Barrier for collision test and method for collision test

Description

COLLISION TEST BARRIER AND COLLISION TEST METHOD Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention is situated in the field of devices and structures for vehicle collision testing, more specifically in the development of barriers designed to simulate impacts with a small frontal overlap. Background of the Invention

[0002] Crash tests play a crucial role in the development of automotive vehicles, ensuring they meet the most stringent safety and occupant protection standards. Among the tests conducted globally, the small frontal overlap impact, standardized by the Insurance Z / 7sf / ft / te for Highway Sa / e / y (IIHS), stands out for its ability to reproduce real-world collision scenarios where only a small portion of the vehicle's front collides with a rigid barrier. This type of impact poses significant challenges to the structural integrity of vehicles, especially in areas such as A-pillars, longitudinal members, and suspension components.

[0003] Currently, the barriers used for these tests have specific characteristics determined by IIHS standards, such as fixed dimensions and rigid materials, designed to simulate real obstacles. However, these barriers have significant limitations that directly impact the versatility and efficiency of the testing processes. Firstly, most existing barriers allow impact only on one side of the vehicle, usually the driver's side, making it difficult to perform tests on the opposite side without the need for complex repositioning or the installation of new structures.

[0004] Furthermore, the installation of these barriers in automotive safety testing laboratories is often permanent, using concrete structures fixed to the ground. While this approach ensures the necessary rigidity during testing, it restricts flexibility for positioning adjustments and makes installation and dismantling time-consuming and costly. This rigidity in the laboratory configuration also limits options for capturing images during testing, especially from the underside of the vehicles, which is crucial for a more detailed analysis of the behavior of structural components during impact.

[0005] The absence of a solution that allows for greater flexibility in testing compromises the efficiency of automotive development, especially considering the growing Petition 870250008188, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 10 / 22 2 / 8 demand for safer vehicles that comply with global regulations. Furthermore, the inability to quickly switch between sides of the vehicle or to record images from additional angles, such as the underside view, hinders the collection of comprehensive data necessary for analyzing structural deformations, the performance of impact absorption systems, and occupant behavior during a collision.

[0006] In this context, the need arises for a crash test barrier that not only meets the standards established by the IIHS, but also offers greater versatility and functionality. An ideal solution would be one that allows impact on both the left and right sides of the vehicle without the need for complex interventions, and that could be easily adjusted in the laboratory, while ensuring the necessary rigidity for simulating real collisions. Furthermore, this solution should enable the capture of images from different angles, including the underside view of the vehicle, significantly increasing the capacity for analysis and development of safer automotive designs.

[0007] Some prior art documents have attempted to solve this problem, as can be seen below:

[0008] KR101834311 - A crash test device and a crash test method for impacts with small overlap are disclosed by this prior art. The crash test device for impacts with small overlap, according to an embodiment of this prior art, comprises: a barrier; and a wheel simulation structure coupled to the front surface of the barrier, configured to press the barrier against the body of a vehicle.

[0009] RU2788233 - This second prior art discloses a rigid obstacle barrier designed for vehicle impact testing. This barrier consists of a mirror, configured as a rectangular plate in plan view, designed to allow impact with a 25% frontal overlap on a part of the test vehicle. The structure also includes two base supports, first and second, which integrate the barrier into the base of the composite obstacle. Between the base supports and the mirror is an interface, formed by a truss located between the first support and the mirror, and by staggered reinforcements. These reinforcements are articulated to the second base support and to the structural sections of the truss positioned on the mirror side. Petition 870250008188, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 11 / 22 3 / 8

[0010] Existing solutions fail to develop barriers for small frontal overlap crash tests that combine versatility, accuracy, and compliance with international standards such as IIHS. Objectives of the Invention

[0011] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a crash test barrier with a small frontal overlap that allows impacts to be performed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle without the need for complex structural interventions.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a crash test barrier that allows positioning adjustments in the laboratory, ensuring flexibility in installation and test performance.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to enable the capture of additional images, including the underside view of the vehicle during impact tests, expanding the capacity for analysis and data collection for the development of safer vehicles. Brief Description of the Invention

[0014] The present invention discloses a crash test barrier comprising a barrier structure and an anchoring harp, wherein said barrier structure is configured to receive the impact of a vehicle and said anchoring harp is configured for fixing to the ground by means of bolts.

[0015] Regarding the aforementioned barrier for crash testing, it comprises interchangeable support elements and the aforementioned anchoring harp is designed with connecting means, configured to effect the attachment to the aforementioned barrier structure.

[0016] The aforementioned crash test barrier is configured to comply with the IIHS standard.

[0017] In addition, the anchoring harp's connection means consist of oblong holes configured to adjust the position of the barrier structure in the Y direction.

[0018] The interchangeable support elements are configured to hold the barrier in a rigid position during testing and to allow 180° rotation of the barrier structure.

[0019] Regarding the anchoring harp, it is fixed to the ground by means of 12 screws, 032x280mm class M10.9, configured to ensure structural rigidity during impact tests.

[0020] It is also highlighted that the installation of the barrier for crash testing is configured Petition 870250008188, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 12 / 22 4 / 8 for quick assembly and disassembly.

[0021] Furthermore, the aforementioned crash test barrier is made of metallic material, more specifically ASTM A-572 steel or similar.

[0022] The present invention also discloses a method for a small frontal overlap crash test, comprising the crash test barrier as described earlier in this descriptive report and further comprising the steps of: a) Install the crash test barrier in a central position in the laboratory by securing the anchoring harp to the ground using screws; b) Adjust the position of the barrier for the collision test in the Y direction using the oblong holes in the anchoring harp; c) Configure the interchangeable support elements of the crash test barrier to allow impact on the desired side of the vehicle, either the left or the right; d) Position the vehicle in alignment with the crash test barrier in accordance with IIHS standards; e) Perform a vehicle impact against the crash test barrier, recording images of the test, including captures of the vehicle's underside view; f) collect and analyze the data obtained to evaluate the structural deformations and the vehicle's performance in the impact test. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The present invention will be described in more detail after the presentation of the figures, which contain a preferred configuration. The Figures show: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention installed in the ground. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention as used in an impact test. Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the present invention.

[0024] The reference elements present in the figures are: 100 - barrier for collision testing; 1 - barrier structure; 2 - anchoring harp; 3 - interchangeable support elements; 4 - connection means; 5 - screws. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Before the invention is detailed, it is important to understand that it is not limited to Petition 870250008188, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 13 / 22 5 / 8 to the specific components of the described device, as these may vary. It is also relevant to emphasize that the terminology employed serves only to describe particular embodiments and should not be seen as limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this descriptive report and associated claims, the singular forms a, an, or may refer to both singular and plural elements, unless the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when ranges of numerical parameters are provided, they are considered to include limiting values.

[0026] It should also be understood that the modalities presented here should not be viewed in isolation or disconnected. The characteristics described for one modality are also applicable to the other modalities mentioned. If a specific characteristic is mentioned in one modality but not in another, the specialist in the field would understand that this does not necessarily imply that the characteristic should not be considered for the other modality. The specialist would understand that the objective of this request is to reveal the characteristic also for other modalities, but, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, this has not been explicitly stated in each case.

[0027] The present invention discloses a crash test barrier 100, comprising a barrier structure 1 and an anchoring harp 2.

[0028] As said barrier structure 1 is configured to receive the impact of a vehicle and said anchoring harp 2 is configured for fixing to the ground by means of bolts. Furthermore, said crash test barrier 100 comprises interchangeable support elements 3.

[0029] Furthermore, the aforementioned anchoring harp 2 is designed with connecting means 4 and configured to effect the attachment to the aforementioned barrier structure 1.

[0030] Furthermore, the aforementioned 100 crash test barrier is configured to comply with the IIHS standard.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said connecting means 4 of the anchoring harp 2 are oblong holes configured to adjust the position of the barrier structure 1 in the Y direction.

[0032] The present invention further discloses that, preferably, the interchangeable support elements 3 are configured to maintain the barrier in a rigid position during testing.

[0033] Furthermore, the interchangeable support elements 3 allow for 180° rotation of the Petition 870250008188, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 14 / 22 6 / 8 barrier structure 1, allowing for impacts on the left or right side of the vehicle.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anchoring harp 2 is fixed to the ground, containing a fixing bushing, by means of screws in a quantity between 10 and 16 screws 5, more preferably 12 screws 5, to ensure fixation to the ground the screws must be applied a minimum torque between 90Nm and 110Nm, necessary to ensure fixation preventing slippage of the bolted joint, thus ensuring the necessary structural rigidity during impact tests and preventing displacement of the barrier during the application of forces generated by the vehicle.

[0035] Also in a preferred configuration of the present invention, the installation of the barrier structure 1 is configured for quick assembly and disassembly in the center of the laboratory, facilitating the change of configuration for different tests.

[0036] In the context of the present invention, the IIHS standard refers to the technical and methodological specifications established by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for conducting small frontal overlap crash tests. This standard encompasses rigorous criteria related to the dimensions, stiffness, and positioning of the impact barrier, as well as test conditions such as speeds and collision angles, aiming to ensure standardized assessment of vehicle safety. These specifications ensure the reliability and replicability of the results, allowing for detailed analysis of the structural performance of vehicles and the protection of occupants in real-world impact scenarios.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anchoring harp comprises a base plate of 25mm to 38mm, with ribs of 9.5mm to 12.7mm and a front plate of 38.1mm according to Small Overlap standard.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oblong holes of the anchoring harp have a length between 40 mm and 120 mm, more preferably between 60 mm and 100 mm, even more preferably a length of 80 mm, allowing fine adjustment of the position of the barrier structure.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crash test barrier 100 has a standard established height of 1524 mm or 60 in and a width between 1000 mm and 1200 mm.

[0040] In its preferred configuration, the contact area of ​​the barrier structure (1) has a total area between 15,240cm2cm2 and 18,288 cm2, more preferably between 17,069 cm2 and 17,070cm2. Petition 870250008188, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 15 / 22 7 / 8

[0041] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, said crash test barrier 100 is made of metallic material, more specifically ASTM A-572. Alternatively, the present invention may be made of ASTM A-242 steel.

[0042] The present invention further discloses a method for a small frontal overlap crash test, comprising a crash test barrier 100, as described above, and further comprising the steps of: g) Install the crash test barrier 100 in a central position in the laboratory by securing the anchoring harp 2 to the ground using screws; h) adjust the position of the barrier for the 100° collision test in the Y direction using the oblong holes in the anchoring harp 2; i) Configure the 3 interchangeable support elements of the 100 crash test barrier to allow impact on the desired side of the vehicle, either the left or the right; j) Position the vehicle in alignment with the crash test barrier 100 in accordance with IIHS standards; k) perform the vehicle impact against the crash test barrier 100, recording images of the test, including captures of the vehicle's underside view; l) collect and analyze the data obtained to evaluate the structural deformations and the vehicle's performance in the impact test.

[0043] The present invention fulfills the proposed objectives by offering a crash test barrier with a small frontal overlap that combines versatility, efficiency, and precision. The barrier structure 1, together with the anchoring harp 2 and the interchangeable support elements 3, allows for impacts to be performed on both sides of the vehicle, providing greater flexibility for different test scenarios. Furthermore, the barrier configuration allows for precise adjustments and centralized assembly in the laboratory, optimizing installation and disassembly for multiple tests. Finally, the ability to capture footage from the vehicle's underside and compliance with Insurance Institute for Highway Safety standards ensure that the invention provides reliable results and detailed analysis, contributing significantly to the development of safer vehicles aligned with global regulations.

[0044] All combinations of elements that perform the same function in a substantially similar manner are included within the scope of this invention, using Petition 870250008188, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 16 / 22 8 / 8 equivalent methods and producing the same results as the elements specified in the claims. This means that even if a variation of elements performs the function in a slightly different way, as long as the result is essentially the same, these variations are also protected by the patent. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the scope of protection conferred by this invention is not limited only to the literal content of the claims described, but also includes variations or modifications that may be considered equivalent.

[0045] It is necessary to observe that the attached drawings, although representing the ideas and concepts of the invention, have not necessarily been drawn to scale and serve only to illustrate conceptually the possible configurations of the elements. This choice aims only to facilitate the understanding of the invention and not to restrict the interpretation of the claims to a specific or exact dimension. Furthermore, all combinations of elements that perform the same function in an essentially equivalent way, even if they operate slightly differently, are protected by the scope of the invention. The patent protection, therefore, covers a wide range of potential variations that may differ in their specific characteristics, but which achieve the same results.This flexibility allows the invention to protect not only the exact forms described, but also other possible variations and modifications, including so-called equivalents, which fall within the broader scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Collision test barrier (100), characterized by comprising a barrier structure (1) and an anchoring harp (2); wherein said barrier structure (1) is configured to receive the impact of a vehicle; wherein said anchoring harp (2) is configured for fixing to the ground by means of bolts (5); wherein said collision test barrier (100) comprises interchangeable support elements (3); wherein said anchoring harp (2) is designed with connecting means (4), configured to effect the fixing to said barrier structure (1).

2. Collision test barrier (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that said collision test barrier (100) is configured to conform to the IIHS standard.

3. Collision test barrier (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means (4) of the anchoring harp (2) are oblong holes configured to adjust the position of the barrier structure (1) in the Y direction.

4. Barrier for crash testing (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that interchangeable support elements (3) are configured to hold the barrier in a rigid position during testing.

5. Collision test barrier (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by interchangeable support elements (3) allowing 180° rotation of the barrier structure (1).

6. Collision test barrier (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchoring harp (2) can be fixed to the ground by means of up to 16 bolts (5) containing a ground fixing bushing, preferably 12 bolts (5), configured to ensure structural rigidity during impact tests.

7. Collision test barrier (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the installation of the collision test barrier (100) is configured for quick assembly and disassembly. Petition 870250008188, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, p. 18 / 22 2 / 2 8. Barrier for crash test (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of metallic material, more specifically ASTM A572.

9. A method for a small frontal overlap crash test, characterized by comprising the crash test barrier (100), as defined in any of the preceding claims, and further comprising the steps of: a) installing the crash test barrier (100) in a central position in the laboratory by fixing the anchoring harp (2) to the ground using screws (5); b) adjusting the position of the crash test barrier (100) in the Y direction by means of the oblong holes of the anchoring harp (2); c) configuring the interchangeable support elements (3) of the crash test barrier (100) to allow impact on the desired side of the vehicle, either the left or the right; d) positioning the vehicle in alignment with the crash test barrier (100) according to IIHS standards; e) performing the impact of the vehicle against the crash test barrier (100), recording images of the test, including captures of the underside view of the vehicle;f) collect and analyze the data obtained to evaluate the structural deformations and the vehicle's performance in the impact test.

Images