[0035] FIGS. 6B and 6C show the A.A. longitudinal section views illustrating the movement of the locking tooth of the passive extension or retention arm;

[0036] FIG. 7 reveals a detail of structural reinforcement in enlarged view, showing that the active expansion mechanism and the passive mechanism are supported on bars of iron or other rigid and resistant forming material;

[0037] FIG. 7A reveals a detail of the active and passive mechanisms in enlarged view;

[0038] FIGS. 8 to 8B show views, illustrating the system applied on the roof of a vehicle, exemplifying their action in case of vehicle rollover.

[0039] FIGS. 9 to 9C show views that represent examples of the system applied on at least one side door;

[0040] FIG. 9D shows a perspective view of a vehicle, with the system applied to the doors in lateral displacement;

[0041] FIGS. 10 and 10A, reveal schematic views illustrating one vehicle with individual capsules on the roof and other with capsules and a pipe system to expand the entire roof;

[0042] FIG. 11 shows an explanatory drawing illustrating an eventual expansion from contracted springs inside the cylinders and release of a latch to allow for expansion; and

[0043] FIGS. 11A and 11B show top views of a vehicle equipped with the above-mentioned springs exemplified in the previous view, illustrating how they behave upon expansion and retraction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] With reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention patent relates to an “SYSTEM FOR THE EXPANSION OF MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS FOR IMPACT ABSORPTION IN THE EVENT OF IMMINENT COLLISION”, more precisely it is an expansion system (10) of parts (20) of a vehicle (VE) for the reduction of the impact resulting from a collision with another vehide (VE′) or any obstades.

[0045] According to the present invention, the expansion system (10) of parts (20) of a vehicle (VE) comprises the association of proximity/speed readers (30) with at least one electric trigger device (40) housed in a capsule (51) that contains a pyrotechnic solid chemical compound that, when activated by the electric trigger, causes the immediate release of high-pressure gas, as well as, said capsule (51) has an association with at least one watertight extension arm (50) that, once activated, is responsible for displacing one or more components (20) that integrate the protective fairing of the vehicle (VE), such as the front (21) and/or rear (21a) bumper, plates and/or coating parts (22) of doors (P), plates and/or coating parts of the roof (T) or other components that can be displaced in relation to the fairing of the vehicle (VE) in order to absorb, reduce or avoid the impact force on the cabin of the vehicle (VE) when colliding or crashing into obstacles or other vehicle(s) (VE′).

[0046] Mentioned proximity readers (30) that can be of the type sensor cameras, laser, radar, ultrasound or others that, when detecting the abrupt proximity of a vehicle (VE′) or obstacle, send a signal to the triggering device (40), specifically, an electronic control unit (41) (see FIGS. 2 and 2A) that, in turn, sends an electrical signal to a gas generator ignitor (42) whose combustion promotes the expansion of the extension arm (50) or the release of the expansion of the springs or activation of a specific motor.

[0047] Said triggering device (40) is integrated in a capsule (51) belonging to the extension arm (50).

[0048] The expansion system (or drive mechanism) is formed by multiple front/lateral/upper/rear extenders that expand by reading of computerized camera sensors (vehicles, obstacles) and thermal devices in order to expand the complex in case of imminent impact with another vehicle or obstacle, and inhibit it in case of imminent impact with pedestrians or animals.

[0049] In a first constructive embodiment, the expansion system (10) envisions watertight extension arms (50) (see FIGS. 3 and 3A) formed by a cylindrical capsule (51) for gas release where a telescopic profile (52) is installed that moves when the triggering device (40) is ignited. These extension arms have their ends (51a) and (52a) in contact with the vehicle (VE).

[0050] In a second constructive variation, the gas release capsule (51′) (see FIG. 4) is comprised of ‘U’ shaped profile whose orthogonal end extensions (51b′) are fitted with telescopic profiles (52′), in turn, with end fitted to the moving parts (20) of the vehicle (VE), as in the case of the illustration, the bumper (21). The extension arms (50′) have radial reinforcements (53′) or passive mechanism.

[0051] In a third constructive variation (FIG. 4A), the gas release capsule (51″) is comprised of a ‘U’ profile, with a pair of tubular branches (54″) developing between the outer extensions (51b″). Both the outer extensions (51b″) and the branches (54″) are provided with telescopic profiles (52″), in turn with ends installed on the moving parts (20) of the vehicle (VE) as in the illustration case, the bumper (21), as well as providing passive extension arms providing structural strength (53″).

[0052] In a fourth constructive variation (see FIG. 5), the expander system (10″′) is provided with two or more triggering devices (40″′), each with its gas release capsule (51″″) and tubular profiles (52″′) independent of each other, arranged orthogonal to the moving part (20), in the case of the illustration a bumper (21); the triggering devices (40″′) being distributed equidistant and each equipped with its respective telescopic profile (52″″).

[0053] In a fifth constructive variation (FIG. 5A), the expander system (10″″) provides for a pair of individual ‘U’ shaped firing devices (40″″), each connected in a gas release capsule (51″″) on one half of the bumper and containing a passive mechanism on each side, so as to allow an eventual expansion of only half of the bumpers (21) where we can notice the passive extender arms (53″″). Said firing devices (40″″) are electronically associated with another central firing device (40a″″) comprising a central arm (50a″″) of ‘U’ shape with at least one gas release capsule (51″″) and whose extensions (51b″″) receive respective telescopic profiles (52″″). Between the extensions (51b″″) is installed a pair of individual containment mechanisms (53″″), mounted crosswise to each other and anchored at pivot points (A1) and with respective secondary arms (50b″″).

[0054] In a preferential and non-restrictive constructive embodiment, the telescopic profiles of the passive containment mechanism (52 and 53) and related ones (52′)/(52″)/(52″′) and (52″″) are provided with safety lock (60) anti-return after expansion (see FIGS. 6 to 6C) of the cylindrical capsule (51), safety lock (60) which, in a preferential constructive embodiment, comprises a plurality of movable teeth (60a), of triangular shape, installed in recesses (55) practiced in the tubular profiles (52), where each recess (55) accommodates a set of springs (61) for the movement of the teeth (60a) that are contained by a projecting edge (55a). Each moving tooth (60a) engages in projections (62) provided in the telescopic tubular profiles (52) and the capsule (51) when forced in the opposite direction to the expansion, immediately locking the structure at multiple points simultaneously.

[0055] The triggering devices (40) and related devices may be attached to one or more rigid bars (70) installed in fixed parts of the vehicle (VE) for extension of the extension arms (50) provided with radial reinforcements (53) also known as passive mechanism. Preferably said bars (70) are made of iron or other material of rigid and resistant conformation.

[0056] In flat areas, such as the roof (T) and side doors (P) (See FIGS. 8 to 9B), the triggering devices (40) are installed on a base (80), more precisely in elongated recesses that can be individual (80a) or tubular communicating with each other (80b), allowing the explosion caused by the capsule (51) to cause the simultaneous and immediate displacement of all the telescopic tubular profiles (52).

[0057] Said vehicle (VE) can provide individual capsules (51) arranged on the roof of the vehicle (see FIG. 10), as well as can provide said capsules (51) together with pipe systems (53) for expanding the entire roof of the vehicle (VE) (FIG. 10a).

[0058] Said vehicle (VE) can present expansion of the vehicle parts, using springs (ML) contracted inside the cylinders (51) in which concomitantly releases a lock (TV) to allow its expansion.

[0059] It is true that, when the present invention is put into practice, modifications may be made with respect to certain details of construction and form, without departing from the fundamental principles which are clearly substantiated in the claims, it being understood that the terminology used was not intended as a limitation.