AMOK BRAKING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with a system and a method for averting the danger of a vehicle running amok, wherein the system has at least one device for stopping the vehicle by external influence.

[0002] Attacks in which assassins drive a vehicle into crowds are becoming increasingly common. In the Nice attack on July 14, 2016, an assassin drove a truck through a crowd. At least 86 people were killed and more than 400 were injured, some seriously. In an attack on the Berlin Christmas market on December 19, 2016, an assassin drove a truck into a crowd at the Christmas market near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The collision with the truck killed 11 people and injured another 55, some critically.

[0003] Numerous lives could have been saved if the vehicles had been stopped early during these attacks. In a rampage, security forces often have only one last-ditch effort to avert danger. This is difficult to achieve, especially since killing the rampage driver makes subsequent questioning to clarify the circumstances of the crime impossible. Furthermore, even after a last-ditch effort, the vehicle is still moving and can kill more people.

[0004] WO 2008 / 090205 A1 describes an armored vehicle, such as a tracked firefighting vehicle, equipped with a system for averting the danger of a rampage. A mechanically actuated trigger element is arranged on the exterior of the vehicle. The trigger element can, for example, be an electrical conductor enclosed in a glass dome. To activate the trigger element, the glass dome is destroyed, causing the electrical conductor to burn out. As a result, the engine control unit detects an interruption in the current flow through the electrical conductor, and the vehicle is immediately brought to a standstill.

[0005] Such mechanically actuatable trigger elements are very difficult to reach during a rampage with a truck or car due to the relatively high speeds compared to an armoured tracked fire engine.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle with a system for averting the danger of a rampage, with which the vehicle can be reliably stopped in an emergency. The system should be easy to activate from outside, especially by security forces, so that as few people as possible are injured in a rampage. Furthermore, the system should be able to reliably distinguish a rampage from other situations. The system should be able to be integrated into commercially available cars and trucks with as little effort as possible. Furthermore, the system should be reliably protected against tampering.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle with a system having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 6. Preferred variants can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

[0008] According to the invention, the system comprises a sensor arrangement, wherein the sensor arrangement is designed as a planar structure, wherein the planar structure is integrated in a lighting arrangement of the vehicle, in particular in a headlight arrangement and / or the planar structure is integrated in a body part, wherein the planar structure has at least an area of 2 dm 2<, wherein the sensor arrangement has close-meshed electrical and / or optical conductor tracks and when the tracks are penetrated by a projectile such as a bullet from a pistol, the sensor arrangement triggers a signal and / or interrupts a signal in order to bring the vehicle to a standstill, wherein the sensor arrangement interacts with a driver assistance unit, wherein the driver assistance unit acts on a braking system and / or a drive system of the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a standstill.

[0009] In contrast to conventional, state-of-the-art systems with mechanically actuated triggers, the sensor array enables reliable vehicle immobilization in the event of a rampage. In an emergency, security forces or private individuals can use the sensor array to trigger a signal that acts on a vehicle's system, bringing it to a standstill. The rampage driver doesn't necessarily have to be killed and can therefore still be interrogated to help solve the crime.

[0010] According to the invention, the stopping occurs when the sensor arrangement interacts with a driver assistance unit. The driver assistance unit can be, for example, an on-board computer. The driver assistance unit interacts with the vehicle's braking system. External influences such as a bullet from a pistol generate a signal at the sensor arrangement or interrupt a signal. The driver assistance unit detects this signal or the interruption of the signal and acts on the vehicle's braking system in such a way that the vehicle is brought to a standstill.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the driver assistance unit can also act on the drive unit, such as the engine. Furthermore, in addition to stopping the vehicle, an audible and / or visual alarm can be triggered via the horn or headlights. If necessary, the doors and / or power windows can be locked to immobilize the amok driver.

[0012] To avert danger, it may be sufficient to bring the vehicle to a standstill using the braking system. In addition, or alternatively, it is also possible to bring the vehicle to a standstill by shutting down the combustion engine or electric motor, so that the vehicle can then only coast and, in combination with the braking system, is brought to an immediate standstill.

[0013] To stop the vehicle, the sensor array can act on various vehicle systems required for driving. This could involve, for example, interrupting the power supply or fuel supply.

[0014] According to the invention, the sensor arrangement is a flat structure, for example a plate or a film, which is integrated at various points on the vehicle. The flat structure has the advantage that it can easily be hit by a projectile from outside. If a vehicle rolls towards a crowd during a rampage, the security forces can fire shots at the vehicle's structural unit in which the flat structure is integrated. When a projectile, for example a bullet from a pistol, hits the vehicle, the flat sensor arrangement triggers a signal, which causes the vehicle to stop.

[0015] It proves to be particularly advantageous if the sensor arrangement is integrated into conventional, commercially available series components, for example by casting.

[0016] According to the invention, the impact of a projectile interrupts a signal at the sensor array. The sensor array is queried, for example, by an on-board computer several times at a certain interval, for example, 100 times per second. If communication fails, the on-board computer is programmed to access the braking system and immobilize the vehicle. It can also shut down the engine or generate additional light or acoustic signals.

[0017] According to the invention, the planar structure has an area of at least 2 dm 2< , in particular more than 3 dm 2< , preferably more than 5 dm 2<.

[0018] According to the invention, the sensor arrangement is integrated into a headlight element of the vehicle. For example, a headlight element can be provided with a film or a plate containing the sensor arrangement. This can also be a transparent film, for example, integrated into the cover of the headlight arrangement, so that the light beam can pass through it.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor arrangement designed as a flat structure can be integrated into the reflectors or the housing of a headlight arrangement of the vehicle.

[0020] In one variant of the invention, the sensor arrangement is arranged as a flat structure in a body part of the vehicle. It proves advantageous if the flat sensor arrangement is integrated into a vehicle apron. The front apron is particularly suitable for this. The front apron is the part in the front area of a vehicle body that is located directly below the hood. It is so large and stable that it takes on the function of shock absorption. Only in older vehicle models is a bumper arranged as a separate component between the hood and the front apron. The sensor arrangement designed as a flat structure can also be arranged in a bumper. The body aprons are usually made of plastic or composite materials. For example, the sensor arrangement can be cast into them or inserted as a film during the manufacturing process.

[0021] According to the invention, the sensor arrangement has at least one conductor track. These are electrically conductive connections with a preferably two-dimensional path, i.e., in one plane.

[0022] Preferably, the sensor arrangement has relatively closely spaced electrical conductor tracks that form a kind of mesh system or network

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, optical conductor systems can also be integrated as sensor surfaces in the sensor arrangement.

[0024] If a projectile penetrates the densely meshed paths of the electrical or optical conductor network, the sensor arrangement generates a signal or a signal is interrupted. This leads to the vehicle coming to a standstill. In one variant of the invention, the sensor arrangement comprises a detector for a radio signal. In this variant of the invention, the vehicle can be brought to a standstill by security forces using a so-called radio beacon. For this purpose, the detector is designed for a very specific frequency that can only be triggered by the relevant security forces using a radio signal. The radio signal is preferably coded. It can be an analog or digital signal.If the detector of the sensor device detects such a specific radio signal, the sensor arrangement acts on a device for stopping the vehicle, preferably on the driver assistance system, which then activates the vehicle's braking system and thus brings the vehicle to a standstill.

[0025] In one variant of the invention, the sensor arrangement includes a receiver for a GPS signal. Thus, it is conceivable in principle that the system for averting the danger of a rampage could be programmed so that the vehicle automatically stops when it enters predefined restricted areas protected by a "GPS beacon."

[0026] In the case of a "GPS fire", an acoustic or visual alarm can also be triggered before the vehicle is stopped to indicate an "amok mode".

[0027] The vehicle can also be an electric car, where the drive unit is an electric motor.

[0028] If the invention uses a sensor arrangement with a detector for a radio signal, the vehicle can be brought to a standstill by security forces using a so-called radio beacon.

[0029] The radio beacon can also serve as a condition to simplify the immobilization of the vehicle.

[0030] A combination of signals can be defined to stop the vehicle. For example, the following combinations can be used: 1.) Break in the dense network of conductors and / or radio beacons. 2.) Break in the dense network of conductors and / or GPS signals. 3.) Radio beacons and / or GPS signals.

[0031] The invention is particularly relevant for autonomous vehicles, which can be used as a kind of "drone" to carry out attacks.

[0032] These restricted areas can, for example, be permanent pedestrian areas or districts defined in the system for a specific event that are off-limits to vehicles. If the receiver of the sensor array receives a GPS signal that corresponds to the geographical data of these either permanently or temporarily specified restricted areas, the vehicle is stopped.

[0033] It is particularly advantageous if the hazard prevention system interacts with other devices or includes other devices that prevent the vehicle from stopping improperly. For example, these devices could be an acceleration sensor.

[0034] This enables the system to distinguish, for example, the activation or interruption of a signal due to a shot fired by security forces from damage to the sensor surface caused by a rear-end collision. The combination of the sensor surface being destroyed by an accident and the evaluation of signals from an acceleration sensor leads the system to recognize that it is an accident and not a rampage. The evaluation of GPS signals or other signals from the vehicle's devices in combination with the system's sensor arrangement also makes it possible to prevent incorrect vehicle stops, for example in a rear-end collision, and thus distinguish between a rear-end collision and a rampage. Special mathematical models are used for this purpose.This also allows the degree of damage to the vehicle to be analyzed and, if necessary, measures can be taken, such as automatically initiating an evasive maneuver.

[0035] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments with reference to drawings and from the drawings themselves.

[0036] It shows: Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle, Figure 2 shows a side view of a vehicle, Figure 3 shows a rear view of a vehicle, Figure 4 shows a headlight arrangement of a vehicle, Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a hazard prevention system with a sensor arrangement integrated into a headlight arrangement, Figure 6 shows a hazard prevention system with a sensor arrangement integrated into a front apron of a vehicle.

[0037] Figure 1shows a schematic front view of a vehicle with areas in which a planar sensor arrangement can be integrated. A headlight arrangement 1 of the vehicle is suitable for this purpose, for example. Additionally or alternatively, a planar sensor arrangement can also be arranged in a body part 2 of the vehicle. In the exemplary embodiment, the body part 2 is the front apron of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor arrangement embodied as a planar structure can also be integrated into the exterior mirrors 3 of a vehicle.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a side view of the vehicle. In addition to the Figure 1 In the parts of the vehicle mentioned above, a sensor arrangement designed as a flat structure can be arranged in addition to or alternatively in the rear lighting in addition to the front lighting.

[0039] Figure 3shows a view of a vehicle from the rear with an integration of a flat sensor arrangement in the rear headlights 1 and the body part 3 designed as a rear apron.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a perspective exploded view of a lighting arrangement of a vehicle.

[0041] The sensor arrangement designed as a flat structure can be arranged in the transparent cover 4 and / or in the reflector part 5 and / or in the housing part 6.

[0042] The planar sensor array can, for example, be integrated into the transparent cover as a transparent film. Electrical and / or conductors can also be molded into the transparent cover 4 during the manufacturing process.

[0043] The reflector part 5 can also be provided with a flat sensor surface. In addition to the illumination means, the reflector part 5 also includes corresponding plastic parts into which the flat sensor arrangement can be integrated. Additionally or alternatively, the flat sensor arrangement can also be incorporated into the reflector part 5, for example, as a plate, film, or plastic part. Preferably, the flat parts have conductor tracks in the form of electrical conductors or optical conductors that run through the flat structure in a mesh-like and / or net-like manner.

[0044] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a system for preventing a vehicle from going on a rampage. The illustration according to Figure 5has a planar sensor arrangement 7, which is integrated in a housing part of a headlight. The planar sensor arrangement 7 comprises conductor tracks 8, which run closely through the housing part. The conductor tracks 8 can, for example, be a tight mesh of stranded wires or other electrical conductors. The conductor tracks 8 are connected to a component 9. The component 9 can, for example, be an accelerometer. The component 9 is in the exemplary embodiment as shown in Figure 5with an analog-to-digital converter 10. The analog-to-digital converter transmits signals to a microcontroller 11, which in turn is connected to a CAN bus controller (CBS). This, in turn, is connected to an on-board computer 13, which is a CAN (Controller Area Network) participant. A CAN bus (Controller Area Network) is a serial bus system and belongs to the fieldbuses. Thus, the signal is transmitted from the component 9 to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 10 via the microcontroller 11 to the CAN bus controller (CBS) 12 and then to the on-board computer 13, which acts as a driver assistance system. The microcontroller 11 serves to connect the CAN bus.

[0045] Furthermore, Figure 5a flat sensor arrangement 14 integrated into a reflector part 5 of a headlight arrangement. This flat sensor arrangement 14 also has a braid and / or network and / or meshed configuration of conductor tracks 8, which can also be designed as measuring loops, for example. For example, this can be an electrical resistor. This sensor arrangement 14, also designed as a flat structure, is connected to an analog-to-digital converter 10, a microcontroller 11, a CAN bus controller 12, and an on-board computer 13. The on-board computer 13 can serve as a driver assistance system and access various systems in the vehicle, for example, the braking system or the engine control unit or another device that leads to a vehicle shutdown.

[0046] Furthermore, Figure 5a sensor arrangement 15 integrated into the transparent housing cover of a headlight. This also involves a conductor track, for example an electrical resistor, which is connected to the on-board computer 13 via the analog-to-digital converter 10, the microcontroller 11, and the CAN bus controller 12.

[0047] Figure 6shows a flat sensor arrangement 16 that is integrated into a body part of the vehicle. For example, this is the front and / or rear apron of a vehicle. This body part is traversed by a close-meshed network of conductor tracks 8. If an object, such as a projectile or a stone, strikes this flat sensor arrangement, the break in the close-meshed network of conductor tracks triggers a signal that is detected by the on-board computer 13. The on-board computer 13 then triggers the braking system and brings the vehicle to a standstill or switches off the vehicle's drive. The sensor surface, which in the exemplary embodiments is installed, for example, in the headlight housings at the front and / or rear, is traversed by a close-meshed network of conductor tracks 8, which can also be designed as stranded wires, similar to anti-burglary wallpaper.

[0048] The conductor tracks 8 can, for example, supply voltage to a sensor such as a temperature sensor and / or an acceleration sensor, also known as an accelerometer, or maintain data communication. When reading or responding to a specific system-known address or an address stored in the system, this sensor arrangement responds with a unique serial number or a current value. If communication with the sensor fails, the preconfigured hardware or software can react accordingly. This is also possible in combination with additional measuring loops, other levels, and time sequences.

Claims

1. Vehicle with a system for averting the danger of a vehicle driving amok, wherein the system has at least one device for immobilising the vehicle by external influence, wherein the system comprises a sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) which is connected to the device, characterised in that the sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) is designed as a flat structure, the flat structure being integrated in a lighting arrangement (1) of the vehicle, in particular in a headlight arrangement, and / or the flat structure being integrated in a body part (2), wherein the flat structure has an area of at least 2 dm2, wherein the sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) has closely spaced electrical and / or optical conductor tracks (8) and, when the tracks are penetrated by a projectile such as a bullet from a pistol, the sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) triggers a signal and / or interrupts a signal in order to bring the vehicle to a standstill, wherein the sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) interacts with a driver assistance unit (13), wherein the driver assistance unit (13) acts on a braking system and / or a drive system of the vehicle in order to bring the vehicle to a standstill.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that the sensor arrangement has at least one electrical and / or optical conductor track (8) in the form of a meandering arrangement and / or a network.

3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) has a detector for a radio signal.

4. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) has a receiver for a GPS signal.

5. Vehicle according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the system interacts with other components to prevent the vehicle from coming to an erroneous standstill.

6. Method for immobilising a vehicle according to one of the claims 1 to 5 comprising the following steps: - External influence on a sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) from outside, - Delivery and / or interruption of a signal from the sensor arrangement (7, 14, 15, 16) to the device, - Immobilisation of the vehicle by the device.