Collision-detecting and energy-absorbing device

Abstract

Device (200) comprising: a closed body defining a chamber therein, the body including a rear portion (210), a front portion (212) opposite the rear portion (210), a first portion (230) extending between the rear and front portions (210, 212), and a first side wall (224) and a second side wall (226) connected between the rear portion (210) and the front portion (212) at respective opposite ends thereof, the first portion (230) having a stiffness less than that of at least one remaining portion of the body; and two pressure sensors (220) connected to the body and the chamber to detect a deformation of the first part (230) of the body, characterized in that the pressure sensors (220) are each attached to the first side wall (224) and the second side wall (226).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Vehicles, such as motor vehicles, may incorporate equipment to mitigate the effects of a range of collisions. For example, for collisions of relatively high severity (e.g., with another vehicle at high speed), vehicles may further incorporate systems and components to manage collision energy, such as certain components that deform and / or detach to reduce the collision effects on the passenger compartment. In another example, for collisions with pedestrians, vehicles may incorporate equipment such as bumper- or hood-mounted airbags and hood-lift systems. To control and apply such equipment, the vehicle must detect an appropriate collision. Current mechanisms for detecting such collisions are subject to disadvantages such as their complexity and cost.Bumpers for vehicles are disclosed in DE 10 2010 000 224 B4, DE 10 2008 034 157 A1, DE 10 2008 022 632 A1, DE 10 2012 221 131 A1, WO 2013 / 131629 A1, DE 60 2005 000 945 T2, DE 10 2013 000 908 A1, DE 10 2010 016 931 A1, DE 10 2009 035 023 A1, DE 10 2005 032 082 B3, DE 10 2005 021 282 A1 and DE 10 2013 014 358 A1. The invention is based on the object of providing an alternative that is simpler and more space-saving to produce. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and by an assembly having the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0002] It further describes: A. Device comprising: a closed body defining a chamber therein, the body including a rear portion, a front portion opposite the rear portion, and a first portion extending between the rear and front portions, the first portion having a stiffness less than that of at least one remaining portion of the body; and at least one pressure sensor connected to the body and the chamber to detect a deformation of the first part of the body. B. Device according to A, wherein the first part includes a variation in size and / or thickness and / or shape and / or material composition from the at least one remaining part of the body. C. Device according to B, wherein the body includes a second part extending between the rear and the front part, the first and the second part being arranged one behind the other between the rear and the front part, the first part having a stiffness which is lower than that of the second part. D. The device of C, wherein the first part has a thickness less than that of the first part. E. Device according to C, wherein the first and second parts are partially offset from one another. F. Apparatus according to E, wherein the first and second parts are arranged in a corrugated configuration. G. The device of E, wherein the first and second parts are arranged in a ribbed configuration. H. Device according to A, wherein the rear and front parts of the body vary in height along the width of the body. I. Device according to A, further comprising a first pressure sensor connected to a first side wall of the body and a second pressure sensor connected to a second side wall of the body, the first and second side walls being connected at opposite ends of the body along its width. J. Assembly comprising: a bumper beam for a vehicle; a closed body defining a chamber therein, the body including a rear portion engaging the bumper beam, a front portion opposite the rear portion, and a first portion extending between the rear and front portions, the first portion having a stiffness less than that of at least one remaining portion of the body, the at least one remaining portion of the body having a stiffness less than that of the bumper beam; and at least one pressure sensor connected to the body and in communication with the chamber, wherein the at least one pressure sensor detects a deformation of the first part of the body. K. The assembly of J, wherein the first portion includes a variation in size, thickness, shape, and / or material composition from the at least one remaining portion of the body. L. The assembly of K, wherein the body includes a second portion extending between the rear and front portions, the first and second portions being disposed in series between the rear and front portions, the first portion having a stiffness less than that of the second portion. M. An assembly according to L, wherein the first part has a thickness less than that of the second part. N. Assembly according to L, the first and second parts being partially offset from each other. O. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are arranged in a corrugated configuration. P. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are arranged in a ribbed configuration. Q. Assembly according to J, wherein the rear and front parts of the body vary in height along the width of the body. R. The assembly of J, further comprising a first pressure sensor connected to a first sidewall of the body and a second pressure sensor connected to a second sidewall of the body, the first and second sidewalls being connected at opposite ends of the body along its width. DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary vehicle front end including an exemplary detection device. Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the exemplary bumper beam and pressurized energy absorber of the Fig. 1. Fig. 2B is a partial perspective view of the exemplary bumper beam and pressurized energy absorber of the Fig. 2A. Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the exemplary bumper beam of the Fig. 1 and another exemplary pressurized energy absorber. Fig. 3B is a partial perspective view of the exemplary bumper beam and pressurized energy absorber of the Fig. 3A. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the exemplary bumper beam of the Fig. 1 and another exemplary pressurized energy absorber. Fig. 4B is a partial perspective view of the exemplary bumper beam and pressurized energy absorber of the Fig. 4A. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary bumper beam of the Fig. 1 and another exemplary pressurized energy absorber. Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary process for using an exemplary energy absorbing and detecting device for collision detection and evaluation. Fig. Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example vehicle system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0003] Fig. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a vehicle 10 having a front end 12. The vehicle 10 includes a front bumper assembly 14, which in Fig. 1 is illustrated in an exploded view. The front bumper assembly includes a bumper beam 22 and a front fascia component 26 with an exemplary pressurized energy absorbing and sensing device 200 disposed therebetween.

[0004] The bumper beam 22 includes a front surface 30 having a curved shape that substantially spans the width of the front end 12 of the vehicle 10. The bumper beam 22 further includes rearwardly projecting portions 32 and 34 configured to connect to a frame assembly (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The device 200 is a closed body having a curved shape with an overall width corresponding to the size of the front surface 30 of the bumper beam 22. The device 200 extends across the front surface 30 of the bumper beam 22 and is rigidly connected to the front surface 30. The bumper beam 22 is a relatively rigid component made of a material such as steel. The device 200 is relatively resilient compared to the bumper beam 22. For example, the device 200 may include plastic or foam materials.

[0005] The device 200 includes a rear portion 210 sized and shaped to interface with the front surface 30 of the bumper beam 22. For example, the rear portion 210 may include protuberances complementary to grooves formed in the front surface 30 of the bumper beam 22. The device 200 includes a front portion 212 for connecting the interior of the front fascia component 26 thereto. The device also includes pressure sensors 220 for measuring the pressure change within the device 200 when a force is applied to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10, for example, due to a collision.

[0006] The front fascia component 26 overlaps and connects to the device 200 and is mounted to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10. The front fascia component 26 is relatively thin compared to the energy absorbing component, and the front fascia component 26 is resilient compared to the bumper beam 22. The front fascia component 26 may include a material such as plastic. As such, the detection device is in mechanical connection with the exterior of the front fascia component 26. Thus, a force applied to the front fascia component 26 at a location overlapping or otherwise connected to the device 200 is transmitted to the device 200.

[0007] With further reference to Fig. 7, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle computing device or computer 105 that communicates with the pressure sensors 220 of the device 200, which generally includes a processor and memory, wherein the memory includes one or more forms of computer-readable media, and stores processor-executable instructions for performing various operations, including those disclosed herein. The computer 105 of the vehicle 10 receives information, for example, data collected from one or more data collectors 110 relating to various components or conditions of the vehicle 10, for example, components such as a braking system, a steering system, a powertrain, etc., and / or conditions such as speed, acceleration, pitch, yaw, roll, etc. of the vehicle 10. The computer 105 generally includes a crash restraint module 106 that includes instructions for operating collision mitigation systems or equipment 120.Furthermore, the computer 105 may include more than one computing device, for example, controllers or the like, installed in the vehicle 10 for monitoring and / or controlling various vehicle components such as a crash restraint module 106, an engine control unit (ECU), a powertrain control unit (TCU), etc. The computer is generally configured for communication on a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or the like. The computer may also have a connection to an on-board diagnostic connector (OBD-II). Via the CAN bus, OBD-II, and / or other wired or wireless mechanisms, the computer may send messages to and / or receive messages from various devices in a vehicle, for example, control units, actuators, sensors, etc., including the pressure sensors 220 of the device 200 and collision mitigation systems or equipment 120.Alternatively or additionally, in cases where the computer actually comprises multiple devices, the CAN bus or the like may be used for communication between the multiple devices comprising the vehicle computer. Additionally, the computer may be configured for communication with a network that may include various wired and / or wireless network technologies, such as cellular, Bluetooth, wired and / or wireless packet networks, etc.

[0008] Generally, a crash restraint module 106 is included in the instructions stored and executed by computer 105. Using data received by computer 105, such as from data collectors 110, including pressure sensors 220, data included as stored parameters 116, etc., module 106 may control various collision mitigation systems or equipment 120 of vehicle 10. For example, module 106 may be used to deploy bumper- or hood-mounted airbags and hood lift systems when a pedestrian impact is detected. Further, module 106 may include instructions for evaluating information received at computer 105 relating to the characteristics of the operator of vehicle 10, for example, from pressure sensors 220 and / or other data collectors 110.

[0009] The data collectors 110 may include a variety of devices. For example, in a vehicle, various control units may operate as data collectors 110 to provide data 115 via the CAN bus, for example, data 115 related to vehicle speed, acceleration, etc. Furthermore, sensors or the like, GPS equipment, etc., may be included in a vehicle and configured as data collectors 110 to provide data directly to the computer 105, for example, via a wired or wireless connection. Sensor data collectors 110 may include communication devices to send and receive information from other vehicles, such as path intentions of vehicles surrounding the vehicle 10. Sensor data collectors 110 may include mechanisms such as RADAR, LADAR, sonar, etc., sensors that could be used to measure a distance between the vehicle 10 and other vehicles or objects.Still other sensor data collectors 110 may include impact sensors such as pressure sensors 220. Additionally, data collectors 110 may include sensors for detecting a position, a change in position, a rate of change in position, etc., of components of vehicle 10 such as a steering wheel, a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, a gearshift lever, etc.

[0010] A memory of computer 105 generally stores collected data 115. Collected data 115 may include a variety of data collected within a vehicle 10. Examples of collected data 115 are provided above, and data 115 is generally collected using one or more data collectors 110 and may additionally include data calculated therefrom within computer 105 and / or server 125. In general, collected data 115 may include any data collected by and / or calculated from a collection device 110. Accordingly, collected data 115 may include a variety of data related to the operation and / or performance of vehicle 10, data received from another vehicle, as well as environmental conditions, road conditions, etc., related to vehicle 10.For example, the collected data 115 may include data including speed, acceleration, pitch, yaw, roll, braking of the vehicle 10, presence or absence of precipitation, tire pressure, tire condition, etc.

[0011] A memory of computer 105 may further store parameters 116. A parameter 116 generally directs the control of a system or component of vehicle 10. These parameters may vary due to an environmental condition, road condition, condition of vehicle 10, or the like. For example, a parameter 116 may specify predetermined impact thresholds for identifying pedestrians and, consequently, conditions for deploying pedestrian impact mitigation systems such as bumper- or hood-mounted airbags and hood lift systems.

[0012] The Fig. 2A-2B are perspective views of the device 200 connected to the bumper beam 22 of the vehicle 10. The device 200 has a generally elongated tubular shape with a rear portion 210 and a front portion 212 extending across the width thereof. The device 200 includes a first side wall 224 and a second side wall 226 connected between the rear portion 210 and the front portion 212 at opposite ends thereof. The sensors 220 are attached to the first side wall 224 and the second side wall 226, respectively. The device 200 further includes first, second, and third upper portions 230, 232, 234 extending across the device 200. The first, second and third upper parts 230, 232, 234 are arranged one behind the other between the rear part 210 and the front part 212.The first upper portion 230 is located near and connected to an upper edge 260 of the rear portion 210. The third upper portion 234 is located near and connected to an upper edge 262 of the front portion 212. The second upper portion 232 is located between the first upper portion 230 and the third upper portion 234. The device 200 also includes first, second, and third lower portions 240, 242, 244 that extend across the device 200. The first, second, and third lower portions 240, 242, 244 are arranged one behind the other between the rear portion 210 and the front portion 212. The first lower portion 240 is located near and connected to a lower edge 270 of the rear portion 210. The third lower part 244 is located close to and connected to a lower edge 272 of the front part 212.The second lower part 242 is located between the first lower part 240 and the third lower part 244.

[0013] Each of the first, second, and third upper portions 230-234 and each of the first, second, and third lower portions 240-244 may be designed with a different stiffness, such as by a different thickness across the width of the device 200. For example, as shown in Fig. 2B, the first lower portion 240 has a first thickness T1, the second lower portion 242 has a second thickness T2, and the third lower portion 244 has a third thickness T3. As shown in the exemplary illustrations, the third thickness T3 is greater than the second thickness T2, and the second thickness T2 is greater than the first thickness T1. Accordingly, for example, the third lower portion 244 has a greater stiffness than the second lower portion 242, and the second lower portion 242 has a greater stiffness than the first lower portion 240.It is understood that the upper and / or lower parts are arranged one behind the other in the following exemplary manner: first, second, and third upper parts 230-234 and first, second, and third lower parts 240-244; and that, alternatively or in addition to the exemplary thickness differences, they may also vary in stiffness by, for example, changes in material composition and / or adding reinforcing features, such as reinforcing beads attached thereto.

[0014] The rear part 210, the front part 212, the side walls 224, 226, the upper parts 230-234, and the lower parts 240-244 enclose an internal volume 250. The pressure sensors 220 are fluidly connected to the internal volume 250.

[0015] Due to the design variations of the first, second, and third upper portions 230-234 and the first, second, and third lower portions 240-244, the device 200 provides a range of responses to impact forces acting on the front end 12 of the vehicle 10 toward detecting and / or absorbing kinetic energy in the event of a collision or impact with the front end 12 of the vehicle 10. For example, if the first upper portion 230 and the first lower portion 240 have relatively small thicknesses and therefore each have a relatively low stiffness, the device 200 is partially deformable in response to relatively small impact forces, such as a collision of the vehicle 10 with a pedestrian, to thereby produce a change in the pressure of the internal volume 250 that can be detected by the pressure sensors 220.The pressure sensors 220 generate pressure signals that allow the vehicle computer to distinguish between objects, thereby further controlling the operation of the collision mitigation equipment and systems. The remaining upper portions 232, 234 and lower portions 242, 244 of the device 200, which have greater stiffness than the first upper portion 230 and the first lower portion 240, deform, fracture, or compress at relatively greater impact forces to absorb kinetic energy in the event of a collision or impact with the front end 12 of the vehicle 10 to mitigate the energy transferred to the bumper beam and other portions of the vehicle 10 during collisions that generate such relatively greater impact forces. Accordingly, the device 200 provides energy absorbing and sensing functionality for the vehicle 10 in response to a wide range of impact forces.

[0016] The Fig. 3A-3B are perspective views of another exemplary energy absorbing and sensing device 300 connected to the bumper beam 22 of the vehicle 10. The device 300 is a closed body having a generally elongated tubular shape with a rear and front portions 310, 312 extending across the width thereof. The device 300 includes first and second side walls 324, 326 connected between the rear and front portions 310, 312 at respective opposite ends thereof. Sensors 320 are attached to the first and second side walls 324, 326, respectively. The device 300 further includes first, second, and third upper portions 330, 332, 334 extending across the device 300.The first, second, and third upper portions 330, 332, 334 are arranged one behind the other in a wavy configuration between the rear portion 310 and the front portion 312. The first upper portion 330 is located between the second upper portion 332 and the third upper portion 334. The second upper portion 332 is located near and connected to an upper edge 360 of the rear portion 310. The third upper portion 334 is located near and connected to an upper edge 362 of the front portion 312. The device 300 also includes first, second, and third lower portions 340, 342, 344 that extend across the device 300. The first, second, and third lower portions 340, 342, 344 are arranged one behind the other in a wavy configuration between the rear portion 310 and the front portion 312. The first lower portion 340 is located between the second lower portion 342 and the third lower portion 344.The second lower portion 342 is located near and connected to a lower edge 370 of the rear portion 310. The third lower portion 344 is located near and connected to a lower edge 372 of the front portion 312.

[0017] The corrugated configurations of the first, second, and third upper portions 330-334 and the first, second, and third lower portions 340-344 provide the device 300 with varying stiffness. For example, as shown in Fig. 3B illustrates the shape and partial displacement or offset of the first lower portion 340 relative to the second and third lower portions 342, 344, providing the device 300 with greater stiffness at the first lower portion 340 compared to the second and third lower portions 342, 344. It is understood that the upper and / or lower portions are each arranged one behind the other in a wavy configuration in the following exemplary manner: first, second, and third upper portions 330-334 and first, second, and third lower portions 340-344; and that these may also vary in stiffness due, for example, to variations in thickness T4, material composition, and / or by adding reinforcing features such as reinforcing beads attached thereto.

[0018] The rear part 310, the front part 312, the side walls 324, 326, the upper parts 330-334 and the lower parts 340-344 enclose an inner volume 350. The pressure sensors 320 are fluidly connected to the inner volume 350.

[0019] As similarly discussed above with respect to the exemplary device 200, the device 300 provides a range of responses to impact forces applied to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10 toward detecting and / or absorbing kinetic energy in the event of a collision or impact with the front end 12 of the vehicle 10. For example, due to the variations in stiffness provided by the configuration of the first, second, and third upper portions 330-334 and the first, second, and third lower portions 340-344, the device 300 is partially deformable in response to relatively small impact forces, such as a collision of the vehicle 10 with a pedestrian, to thereby create a change in the pressure of the internal volume 350 that can be detected by the pressure sensors 320.The pressure sensors 320 generate pressure signals that allow the vehicle computer to distinguish between objects, thereby further controlling the operation of the collision mitigation equipment and systems. The remaining, relatively stiffer portions of the device 300 deform, fracture, or compress under relatively large impact forces to absorb kinetic energy in the event of a collision or impact with the front end 12 of the vehicle 10, thereby mitigating the energy transferred to the bumper beam and other portions of the vehicle 10 during collisions that generate such relatively large impact forces. Accordingly, the device 300 provides energy absorbing and sensing functionality for the vehicle 10 in response to a wide range of impact forces.

[0020] The Fig. 4A-4B are perspective views of another exemplary energy absorbing and sensing device 400 connected to the bumper beam 22 of the vehicle 10. The device 400 is a closed body having a generally elongated tubular shape with a rear and a front portion 410, 412 extending across the width thereof. The device 400 includes first and second side walls 424, 426 connected between the rear and front portions 410, 412 at respective opposite ends thereof. Sensors 420 are attached to the first and second side walls 424, 426, respectively. The device 400 further includes first through fifth upper portions 430-438 extending across the device 400.The first, second, and third upper portions 430, 432, 434 are arranged alternately one behind the other with the fourth and fifth upper portions 436, 438 in a ribbed configuration between the rear portion 410 and the front portion 412. The first upper portion 430 is close to and connected to an upper edge 460 of the rear portion 410 on one side thereof and, on the other side, to the fourth upper portion 436, which has the shape of an outer rib. The second upper portion 432 is close to and connected to the fourth upper portion 436 on one side and, on the other side, to the fifth upper portion 438, which also has the shape of an outer rib. The third upper portion 434 is proximate to and connected to the fourth upper portion 436 on one side and to an upper edge 462 of the front portion 412 on the other side. The device 400 also includes first through fifth lower portions 440-448 extending across the device 400.The first, second and third lower parts 440, 442, 444 are arranged alternately one behind the other with the fourth and fifth lower parts 446, 448 in a ribbed configuration between the rear part 410 and the front part 412 in a similar manner to the first to fifth upper parts 430-438 as set forth herein.

[0021] The ribbed configurations of the first to fifth upper portions 430-438 and the first to fifth lower portions 440-448 provide the device 400 with varying stiffness. For example, as shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4B, the shape and partial displacement or offset arrangement of the ribbed fourth and fifth lower portions 446, 448 relative to the other lower portions provides the device 400 with greater stiffness at the fourth and fifth lower portions 446, 448 compared to the other lower portions. It should be understood that the upper and / or lower portions, each arranged in an alternately ribbed configuration in the following exemplary manner: first to fifth upper portions 430-438 and first to fifth lower portions 440-448, may also vary in stiffness, for example, due to variations in thickness T5, material composition, and / or by adding reinforcing features, such as reinforcing beads attached thereto.

[0022] The rear portion 410, the front portion 412, the side walls 424, 426, the upper portions 430-438, and the lower portions 440-448 enclose an internal volume 450. The pressure sensors 420 are fluidly connected to the internal volume 450.

[0023] As similarly discussed above with respect to example devices 200 and 300, device 400 provides a range of responses to impact forces applied to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10 toward detecting and / or absorbing kinetic energy in the event of a collision or impact with the front end 12 of the vehicle 10. For example, due to the variations in stiffness provided by the ribbed configuration of the first through fifth upper portions 430-438 and the first through fifth lower portions 440-448, device 400 is partially deformable in response to relatively small impact forces, such as a collision of the vehicle 10 with a pedestrian, to thereby create a change in the pressure of the internal volume 450 that can be detected by pressure sensors 420.The pressure sensors 420 generate pressure signals that allow the vehicle computer to distinguish between objects, thereby further controlling the operation of the collision mitigation equipment and systems. The remaining, relatively stiffer portions of the device 400 deform, fracture, or compress under relatively large impact forces to absorb kinetic energy in the event of a collision or impact with the front end 12 of the vehicle 10, thereby mitigating the energy transferred to the bumper beam and other portions of the vehicle 10 during collisions that generate such relatively large impact forces. Accordingly, the device 400 provides energy absorbing and sensing functionality for the vehicle 10 in response to a wide range of impact forces.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary energy absorbing and sensing device 500 coupled to the bumper beam 22 of the vehicle 10. The device 500 is a closed body having a generally elongated tubular shape with a rear and front portions 510, 512 extending across the width thereof. The device 500 includes first and second side walls 524, 526 connected between the rear and front portions 510, 512 at respective opposite ends thereof. Sensors 520 are attached to the first and second side walls 524, 526, respectively. The device 500 further includes first through fifth upper portions 530-538 extending across the device 500.The first, second, and third upper portions 530, 532, 534 are arranged alternately one behind the other with the fourth and fifth upper portions 536, 538 in a ribbed configuration between the rear portion 510 and the front portion 512. The first upper portion 530 is close to and connected to an upper edge 560 of the rear portion 510 on one side thereof and on the other to the fourth upper portion 536, which has the shape of an outer rib. The second upper portion 532 is close to and connected to the fourth upper portion 536 on one side and to the fifth portion 538, which also has the shape of an outer rib, on the other side. The third upper portion 534 is proximate to and connected to the fourth upper portion 536 on one side and to an upper edge 562 of the front portion 512 on the other side. The device 500 also includes first through fifth lower portions 540-548 extending across the device 500.The first, second and third lower parts 540, 542, 544 are arranged alternately one behind the other with the fourth and fifth lower parts 546, 548 in a ribbed configuration between the rear part 510 and the front part 512 in a similar manner to the first to fifth upper parts 530-538 as set forth herein.

[0025] The ribbed configurations of the first through fifth upper portions 530-538 and the first through fifth lower portions 540-548 provide the device 500 with varying stiffness, as described herein with reference to the exemplary first through fifth upper portions 430-438 and the exemplary first through fifth lower portions 440-448 of the device 400. Furthermore, the device 500 is provided with varying stiffness by varying the size of the front portion 512 along with the width of the device 500, such as by the height or thickness T7 being greater than the heights or thicknesses T6 and T8.

[0026] The rear part 510, the front part 512, the side walls 524, 526, the upper parts 530-538 and the lower parts 540-548 enclose an inner volume 550. The pressure sensors 520 are fluidly connected to the inner volume 550.

[0027] As similarly discussed above with respect to example devices 200, 300, and 400, device 500 provides a range of responses to impact forces applied to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10 toward detecting and / or absorbing kinetic energy in the event of a collision or impact with the front end 12 of the vehicle 10. For example, device 500 is partially deformable in response to relatively small impact forces, such as a collision of the vehicle 10 with a pedestrian, to thereby create a change in the pressure of the internal volume 550 that can be detected by pressure sensors 520. Pressure sensors 520 generate pressure signals that allow the vehicle computer to distinguish between objects and thereby further control the operation of collision mitigation equipment and systems.The remaining, relatively stiffer portions of device 500 deform, fracture, or compress under relatively large impact forces to absorb kinetic energy in the event of a collision or impact with the front end 12 of the vehicle 10, thereby mitigating the energy transferred to the bumper beam and other portions of the vehicle 10 during collisions that generate such relatively larger impact forces. Accordingly, device 500 provides energy absorbing and sensing functionality for the vehicle 10 in response to a wide range of impact forces.

[0028] An energy absorbing and sensing device according to the present disclosure may also vary in configuration, with variations in shape and / or material compositions across its width, alone or in combination with variations in configuration, size, or thickness as set forth herein. For example, an energy absorbing and sensing device according to the present disclosure may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including, for example, circular, elliptical, and rectangular.

[0029] Fig. 6 is a diagram of an example process 600 for using an example energy absorbing and sensing device according to the present disclosure, for example, devices 200, 300, 400, or 500.

[0030] The process 600 begins at block 605, where the vehicle 10 begins or continues operation. Following block 605, the computer 105 receives collected data 115 at block 610. As mentioned above, the collected data 115 may be provided via one or more of a variety of data collection devices 110, including the pressure sensors 220, and may include data related to the speed, pitch, yaw, and roll of the vehicle 10, environmental conditions, road conditions, etc.

[0031] Following block 610, in block 615, the computer 105 evaluates the collected data 115 collected as described with reference to block 610 to determine whether a pressure signal was received from the pressure sensors 220. If a pressure signal was received from the pressure sensors 220, the computer 105 and the module 106 next compare the pressure signal from the pressure sensors 220 to calibrated thresholds stored as part of the energy absorbing and sensing device parameters 116 in block 620.

[0032] Next, in block 625 and block 630, the computer 105 and module 106 determine the severity of the collision based on the comparison in block 620 and classify the collision according to the severity relative to additional stored parameters 116. For example, if the collision is of a known severity that corresponds to the severity of a collision with a pedestrian, the computer 105 and module 116 classify the collision as a pedestrian collision.

[0033] Next, in block 635, based on the classification and severity of the impact as determined in blocks 625-630, the computer 105 and module 106 determine whether a collision mitigation system 120 should be activated. If a collision mitigation system 120 should be activated, the computer 105 and module 106 will next select and apply operating parameters for the collision mitigation system 120 from the stored parameters 116 in blocks 640-645.

[0034] If no pressure signal is initially received from the pressure sensors 220, block 645 or block 615 is executed, followed by block 650, to determine whether the vehicle 10 should remain in operation. If not, then the process 600 ends. If the vehicle 10 remains in operation, the process 600 returns to blocks 605, 610, and 615. Computing devices of the type discussed herein each generally include instructions executable by one or more computing devices, such as those identified above, for performing blocks or steps of processes described above. For example, the process blocks discussed above may be embodied as computer-executable instructions.

[0035] Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted by computer programs using a variety of programming languages and / or technologies, including, among others, either alone or in combination, Java™, C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, etc. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from, for example, memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes the instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more processes described herein. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transferred using a variety of computer-readable media. A file in a computing device is generally a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium, random access memory, etc.

[0036] A computer-readable medium includes any media that participates in the provision of data (for example, instructions) that can be read by a computer. Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and so on. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent storage. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically forms main memory.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a diskette, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punched cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with hole patterns, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium that a computer can read from.

Claims

[1] Device (200) comprising: a closed body defining a chamber therein, the body including a rear portion (210), a front portion (212) opposite the rear portion (210), a first portion (230) extending between the rear and front portions (210, 212), and a first side wall (224) and a second side wall (226) connected between the rear portion (210) and the front portion (212) at respective opposite ends thereof, the first portion (230) having a stiffness less than that of at least one remaining portion of the body; and two pressure sensors (220) connected to the body and the chamber to detect a deformation of the first part (230) of the body, characterized by , that the pressure sensors (220) are each attached to the first side wall (224) and the second side wall (226). [2] The device (200) of claim 1, wherein the first portion (230) includes a variation in size, thickness, shape, and / or material composition from the at least one remaining portion of the body. [3] The device (200) of claim 2, wherein the body includes a second portion (232) extending between the rear and front portions (210, 212), the first and second portions (230, 232) being disposed in series between the rear and front portions (210, 212), the first portion (230) having a stiffness less than that of the second portion (232). [4] The device (200) of claim 3, wherein the first part (230) has a thickness (T1) that is smaller than the thickness (T2) of the second part (232). [5] The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second parts (230, 232) are partially offset from each other. [6] Assembly (14) comprising: a bumper beam (22) for a vehicle (10); a closed body defining a chamber therein, the body including a rear portion (310) engaging the bumper beam (22), a front portion (312) opposite the rear portion (210), a first portion (330) extending between the rear and front portions (310, 312), and a first side wall (324) and a second side wall (326) connected between the rear portion (310) and the front portion (312) at respective opposite ends thereof, the first portion (330) having a stiffness less than that of at least one remaining portion of the body, the at least one remaining portion of the body having a stiffness less than that of the bumper beam (22); and two pressure sensors (320) connected to the body and in communication with the chamber, wherein the at least one pressure sensor (320) detects a deformation of the first part (330) of the body, characterized by , that the pressure sensors (320) are each attached to the first side wall (324) and the second side wall (326). [7] The assembly (14) of claim 6, wherein the first portion (330) includes a variation in size, thickness, shape, and / or material composition from the at least one remaining portion of the body. [8] The assembly (14) of claim 7, wherein the body includes a second portion (332) extending between the rear and front portions (310, 312), the first and second portions (330, 332) being disposed in series between the rear and front portions (310, 312), the first portion (330) having a stiffness less than that of the second portion (332). [9] The assembly (14) of claim 8, wherein the first portion (230) has a thickness less than the thickness of the second portion (232). [10] The assembly (14) of claim 8, wherein the first and second portions (330, 332) are partially offset from one another.

Images