SAFETY DEVICE FOR THE GLASS WINDOW OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

A safety device (100) for a glass pane (100A) in a vehicle is described. The safety device (100) comprises a fabric body (102) adapted to be detachably configured with the glass pane (100A), wherein at least one side of the fabric body (102) is sewn to form a closed chamber (104) with an opening on the corresponding side. The safety device (100) further comprises a gas generator (106) which is in fluid communication with the closed chamber (104) on the sewn side(s) of the fabric body (102).Accordingly, the gas generator (106) is configured to feed and fill pressurized gas into the closed chamber (104) of the sewn side of the fabric body (102) in the event of an accident or impact on the vehicle, causing the fabric body (102) to move from a folded position to an unfolded position in which the fabric body (102) covers the glass pane (100A).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of safety devices for the vehicle interior. In particular, the present disclosure provides a safety device for glass panes in a vehicle that prevents glass shards from flying into the vehicle interior in the event of an impact or accident. BACKGROUND

[0002] In modern automotive design, infotainment glass displays, IP screen glass, and other glass panels fulfill important functions, providing drivers and passengers with access to information, entertainment, and protection. However, these glass components pose significant safety risks in the event of severe impacts or accidents. Upon impact, the glass panels can deform and shatter, scattering sharp shards throughout the vehicle interior. This creates a hazardous environment for the occupants, as these flying glass fragments can cause serious injuries.

[0003] While modern vehicle safety systems like airbags are designed to mitigate the effects of collisions, they may not effectively protect occupants from the dangers posed by shattered glass. Airbags primarily serve to cushion and restrain occupants during impact, but they typically deploy only after the initial impact, leaving occupants vulnerable to injury from glass shards in the moments immediately following the collision. Because the airbag's deployment path is quite long, the time it takes for it to fully inflate can be slower. Furthermore, the effectiveness of airbags in protecting against glass shards can vary depending on the type and severity of the accident, such as frontal, rollover, side, or rear-end collisions.

[0004] Given the increasing number of high-impact accidents and the different types of vehicle accidents, there is a need for improved safety solutions that specifically address the risks associated with glass deformation and shattering.

[0005] In the field of vehicle airbag systems, some efforts have already been made in the past. For example, patent document US2023234530A1 discloses a device that contributes to the protection of a vehicle occupant. The device comprises an instrument panel and a display screen located behind a surface of the instrument panel facing the occupant and extending vertically over an upper surface of the instrument panel. The device includes an airbag configured to assume a stowed state in which the airbag is rolled up and / or folded and located within the instrument panel at a position below the display screen. The airbag is configured to inflate and deploy from the instrument panel when it receives inflation fluid from an inflation fluid source.The airbag is configured to deploy upwards through a space between the occupant and the dashboard until it reaches a position between the screen and the occupant. However, the longer deployment path required in the cited reference, and more generally, can result in a slower inflation or deployment speed. This delay can lead to occupants being injured by glass shards in the moments immediately following an impact. Furthermore, integrating airbags and existing gas generators into all glass surfaces of vehicles, particularly at the rear, can provide a compact and cost-effective solution for protecting occupants from the hazards of shattered glass. Therefore, the cited reference does not offer an effective and reliable solution to the aforementioned problem.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to address the aforementioned shortcomings, limitations, and problems by providing an effective, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for preventing glass fragments from flying in conjunction with glass panes in vehicles during an impact or accident. TASK OF INVENTION

[0007] A general object of the present invention is to provide a safety mechanism that minimizes the risk of injury to vehicle occupants from shattered glass in the vehicle interior in the event of an impact or accident.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to improve the integrity of infotainment glass displays and other glass panes of different dimensions and to reduce the probability of glass shards flying around in the event of an impact or accident.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to protect the occupants from the dangers posed by shattered glass in various types of accidents, including frontal, rollover, side and rear collisions.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution that effectively eliminates the shortcomings of existing safety measures, such as airbags, in protecting against the dangers posed by flying glass fragments from display devices.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to improve general vehicle safety and occupant protection and to promote safer driving behavior in accidents. SUMMARY

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of safety devices for the vehicle interior. In particular, the present disclosure provides a safety device for glass panes in a vehicle that prevents glass shards from flying into the vehicle interior in the event of an impact or accident.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a safety device for a glass pane in a vehicle is described. The safety device comprises a fabric body adapted to be detachably configured with the glass pane, the fabric body having a surface area based on the dimensions of the glass pane. Furthermore, at least one side of the fabric body is sewn shut, forming a closed chamber with an opening on that side. The safety device also includes a gas generator that is in fluid communication with the closed chamber on the at least one sewn side of the fabric body.Accordingly, the gas generator is configured so that in the event of an accident or impact on the vehicle, it feeds and fills a predefined volume of pressurized gas into the closed chamber of the corresponding sewn side of the fabric body, causing the fabric body to move from a folded position to an unfolded position in which the fabric body covers the glass pane.

[0014] In one aspect, the glass pane can be connected to a display module of the vehicle. Furthermore, the gas generator is a pyrotechnic gas generator.

[0015] The gas generator can be operationally connected to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU can be configured to send a trigger signal to the gas generator in the event of an accident or impact on the vehicle, causing the gas generator to supply the pressurized gas.

[0016] Furthermore, the safety device can comprise a first set of magnetic elements arranged at predefined positions on the glass pane, and a second set of magnetic elements arranged at predefined positions on the fabric body. The first and second sets of magnetic elements can be designed to magnetically interlock, thereby securing or locking the fabric body in the folded or unfolded position on the glass pane.

[0017] In one case, the first set of magnetic elements can be arranged on the top and bottom of the glass pane, and the second set of magnetic elements can be arranged on the bottom of the tissue body.

[0018] Furthermore, the fabric layer can be removablely arranged on the top or upper front of the glass pane, so that one front of the glass pane remains uncovered when the fabric body is in the folded position, and the front of the glass pane remains covered when the fabric body is in the unfolded position.

[0019] Furthermore, the gas generator can be detachably attached to the back of the glass pane, and the top of the fabric body can be attached to the top or upper front of the glass pane. The fabric body can also be designed so that it can be manually moved from the unfolded position to the folded position when the pressurized gas is removed.

[0020] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1A shows an exemplary view of the proposed safety device in a folded position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary view of the proposed safety device in an unfolded (unfolded) position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1C shows exemplary front and top views of the tissue body connected to the safety device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of the proposed safety device in the event of an impact or collision according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clarify the disclosure. However, this level of detail is not intended to limit foreseeable variations of embodiments; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0023] The embodiments described here relate to a safety device for glass panes in a vehicle, which prevents glass shards from flying around in the vehicle interior in the event of an impact or accident.

[0024] With reference to Fig. References 1A to 2 disclose the proposed safety device 100 for glass panes 100A in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the glass pane 100A can be connected to a screen installed in the vehicle interior, but this is not limited to such devices. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that, although various embodiments of the safety device 100, which is installed on the glass pane 100A in conjunction with the screen, have been described here, the safety device 100 can also be installed on other glass panes without restriction, and that all these embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] In one embodiment, the safety device 100 can comprise a fabric body 102 designed to be removable with the glass pane 100A. The fabric body 102 can have an area or dimension based on the dimensions of the glass pane 100A, such that the entire glass pane 100A can be covered by the fabric body 102 when unfolded. Furthermore, at least one side of the fabric body 102 can be sewn shut, forming a closed chamber 104 with an opening on the corresponding side. For example, as shown, the lateral sides 102-1, 102-2 of the tissue body 102 can be sewn together, so that the closed chamber 104 is formed with the opening on the lateral sides 102-1, 102-2 of the tissue body 102; however, only one of the lateral sides 102-1 or 102-2 can also be sewn together, and all such embodiments are entirely within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] This tissue body 102 can be folded in a zigzag pattern in the folded position, as shown in Fig. 1A shown, and further fully undressed as in Fig. Figure 1B shows that in one exemplary embodiment, the fabric body 102 can be made of high-strength materials such as Kevlar, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, ballistic nylon, and glass fiber fabric, but is not limited to such materials. In another exemplary embodiment, the fabric body 102 can be a normal textile fabric reinforced with high-strength materials such as Kevlar, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, ballistic nylon, glass fiber fabric, and the like. These materials can be designed to absorb an impact and contain broken glass by forming a durable and protective barrier, while the fabric body 102 can be easily folded when required.

[0027] Furthermore, the safety device 100 can include a gas generator 106 fluidically connected to the enclosed chamber 104 on the sewn side(s) of the fabric body 102, the gas generator 106 being configured to produce pressurized gas. In one embodiment, each of the enclosed chambers 104 can be fluidically connected to a single gas generator 106 to improve reliability and effectiveness. However, in some embodiments, a single gas generator 106 can also be fluidically connected to all enclosed chambers 104 formed on the sewn side of the fabric body 102.Furthermore, in one embodiment the gas generator 106 can be installed directly at the openings of the corresponding closed chambers 104, which are formed on the sewn side of the fabric body 102, but the gas generator 106 can also be fluidically connected to the openings of the corresponding closed chambers 104 via pipes 108.

[0028] In one embodiment, the gas generator 106 can be a pyrotechnic gas generator, but is not limited to this. The pyrotechnic gas generator 106 is a compact device that generates gas by burning a solid propellant and is primarily used for rapid and controlled inflation or triggering. Upon activation, which is typically triggered by electrical signals, the propellant ignites and rapidly releases gas to inflate or trigger the safety device 100. The chemical reaction is highly controlled to ensure that a precise amount of gas is produced, enabling a rapid response in critical situations.

[0029] Furthermore, the gas generator 106 can be connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) 110 of the vehicle. The ECU 110 can be configured to detect impacts or shocks to the vehicle using a series of sensors connected to the vehicle's impact detection system. Accordingly, in the event of an accident or impact to the vehicle, the ECU 110 can send an activation signal to the gas generator 106, which can then cause the gas generator 106 to generate and supply the pressurized gas.

[0030] Accordingly, the gas generator 106 can be configured to quickly feed and fill a predefined volume of pressurized gas into the closed chamber 104 of the corresponding sewn side 102-1, 102-2 of the tissue body 102 in the event of an accident or impact on the vehicle, which can cause the tissue body 102 to expand from a folded position, as in Fig. 1A shown folded position in a Fig. 1B can move into the unfolded position shown, in which the tissue body 102 covers an entire surface of the glass pane 100A, thus preventing broken glass fragments of the glass pane 100A from flying into the vehicle interior.

[0031] Furthermore, the tissue body 102 can also be designed so that, after the supply pressure has been released, it can be manually moved from the unfolded position to the folded position once the effect of the impact or accident has subsided. This can allow technicians easy access to the glass pane 100A or to reinstall the safety device 100 if necessary.

[0032] In one embodiment, the fabric layer can be detachably arranged on the top or upper front surface of the glass pane 100A, wherein the top surface 102-3 of the fabric body 102 can be attached to the top or upper front surface of the glass pane 100A, so that a front surface of the glass pane 100A (facing the vehicle interior or the occupants) remains uncovered when the fabric body 102 is in the folded position, and the front surface of the glass pane 100A remains covered when the fabric body 102 is in the unfolded position.This normally allows the vehicle occupants an unobstructed and non-distracting view of the glass pane 100A and the associated display module, while the fabric body 102 can unfold and cover an entire surface of the glass pane 100A, thus preventing broken glass shards from flying into the vehicle interior or towards the occupants and posing a risk of injury.

[0033] In another embodiment, the gas generator 106 can be detachably attached to the rear of the glass pane 100A, wherein the gas generator 106 is fluidically connected to the opening of the corresponding closed chambers 104 via the tubes. In another embodiment, however, the gas generator 106 can be detachably attached to the top of the glass pane 100A, wherein the gas generator 106 is directly fluidically connected to the opening of the corresponding closed chamber 104.

[0034] In one embodiment, the safety device 100 can comprise a first set of magnetic elements 112 arranged at first predefined positions on the glass plate 100A, and a second set of magnetic elements 114 arranged at second predefined positions on the tissue body 102. These first and second sets of magnetic elements 112, 114 can be adapted to magnetically interlock and secure or lock the tissue body 102 in the folded or unfolded position on the glass plate 100A.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the first set of magnetic elements 112 can be arranged on the upper and lower front faces of the glass plate 100A. Furthermore, the second set of magnetic elements 114 can be arranged on the underside 102-4 of the tissue body 102. Accordingly, the first magnetic elements 112 on the upper front face of the glass plate 100A can remain coupled to the second magnetic elements 114, which are arranged on the underside of the tissue body 102, when the tissue body 102 is in the folded position, thereby holding the tissue body 102 in the folded position under normal circumstances.In the event of an impact or crash, the pressurized gas pressure supplied to the closed chambers 104 of the fabric body 102 remains significantly higher than the magnetic coupling force between the first and second sets of magnetic elements 112, 114. This allows the first and second sets of magnetic elements 112, 114 to detach quickly, enabling the fabric body 102 to move into the unfolded position without interruption or delay. Furthermore, the second set of magnetic elements 114, located on the underside 102-4 of the fabric body 102, can couple with the first set of magnetic elements 112 on the underside of the glass pane 100A as the fabric body 102 moves into the unfolded position. This holds and secures the fabric body 102 in the unfolded position, preventing the broken glass fragments from flying into the vehicle interior or towards the occupants.

[0036] Fig.Figure 202 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the safety device 100. In step 202, if the vehicle experiences an impact or collision, the structure and its corresponding trim can begin to deform, causing the load path or impact force to act on the glass pane 100A. Furthermore, in step 204, the ECU 110 can activate the proposed safety device 100 and the vehicle's airbags in response. Simultaneously, in step 206, the pyrotechnic gas generator 106 can be triggered by the ECU 110, which can then inject pressurized gas into the chamber 104 formed at the sewn edges of the fabric body 102. This can lead to the unfolding of the fabric body 102 in step 208, thereby bringing the fabric body 102 into the unfolded position.Later, in step 210, if the glass pane 100A breaks upon impact, the glass fragments can be guided into the unfolded (unfolded) fabric body 102 to prevent them from scattering throughout the vehicle interior. Finally, in step 212, the magnetic elements can attach the fabric body 102 to the glass pane 100A or the display module, so that it remains in the unfolded position during the impact.

[0037] Therefore, this disclosure addresses the shortcomings, limitations and problems associated with glass fragments flying inside the vehicle during accidents or impacts by providing an effective, reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution in the form of the proposed safety device that prevents fragments associated with the impact or accident from flying.

[0038] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variants, or examples, provided that they are included to enable a person with ordinary technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to such a person. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention provides a safety mechanism that minimizes the risk of injury to vehicle occupants from shattered glass in the vehicle interior in the event of an impact or accident.

[0040] The present invention improves the integrity of infotainment glass displays and other glass panes of different dimensions and reduces the likelihood of glass shards flying around in the event of an impact or accident.

[0041] The present invention protects the occupants from the dangers posed by shattered glass in various types of accidents such as frontal, rollover, side and rear collisions.

[0042] The present invention provides a solution that effectively eliminates the shortcomings of existing safety measures, such as airbags, with regard to protection against the dangers posed by flying glass fragments from display devices.

[0043] The present invention increases general vehicle safety and occupant protection, thus contributing to safer driving behavior in accidents. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2023234530A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Safety device (100) for a glass pane (100A) in a vehicle, wherein the safety device (100) comprises the following: a tissue body (102) adapted to be configured to be detachable from the glass plate (100A), wherein the tissue body (102) has a surface based on the dimensions of the glass plate (100A), wherein at least one side of the tissue body (102) is sewn so that an enclosed chamber (104) is formed with an opening on the corresponding side; and a gas generator (106) which is fluidically connected to the enclosed chamber (104) on the at least one sewn side of the fabric body (102), wherein the gas generator (106) is configured to feed and fill a predefined volume of pressurized gas into the enclosed chamber (104) of the corresponding sewn side of the fabric body (102) in the event of an impact or collision with the vehicle, causing the fabric body (102) to move from a folded position to an unfolded position in which the fabric body (102) covers the glass pane (100A). [2] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the glass pane (100A) is connected to a display module of the vehicle. [3] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gas generator (106) is a pyrotechnic gas generator. [4] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein lateral sides of the tissue body (102) are sewn together, so that the enclosed chamber (104) is formed with the opening on the lateral sides of the tissue body (102). [5] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gas generator (106) is operationally connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) (110) of the vehicle, wherein the ECU (110) is configured to issue an actuation signal to the gas generator (106) in the event of a collision or impact on the vehicle, causing the gas generator (106) to supply the pressurized gas. [6] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the safety device (100) comprises a first set of magnetic elements (112) arranged at first predefined positions on the glass plate (100A) and a second set of magnetic elements (114) arranged at second predefined positions on the tissue body (102), wherein the first and second sets of magnetic elements (112, 114) are designed to magnetically interlock and secure or lock the tissue body (102) in the folded position or the unfolded position on the glass plate (100A) accordingly. [7] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first set of magnetic elements is arranged on an upper front and a lower front of the glass plate (100A) and the second set of magnetic elements is arranged on a bottom of the tissue body (102), [8] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fabric layer is removablely arranged on the top or upper front side of the glass pane (100A), such that a front side of the glass pane (100A) remains uncovered when the fabric body (102) is in the folded position, and the front side of the glass pane (100A) remains covered when the fabric body (102) is in the unfolded position. [9] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gas generator (106) is detachably attached to a rear side of the glass pane (100A), and wherein a top side of the fabric body (102) is attached to the top side or the upper front side of the glass pane (100A). [10] Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tissue body (102) is designed such that, after removal of the supplied pressurized gas, it can be manually moved from the unfolded position to the folded position.

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