Mine safety device and method for facilitating mine safe operation of a vehicle
By providing beam signals and warnings through mine safety devices inside the vehicle, the problem of passenger injury during mine explosions is solved, achieving passenger safety without modifying the main body of the vehicle.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BAE SYSTEMS HAGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
When existing vehicles encounter landmines, passengers whose bodies are below the mine's safety level may suffer serious injury, and landmine safety devices that increase interior space will reduce interior space.
The system uses sensor devices to provide a beam signal at the mine safety level. The beam reflection is used to detect whether any part of the passenger's body has crossed the safety level, and provides visual, auditory, or tactile warnings to ensure that the passenger's body is completely above the safety level.
Without modifying the main body of the vehicle, it can effectively detect and warn passengers of the safety risks of landmines, ensure the safety of passengers in the event of a landmine explosion, and without reducing the interior space.
Smart Images
Figure CN117597563B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to mine safety devices for vehicles. It also relates to methods for facilitating mine-safe operation of vehicles. Furthermore, this invention relates to vehicles themselves. Background Technology
[0002] Vehicles operating in certain areas, such as military zones, and under certain combat conditions, may be subject to landmines in certain zones. Such vehicles may be designed to transport passengers. Such vehicles can be military tracked vehicles, such as articulated tracked vehicles. Such vehicles include a vehicle body and ground engagement devices, such as track assembly pairs, connected to the vehicle body for moving the vehicle. The vehicle body includes a bottom section and an interior space for accommodating passengers, the interior space having a floor plate portion associated with the bottom section. The interior space includes a mine safety level at a predetermined distance from the floor plate portion. If the vehicle travels on a mine causing it to explode, the bottom section will be affected, causing the floor plate portion to bend towards the mine safety level. Personnel placed in the interior space above the mine safety level are expected to be safe. However, personnel with at least a part of their body below the mine safety level may suffer serious injury. This risk can be eliminated by increasing the internal mine safety plate. However, such a solution would reduce the interior space.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide mine safety devices for vehicles that facilitate mine safety operations without requiring such modifications to the vehicle itself.
[0004] Purpose of the invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a mine safety device for vehicles that facilitates mine safety operations without requiring modifications to the vehicle itself.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for mine-safe operation of a vehicle without requiring modification of the vehicle body.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having such a mine safety device. Summary of the Invention
[0008] As will be apparent from the following description, these and other objectives are achieved by the mine safety device for a vehicle, the method for mine safety operation, and the vehicle itself as set forth in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the device and method are defined in the appended dependent claims.
[0009] Specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved through a mine safety device for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and a ground engagement device for facilitating the movement of the vehicle. The ground engagement device is connected to the vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a bottom portion and an interior space for accommodating passengers. The interior space has a floor portion associated with the bottom portion. The interior space includes a mine safety level at a predetermined distance from the floor portion. Personnel placed in the interior space and positioned with all their body parts at or above the mine safety level are expected to be safe in the event that the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion affecting the floor portion. The mine safety device includes a sensor device configured to provide one or more signals at the mine safety level, such that body parts crossing the mine safety level are detected by means of the one or more signals for warning personnel of a mine safety risk. Therefore, if the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion affecting the floor portion, personnel placed in the interior space and positioned with all their body parts at or above the mine safety level are expected to be safe. Therefore, the sensor device is configured to provide one or more signals at the mine safety level, such that body parts crossing the mine safety level are detected by means of the one or more signals, for warning personnel that one or more body parts have crossed the mine safety level. According to one aspect, the mine safety level is, for example, based on a predetermined level determined by: mine testing performed on the corresponding vehicle / vehicle body / body section, and / or mine simulation / estimation / calculation based on the configuration of such vehicle / vehicle body / body section. According to one aspect, the mine safety level is based on a predetermined ground clearance of the bottom section and the predetermined distance from the base plate section. According to one aspect, the predetermined distance of the mine safety level from the base plate section is based on the ground clearance of the bottom section. According to one aspect, if a mine explodes below the bottom section of the vehicle body, the predetermined mine safety level is associated with the expected deformation of the bottom section. By providing such a signal at the mine safety level, mine safety operation of the vehicle is facilitated without requiring modifications to the vehicle body.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the mine safety device, the one or more signals provided by the sensor device are one or more light beams. By providing light beams at the mine safety level in this way, it is easy to detect that a part of a person's body has crossed the mine safety level, because the person can see the light reflection on that part of their body.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the mine safety device, the one or more beams are laser beams. By providing laser beams at the mine safety level in this way, it is easy to detect that a part of a person's body has crossed the mine safety level, because the person can see the laser reflection on that part of their body.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the mine safety device, the sensor device includes at least one signal transmitting unit arranged within the internal space to facilitate the provision of one or more signals at the mine safety level. This allows for an efficient supply of signals (e.g., a light beam) in a desired direction to facilitate the detection of body parts that have crossed the mine safety level.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the mine safety device, the mine safety device is further configured to provide visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings based on detected body parts. Thus, personnel in the space whose one or more body parts have crossed the mine safety level will be effectively warned. Therefore, safety is further improved.
[0014] According to the implementation of the mine safety device, the mine safety level is determined based on a predetermined level determined by: mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and the corresponding bottom portion, and / or mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one or more of the configuration of such vehicle, the configuration of such vehicle body, and the configuration of such bottom portion.
[0015] Specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by a method for facilitating mine-safe operation of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and a ground engagement device for facilitating the movement of the vehicle. The ground engagement device is connected to the vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a bottom portion and an interior space for accommodating passengers. The interior space has a floor portion associated with the bottom portion. The interior space includes a mine safety level at a predetermined distance from the floor portion. It is anticipated that personnel placed in the interior space and positioned with their entire body parts at or above the mine safety level are safe in the event that the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion affecting the floor portion. The method includes the steps of: providing one or more signals at the mine safety level; and detecting body parts crossing the mine safety level by means of the one or more signals to warn personnel of the mine safety risk. Therefore, if the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion affecting the floor portion, it is anticipated that personnel placed in the interior space and positioned with their entire body parts at or above the mine safety level are safe. Therefore, the method includes the steps of: providing one or more signals at the mine safety level; and detecting body parts that have crossed the mine safety level by means of the one or more signals, for the purpose of warning personnel that one or more body parts have crossed the mine safety level.
[0016] According to an implementation of the method, the one or more provided signals are one or more light beams.
[0017] According to an implementation of the method, the one or more beams are laser beams.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the method further includes the step of providing visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings based on the detected body parts.
[0019] According to an implementation of the method, the mine safety level is determined based on a predetermined level determined by: mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and the corresponding bottom portion, and / or mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one or more of the configuration of such vehicle, the configuration of such vehicle body, and the configuration of such bottom portion.
[0020] The method for promoting mine safety operation of vehicles according to this disclosure has the advantages of corresponding mine safety devices as described herein.
[0021] Specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by a vehicle that includes a mine safety device as described herein.
[0022] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a tracked vehicle. According to an alternative embodiment, the vehicle is a wheeled vehicle. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To better understand this disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the views, and in the drawings:
[0024] Figure 1a A side view of a tracked vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically;
[0025] Figure 1b A perspective view of an articulated tracked vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.
[0026] Figure 2 A rear view of a vehicle body with a mine safety device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.
[0027] Figure 3 A schematic plan view of a vehicle body equipped with a mine safety device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and,
[0028] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for facilitating mine safety operation of vehicles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation
[0029] In this article, the term "link" refers to a communication link, which can be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication line, or a non-physical connector, such as a wireless connection, like a radio or microwave link.
[0030] In this document, the term "mine safety level" is associated with a vehicle comprising a vehicle body and a ground engagement device connected to the vehicle body for facilitating the movement of the vehicle. The vehicle body has a bottom portion and an interior space. The bottom portion is configured to be positioned at a distance from the ground. The ground engagement device is configured to engage with the bottom portion to provide ground clearance. The interior space has a floor portion associated with the bottom portion. The term "mine safety level" refers to the level within the interior space at a distance from the bottom portion in a direction away from the ground such that if a mine explodes below the bottom portion of the vehicle body, a person placed within the space whose entire body part is at or above this level will not be seriously affected because damage to the bottom portion will not affect the floor portion to the point that the floor portion reaches the level within the space.
[0031] Figure 1a A side view of a tracked vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.
[0032] The tracked vehicle V includes a vehicle body VB, which, according to one aspect of this disclosure, includes the chassis and body of the vehicle V.
[0033] The tracked vehicle V includes a ground engagement device T1, which is configured to engage with a ground G on which the vehicle V is intended to travel in order to facilitate the movement of the vehicle V. The ground engagement device T1 of the tracked vehicle V includes or is provided by a pair of track assemblies.
[0034] The track assembly pair includes a left track assembly T1 and a right track assembly for driving the vehicle V, wherein the left track assembly T1 is in Figure 1a As shown in the diagram, the ground engagement device T1, which is in the shape of the track assembly T1, is configured to be connected to the vehicle body VB. The track assembly T1 is configured to be suspended and connected to the vehicle body VB.
[0035] The vehicle body VB includes an interior space S for accommodating passengers. The vehicle body VB includes a bottom portion 10. The vehicle body VB is configured to be positioned at a certain distance from the ground to provide a certain ground clearance. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the vehicle can be configured such that the ground clearance can be adjusted, for example, based on operating conditions. According to one aspect of this disclosure, a predetermined ground clearance is provided when operating in an area / region / situation where landmines may be present. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the bottom portion 10 is configured to be located at a predetermined distance C from the ground G when operating in an area / region / region / situation where there is a risk of landmines.
[0036] The interior space S has a base plate portion associated with the bottom portion 10. The interior space S includes a mine safety level L at a predetermined distance from the base plate portion. The predetermined mine safety level L can be determined by performing tests on the corresponding vehicle / vehicle body / bottom portion and / or by simulation / estimation / calculation based on the configuration of such vehicle / vehicle body / bottom portion.
[0037] Therefore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety level L is a predetermined mine safety level.
[0038] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety level L is a predetermined level determined based on mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and the corresponding bottom portion. According to another aspect of this disclosure, where a mine is placed under such a bottom portion and is permitted to detonate, such a mine test refers to a test performed on the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and / or the corresponding bottom portion, wherein the deformation of the bottom portion, and the level at which the portions of the bottom plate of the bottom portion are positioned due to associated movement of the portions of the bottom plate related to the deformation of the bottom portion.
[0039] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety level L is a predetermined level determined based on simulations, estimations, and / or calculations of mine detonation performed for the configuration of such a vehicle, the configuration of such a vehicle body, and / or the configuration of such a bottom portion. According to another aspect of this disclosure, such simulations, estimations, and / or calculations refer to simulations, estimations, and / or calculations performed under the condition that a mine is placed under such a bottom portion and is permitted to detonate, wherein the deformation of the bottom portion and the associated movement of the portions of the bottom plate portion due to the deformation of the bottom portion are simulated, estimated, and / or calculated.
[0040] According to one aspect, the mine safety level L is based on a predetermined ground clearance of the bottom portion 10 and a predetermined distance from the base plate portion 12.
[0041] According to one aspect, the predetermined distance between the mine safety level and the base plate portion 12 is based on the ground clearance of the bottom portion 10.
[0042] According to one aspect, if a landmine is to explode below the bottom portion of the vehicle body VB, the predetermined landmine safety level L is associated with the expected deformation of the bottom portion 10.
[0043] Personnel P, who are expected to be placed in the interior space S and positioned with their entire body at or above the mine safety level L, are safe in the event that the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion 10. Therefore, if the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion affecting the floor portion 10, personnel P, who are expected to be placed in the interior space S with their entire body at or above the mine safety level L, are safe.
[0044] Each track assembly includes a drive wheel DW, a tension wheel TW, a set of road wheels RW, and an annular track E arranged to travel on said wheels. Thus, the annular track E is arranged around said wheels. Here, the drive wheel DW is arranged in front, the tension wheel TW is arranged in the rear, and the road wheels RW are arranged between the drive wheel DW and the tension wheel TW. However, the tracked vehicle according to this disclosure can have a track assembly employing any suitable arrangement of the drive wheel, tension wheel, and road wheels. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the tension wheel can be arranged in front, the drive wheel in the rear, and the road wheels arranged between the tension wheel and the drive wheel.
[0045] The annular track E of the corresponding track assembly is arranged to be driven and thus rotated by means of the drive wheel DW. The vehicle V includes a drive unit (not shown) for driving the drive wheel. The drive unit can be any suitable drive unit. The drive unit can include any suitable drive tool, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor.
[0046] Figure 1b A side view of a tracked vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.
[0047] The tracked vehicle V is an articulated tracked vehicle V, which includes a first vehicle unit V1 and a second vehicle unit V2 pivotally connected to the first vehicle unit V1 via an articulated joint Y.
[0048] The corresponding vehicle units V1 and V2 of the tracked vehicle V include the vehicle body VB, which, according to one aspect of this disclosure, includes the chassis and body of the vehicle V.
[0049] The first vehicle unit V1 and the second vehicle unit V2, i.e., the tracked vehicle V, include a ground engagement device T1 configured to engage with a ground G on which the vehicle units V1 and V2 of the vehicle V are intended to travel, in order to facilitate the movement of the vehicle V. For the tracked vehicle V, the ground engagement device T1 includes or is provided by a pair of track assemblies for the respective vehicle unit.
[0050] The track assembly pair includes a left track assembly T1 and a right track assembly for corresponding vehicle units V1 and V2 of the vehicle V, wherein the left track assembly T1 is in Figure 1b As shown. The ground engagement device T1, which is in the shape of the track assembly T1, is configured to connect to the vehicle body VB of the corresponding vehicle unit V1, V2. The track assembly T1 is configured to be suspended and connected to the vehicle body VB of the corresponding vehicle unit V1, V2.
[0051] The vehicle body VB of corresponding vehicle units V1 and V2 includes an interior space S for accommodating passengers. The vehicle body VB of corresponding vehicle units V1 and V2 includes a bottom portion 10. The vehicle body VB of corresponding vehicle units V1 and V2 is configured to be positioned at a certain distance C1 and C2 from the ground G to provide a certain ground clearance. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the vehicle can be configured such that the ground clearance can be adjusted, for example, based on operating conditions. According to one aspect of this disclosure, a predetermined ground clearance is provided when operating in an area / region / situation where landmines may be present. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the bottom portion 10 of corresponding vehicle units V1 and V2 is configured to be positioned at a predetermined distance C1 and C2 from the ground G when operating in an area / region / region / situation where there is a risk of landmines.
[0052] The internal space S of the corresponding vehicle units V1 and V2 has a base plate portion associated with the bottom portion 10. The internal space S of the first vehicle unit V1 and / or the second vehicle unit V2 includes a mine safety level L at a predetermined distance from the base plate portion. The predetermined mine safety level L can be determined by performing tests on the corresponding vehicle / vehicle body / bottom portion and / or by simulation / estimation / calculation based on the configuration of such vehicle / vehicle body / bottom portion.
[0053] Personnel P, who are expected to be placed in the interior space S and positioned with their entire body at or above the mine safety level L, are safe in the event that the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion 10. Therefore, if the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion affecting the floor portion 10, personnel P, who are expected to be placed in the interior space S with their entire body at or above the mine safety level L, are safe.
[0054] Each track assembly includes a drive sprocket DW, a tensioner TW, a set of road wheels RW, and an annular track E arranged to travel on said sprockets. Therefore, the annular track E is arranged around said sprockets. Here, the drive sprocket DW is arranged in front, the tensioner TW is arranged in the rear, and the road wheels RW are arranged between the drive sprocket DW and the tensioner TW.
[0055] The annular tracks E of the corresponding track assemblies of the corresponding vehicle units V1 and V2 of the tracked vehicle V are arranged to be driven and thus rotated by means of the drive wheel DW.
[0056] The vehicle V includes a drive unit (not shown) for driving the drive wheels. The drive unit can be any suitable drive device. The drive unit can include any suitable drive tool, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor. The corresponding track assembly T1 of the vehicle units V1 and V2 of the tracked vehicle V may include a drive unit for operating and thus driving the drive wheels DW.
[0057] like Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown, the means of transport V according to this disclosure can be as follows: Figure 1a A single tracked vehicle, or an articulated tracked vehicle V having a front vehicle unit V1 and a rear vehicle unit V2 pivotally connected to the front vehicle unit V1.
[0058] like Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown, the vehicle V according to this disclosure can be a tracked vehicle with a ground engagement device, wherein the ground engagement device includes a track assembly having an annular track configured to engage with the ground to drive the vehicle. According to an alternative not shown, the vehicle according to this disclosure can be a wheeled vehicle with a ground engagement device, wherein the ground engagement device includes a set of wheels configured to engage with the ground to drive the vehicle.
[0059] Figure 2 A rear view of a vehicle body VB with a mine safety device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown; and Figure 3A schematic plan view of the main body of a vehicle equipped with a mine safety device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0060] The main body of the vehicle VB can be based on... Figure 1a The vehicle body VB of the vehicle V in the text. The vehicle body VB may be, for example, based on... Figure 1b The second vehicle unit V2 includes a vehicle body VB. The vehicle body VB can be a military vehicle body. The vehicle body VB can also be a vehicle body VB used for transporting passengers. The vehicle body VB can be... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The vehicle body VB in the text can be the vehicle body of a vehicle having any suitable ground engagement device for moving the vehicle, and therefore the vehicle body VB can be the vehicle body of a tracked vehicle or a wheeled vehicle.
[0061] The vehicle having a vehicle body VB includes a ground engagement device (not shown) for facilitating the movement of the vehicle, the ground engagement device being configured to be connected to the vehicle body VB.
[0062] The vehicle body VB includes a bottom portion 10. The vehicle body VB also includes opposing side portions 20, 30 and a top portion 40, as well as a front portion and a rear portion, the bottom portion 10, side portions 20, 30, top portion 40 and front portion and rear portion forming the shell portion of the vehicle body VB.
[0063] The vehicle body VB includes an interior space S for accommodating passengers. The bottom portion 10, side portions 20 and 30, top portion 40, and front and rear portions are configured to form the interior space S. The side portions 20 and 30 include a left side portion 20 and a right side portion 30. The interior space S includes a left inner wall portion 22 associated with the left side portion 20 and an opposing right inner wall portion 32 associated with the right side portion 30.
[0064] The interior space has a base plate portion 12 associated with the bottom portion 10. The interior space S includes a mine safety level L at a predetermined distance D from the base plate portion 12.
[0065] Personnel P, who are expected to be placed in the interior space S with all their body parts at or above the mine safety level L, are safe if the vehicle is subjected to a mine below the bottom portion 10 affecting the floor portion 12. Therefore, if the vehicle is subjected to a mine below the bottom portion 10 affecting the floor portion 12, personnel P, who are expected to be placed in the interior space S with all their body parts at or above the mine safety level L, are safe.
[0066] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the bottom portion 10 of the vehicle body VB is configured such that if a landmine explodes below the vehicle body VB, i.e., below the bottom portion 10, the bottom portion 10 will deform upwards, thus obtaining a deformed bottom portion 10A with an associated deformed bottom plate portion 12A. The deformed bottom portion 10A will be closer to the landmine safety level L in certain areas within the interior space S.
[0067] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a seat member 50 for the passenger P is arranged within the space S. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the seat member 50 is arranged within the interior space S along the respective side portions 20, 30 and in relation to the inner wall portions 22, 32 of the side portions 20, 30.
[0068] The seat component 50 can be any suitable seat component. The seat component 50 includes a seat portion 52 for a passenger to sit on, and in one aspect may include a backrest 54.
[0069] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the seat component 50 is fixedly arranged to the inner wall portions 22, 32 of the side portions 20, 30.
[0070] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the seat component 50 is configured to be arranged in relation to the inner wall portions 22, 32 of the side portions 20, 30, such that the seat portion 52 is positioned above the mine safety level L.
[0071] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the seat members 50 are arranged along the respective side portions 20, 30 and their inner wall portions 22, 32, such that each seat member 50 distributed along the inner wall portion 22 associated with the left side portion 20 and each seat member 50 distributed along the inner wall portion 32 associated with the right side portion 30 are arranged opposite to each other, so that they face each other. Therefore, the seat member 50 arranged associated with the inner wall portion 22 is configured to face the seat member 50 arranged associated with the opposite inner wall portion 32.
[0072] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a support member 60 for the passenger P is arranged within the space S to provide support for the body parts, such as the feet F, to keep the body parts above the mine safety level L.
[0073] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the support member 60 is configured to be arranged in relation to the seat portion 52 of the seat member 50, such that the feet F of a person P located in the seat member 50 can be supported by the support member 60 arranged in relation to the opposite seat member 50, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 According to one aspect, the support member 60 may include a ring-shaped structure for the toes / partial insertion of the foot F. Such a support member 60 may be arranged below the seat portion of the corresponding seat member 50, but above the mine safety level L. However, depending on the size of the foot and / or the manner in which the foot F remains connected to the support member 60, such a support member 60 may cause a portion of the foot F, such as the heel, to ultimately lie below the mine safety level L.
[0074] This disclosure includes a mine safety device A. The mine safety device A includes a sensor device 100 configured to provide one or more signals B at the mine safety level L, such that body parts crossing the mine safety level L are detected by means of the one or more signals B, thereby warning personnel P of a mine safety risk.
[0075] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the one or more signals B provided by the sensor device 100 are visible signals. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the one or more signals B provided by the sensor device 100 are one or more light beams B. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the one or more light beams B are laser beams.
[0076] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor device 100 includes at least one signal transmitting unit 110 disposed within the internal space S to provide the one or more signals at the mine safety level L.
[0077] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the at least one signal transmitting unit 110 arranged within the interior space S is configured to provide a signal B, such as a light beam (e.g., a laser beam B), at the mine safety level L in relation to the support member 60, so as to detect, in relation to the support member 60, body parts, such as feet, crossing the mine safety level L.
[0078] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the at least one signal transmitting unit 110 includes one or more laser transmitting units configured to emit one or more laser beams. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the one or more laser transmitting units are configured to emit one or more narrow visible light coherent laser beams, the narrow visible light coherent laser beams being configured to illuminate body portions crossing the mine safety level L with bright spots of colored light. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the one or more laser transmitting units may include one or more laser designators.
[0079] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A is further configured to provide visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings based on detected body parts. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A is further configured to provide visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings based on body parts detected by means of the sensor device 100.
[0080] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the at least one signal transmitting unit 110 is configured to provide visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings based on whether a body part crosses one or more transmitted signals. According to an embodiment, the at least one signal transmitting unit 110 may include or be operatively connected to a control device configured to receive information associated with a body part crossing a transmitted signal at the mine safety level and to take action to notify the person whose body part has crossed the transmitted signal and / or other persons in the vicinity of such person.
[0081] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A includes a visual warning device (not shown) configured to provide the visual warning. The visual warning may be the activation of a light, etc. According to another aspect of this disclosure, such a visual warning device may be arranged to be activated if a body part crossing the one or more emitted signals does not move away within a predetermined time interval.
[0082] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A includes an auditory warning device (not shown) configured to provide the auditory warning. The auditory warning may be the activation of an alarm, etc. According to another aspect of this disclosure, such an auditory warning device may be arranged to be activated if a body part passing over one or more of the emitted signals does not move away within a predetermined time interval.
[0083] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A includes a tactile warning device (not shown). The tactile warning may be caused by one or more signals generating a temperature change, such as heat, or vibration, on a body part passing over the one or more signals. According to one aspect of this disclosure, such a tactile warning device may be arranged to be activated if the body part passing over the one or more emitted signals is not moved within a predetermined time interval.
[0084] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A includes a control device 200. The control device 200 may include one or more control units. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 is operatively connected to the sensor device 100. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to be operatively connected to the sensor device 100 via one or more links. Such a control device 200 in... Figure 3 It is shown schematically in the diagram.
[0085] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to receive from the sensor device 100 information associated with a body part that has crossed a signal emitted at the mine safety level. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to take action to notify one or more persons whose body parts have crossed the emitted signal and / or other persons in the vicinity of such persons.
[0086] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes or is operatively connected to a visual warning device configured to provide visual warnings.
[0087] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes or is operatively connected to an auditory warning device configured to provide an auditory warning.
[0088] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes or is operatively connected to a tactile warning device configured to provide tactile warnings.
[0089] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A includes a ground clearance determining device 300 configured to determine the ground clearance of a vehicle. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes or is operatively connected to the ground clearance determining device 300 configured to determine the ground clearance of a vehicle. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to receive information about the current ground clearance from the ground clearance determining device 300. The ground clearance determining device 300 may include one or more sensors for detecting the position of the vehicle body relative to the ground. Such one or more sensors may include one or more distance determining sensors and / or one or more sensors associated with detecting the position of the vehicle body relative to the ground engagement device of the vehicle.
[0090] According to one aspect of this disclosure, if the vehicle is operating or is intended to operate in one or more of an area, region, region, and situation where there is a risk of landmines, the control device 200 is configured to take action based on information received from the ground clearance determining device 300 regarding the current ground clearance, such that the bottom portion of the vehicle body is at a predetermined distance from the ground, and thereby applying a predetermined ground clearance to the vehicle.
[0091] According to one aspect of this disclosure, if the vehicle is operating or is intended to operate in one or more areas, regions, regions, and situations where there is a risk of landmines, the control device 200 is configured to: determine, based on information received from the ground clearance determining device 300 regarding the current ground clearance, whether the ground clearance of the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined mine clearance for such a mine risk situation; and if the ground clearance does not correspond to the predetermined mine clearance, take action to adjust the ground clearance such that the bottom portion of the vehicle body is raised to a predetermined distance from the ground, thereby applying the predetermined ground clearance of the vehicle. The action to adjust the ground clearance can be any suitable action, such as automatic adjustment or issuing an alarm to the vehicle operator indicating that ground clearance adjustment is needed.
[0092] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A includes a mine safety risk information device 400, configured to provide information on whether the vehicle is operating or intended to operate in one or more areas, regions, territories, and situations where there is a risk of landmine attack, i.e., a landmine explosion. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes or is operatively connected to the mine safety risk information device 400. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to receive information from the mine safety risk information device 400 regarding potential mine safety risks. The mine safety risk information device 400 may include any suitable equipment for determining mine safety risks. The mine safety risk information device 400 may include one or more devices for determining the geographical location of the vehicle, such as a global navigation satellite system (e.g., GPS), and / or communication equipment for providing auditory and / or visual information regarding mine safety risks.
[0093] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety device A includes a sensor device activation device 500 configured to activate the sensor device 100 based on information associated with the vehicle operating in an area potentially at risk of landmines. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes or is operatively connected to the sensor device activation device 500. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor device activation device 500 is configured to activate the sensor device 100 based on information from the mine safety risk information device 400. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor device activation device 500 is configured to automatically activate the sensor device 100 based on information associated with the vehicle operating in an area potentially at risk of landmines. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor device activation device 500 includes an activation member, such as an activation button, wherein an operator associated with the operation of the vehicle can activate the sensor device 100 based on communication information associated with the vehicle operating in an area potentially at risk of landmines.
[0094] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor device 100, when activated, is configured to transmit a signal at the mine safety level L, wherein the mine safety level L is a predetermined level determined based on mine tests performed against one or more of the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and the corresponding bottom portion, and / or mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one or more of the configurations of such vehicle, such vehicle body, and such bottom portion.
[0095] According to one aspect, the sensor device 100, when activated, is configured to transmit a signal at the mine safety level L, wherein the mine safety level is based on a predetermined ground clearance of the bottom portion and the predetermined distance from the base plate portion.
[0096] According to one aspect, the sensor device 100, when activated, is configured to transmit a signal at the mine safety level L, wherein the predetermined distance of the mine safety level from the base plate portion is based on the ground clearance of the base portion. According to another aspect of this disclosure, if the current ground clearance is at a lower level, i.e., such that the base portion is closer to the ground than a predetermined ground clearance, then, in order to provide the predetermined mine safety level, the transmitted signal can be at a greater distance from the base plate to provide the mine safety level. Thus, a warning associated with a person's body portion having crossed the mine safety level can be used as information to adjust the ground clearance.
[0097] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes a memory device, which includes at least one memory. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes a processor device, which includes at least one processor. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes a communication device, which includes at least one communication unit.
[0098] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the memory device of the control device 200 may be integrated with or embedded in the processor device, or may be a separate memory hardware device. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the memory device of the control device 200 is operatively connectable to the processor device. According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least one of the memories in the memory device may be integrated with or embedded in the processor device, and / or may be a separate memory hardware device.
[0099] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a memory device may include RAM, ROM, hard disk, optical disk, magnetic media, flash memory and / or any other mechanism capable of storing instructions or data.
[0100] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the processor device of the control device 200 may include any physical device having circuitry that performs logical operations on input data. According to another aspect of this disclosure, at least one processor of the processor device of the control device 200 may include any physical device having circuitry that performs logical operations on input data. For example, the processor device may include one or more integrated circuits, microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, entire or partial CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs, or other circuitry for executing instructions or performing logical operations.
[0101] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method M1 for facilitating the safe operation of mines on vehicles, according to one aspect of this disclosure, is shown schematically.
[0102] The vehicle body includes a bottom portion and an interior space for accommodating passengers. The interior space has a floor portion associated with the bottom portion. The interior space includes a mine safety level at a predetermined distance from the floor portion. Personnel intended to be placed in the interior space and positioned with their entire body at or above the mine safety level are safe in the event that the vehicle is struck by a mine beneath the bottom portion affecting the floor portion. Therefore, if the vehicle is struck by a mine beneath the bottom portion affecting the floor portion, personnel intended to be placed in the interior space and positioned with their entire body at or above the mine safety level are safe.
[0103] According to one aspect, method M1 includes step S1, in which one or more signals are provided at the mine safety level.
[0104] According to one aspect, method M1 includes step S2. In this step, body parts that cross the mine safety level are detected by means of one or more signals to warn personnel of the mine safety risk.
[0105] According to one aspect of this disclosure, method M1 may include step S3. In this step, visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings are provided based on detected body parts. In this step, visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings are provided based on whether a body part is detected by means of one or more signals.
[0106] According to one aspect of this disclosure, if the body part is detected within a predetermined time interval, the step of providing visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings based on the detected body part is performed.
[0107] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the method may include the following steps: if a body part that has crossed the mine safety level is detected by means of one or more signals, determining the time during which the body part remains beyond the mine safety level, and if the time exceeds a predetermined time interval, providing a visual warning and / or an auditory warning and / or a tactile warning.
[0108] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety level is determined based on a predetermined level determined by: mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and the corresponding bottom portion, and / or mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one or more of the configuration of such vehicle, the configuration of such vehicle body, and the configuration of such bottom portion.
[0109] According to one aspect, the mine safety level is based on a predetermined ground clearance of the bottom portion and a predetermined distance from the base plate portion. According to another aspect, the predetermined distance of the mine safety level from the base plate portion is based on the ground clearance of the bottom portion. According to another aspect, if a mine is to explode below the bottom portion of the vehicle body, the predetermined mine safety level is associated with the expected deformation of the bottom portion.
[0110] According to the implementation method, the method M1 for promoting safe mine handling of vehicles is adapted to be described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description refers to the mine safety device on the vehicle.
[0111] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations will be obvious. These embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the invention and the various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.
Claims
1. A mine safety device for a vehicle (V), the vehicle comprising a vehicle body (VB) and a ground engagement device (T1) for facilitating movement of the vehicle, the ground engagement device being connected to the vehicle body (VB), the vehicle body (VB) comprising a bottom portion (10) and an interior space (S) for accommodating passengers, the interior space having a floor portion (12) associated with the bottom portion (10), the interior space (S) comprising a mine safety level (L) at a predetermined distance from the floor portion (12), wherein, Personnel (P) intended to be placed in the interior space (S) and positioned such that all their body parts are at or above the mine safety level (L) are safe in the event that the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion (10) affecting the floor portion (12), wherein the mine safety device includes a sensor device (100) configured to provide one or more signals (B) at the mine safety level (L) such that body parts crossing the mine safety level (L) are detected by means of the one or more signals (B) for warning personnel (P) that their body parts have crossed the mine safety level (L).
2. The landmine safety device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more signals provided by the sensor device are configured to be one or more light beams.
3. The mine safety device according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more beams are laser beams.
4. The mine safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sensor device includes at least one signal transmitting unit arranged within the interior space to provide the one or more signals at the mine safety level.
5. The mine safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is further configured to provide visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings based on detected body parts.
6. The mine safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The mine safety level (L) is determined based on a predetermined level determined by: mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and the corresponding bottom section, and / or mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one or more of the configuration of such vehicle, the configuration of such vehicle body, and the configuration of such bottom section.
7. A method for facilitating mine-safe operation of a vehicle (V), the vehicle comprising a vehicle body (VB) and a ground engagement device (T1) for facilitating the movement of the vehicle, the ground engagement device being connected to the vehicle body (VB), the vehicle body (VB) comprising a bottom portion (10) and an interior space (S) for accommodating passengers, the interior space having a floor portion (12) associated with the bottom portion (10), the interior space (S) comprising a mine-safe level (L) at a predetermined distance from the floor portion (12), wherein, The method is designed to ensure the safety of a person (P) placed in the interior space (S) and positioned such that all of their body parts are at or above the mine safety level (L) in the event that the vehicle is struck by a mine below the bottom portion (10) affecting the floor portion (12), comprising the following steps: - Provide (S1) one or more signals (B) at the mine safety level (L); and, - Detect (S2) body parts that have crossed the mine safety level (L) by means of one or more signals (B) to warn personnel that a body part has crossed the mine safety level (L).
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more signals (B) are one or more light beams.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more beams are laser beams.
10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising the step of: Based on the detected body parts, provide (S3) visual warnings and / or auditory warnings and / or tactile warnings.
11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The mine safety level (L) is determined based on a predetermined level determined by: mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and the corresponding bottom section, and / or mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one or more of the configuration of such vehicle, the configuration of such vehicle body, and the configuration of such bottom section.
12. A means of transport (V) comprising a mine safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
13. The means of transport (V) according to claim 12, wherein, The vehicle (V) is a tracked vehicle.