A vehicle mine safety mechanism and a method for facilitating mine safety operation.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mine safety mechanism and a method for facilitating mine-safe operation of a vehicle (V). The vehicle comprises a body (VB) and a ground engaging mechanism (T1) connected to the body (VB) for moving the vehicle. The body (VB) comprises a lower part (10) and an interior space (S) having a floor (12) associated with the lower part (10). The interior space (S) comprises a mine-safe level (L) at a predetermined distance from the floor (12). If the vehicle is hit by a mine, a person (P) accommodated within the interior space (S) and with all body parts positioned at a height equal to or above the mine-safe level (L) is expected to be safe. The mine safety mechanism comprises a sensor mechanism (100) configured to provide a signal (B) at the mine-safe level (L) and adapted to detect a body part exceeding the mine-safe level (L) by the signal (B) to alert the person (P) that the body part has exceeded the mine-safe level (L).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mine safety arrangement for a vehicle. Further, the present invention relates to a method for facilitating the mine safety operation of a vehicle. Further, the present invention relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles operating in specific areas such as military zones or specific operating situations may be subject to mine damage in that area. Such vehicles can be configured to carry passengers. Such vehicles are, for example, military tracked vehicles such as articulated tracked vehicles. Such vehicles include a vehicle body and a ground engagement mechanism connected to the vehicle body for moving the vehicle, such as a track assembly repair. The vehicle body includes a lower part and an internal space for accommodating passengers, and this internal space has a floor part associated with the lower part. The internal space includes a mine safety level at a predetermined distance from the floor part. If the vehicle travels over a mine and as a result the mine explodes, the lower part is affected, so the floor part bends towards the mine safety level. People accommodated in the internal space above the mine safety level are expected to be safe. However, a person with at least a part of their body below the mine safety level may be seriously injured. By adding an inner mine floor, this risk can be eliminated. However, such a solution narrows the internal space.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a mine safety arrangement for a vehicle that facilitates the mine safety operation of the vehicle without requiring such adaptation of the vehicle body. Object of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a mine safety arrangement for a vehicle that facilitates the mine safety operation of the vehicle without requiring adaptation of the vehicle body.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for mine-safe operation of a vehicle without requiring vehicle body modifications.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle equipped with such a mine safety mechanism. [Overview of the project]

[0007] These and other objectives, as will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by the vehicle mine safety mechanism, method for mine safety operation, and vehicle described in the attached independent claims. Preferred embodiments of this mechanism and method are provided in the attached dependent claims.

[0008] Specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by a vehicle mine safety mechanism. The vehicle comprises a body and a ground engagement mechanism for facilitating the movement of the vehicle. The ground engagement mechanism is connected to the body. The body includes a lower section and an interior space for accommodating occupants. The interior space has a floor section associated with the lower section. The interior space includes a mine safety level at a predetermined distance from the floor section. If the vehicle is hit by a mine located below the lower section and the floor section is affected, a person accommodated in the interior space with all body parts positioned above the mine safety level is expected to be safe. The mine safety mechanism includes a sensor mechanism configured to provide one or more signals at the mine safety level and is designed to detect body parts exceeding the mine safety level by one or more signals in order to warn a person of the mine safety risk. Therefore, if the vehicle is hit by a mine located below the lower section and the floor section is affected, a person accommodated in the interior space with all body parts positioned above the mine safety level is expected to be safe. Accordingly, the sensor mechanism is configured to provide one or more signals at the mine safety level and to detect, by one or more signals, a body part that has exceeded the mine safety level in order to warn a person that one or more body parts have exceeded the mine safety level. In one embodiment, the mine safety level is a predetermined level determined, for example, based on mine tests performed on the corresponding vehicle / body / body part and / or based on mine simulations / estimations / calculations of the configuration of such vehicle / body / body part. In one embodiment, the mine safety level is based on a predetermined ground clearance of the underside and a predetermined distance from the floor. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance from the floor of the mine safety level is based on the ground clearance of the underside. In one embodiment, the predetermined mine safety level is associated with the deformation of the underside that would be expected if a mine exploded below the underside of the vehicle body. Providing such signals at the mine safety level facilitates mine safety operation of vehicles that do not require body modifications.

[0009] According to one embodiment of a mine safety mechanism, one or more signals configured to be provided by a sensor mechanism are one or more light beams. By providing light beams at the mine safety level in this way, the person can see the light reflection on the body part that has exceeded the mine safety level, thus enabling easy detection that the body part has exceeded the mine safety level.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the mine safety mechanism, one or more light beams are laser beams. By providing laser beams at the mine safety level in this way, the person can see the laser reflection on the body part that has exceeded the mine safety level, thus enabling easy detection that the body part has exceeded the mine safety level.

[0011] According to one embodiment of a mine safety mechanism, the sensor mechanism comprises at least one signal-emitting unit located within an internal space to facilitate the provision of one or more signals at a mine safety level. This enables the efficient provision of a signal, such as a light beam, in a desired direction to facilitate the detection of body parts exceeding the mine safety level.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the mine safety mechanism is further configured to provide visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warnings based on the detected body part. This effectively alerts a person in a space where one or more body parts exceed the mine safety level. Thus, safety is further enhanced.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the mine safety mechanism, the mine safety level is a predetermined level determined based on mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicles, corresponding hulls, and corresponding undercarriages, and / or based on mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one of the configurations of such vehicles, such hulls, and such undercarriages.

[0014] In particular, the object of the present invention is achieved by a method for facilitating the mine-safe operation of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a ground engagement mechanism for facilitating the movement of the vehicle. The ground engagement mechanism is connected to the vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a lower section and an interior space for accommodating occupants. The interior space has a floor section associated with the lower section. The interior space includes a mine-safe level at a predetermined distance from the floor section. If the vehicle is hit by a mine located below the lower section and the floor section is affected, a person accommodated in the interior space with all body parts positioned above the mine-safe level is expected to be safe. The method includes the steps of providing one or more signals at the mine-safe level and detecting, by one or more signals, a body part exceeding the mine-safe level in order to warn a person of a mine-safe risk. Thus, if the vehicle is hit by a mine located below the lower section and the floor section is affected, a person accommodated in the interior space with all body parts positioned above the mine-safe level is expected to be safe. Accordingly, the method includes the steps of providing one or more signals at a mine safety level and detecting, by one or more signals, a body part that has exceeded the mine safety level in order to warn a person that one or more body parts have exceeded the mine safety level.

[0015] According to one aspect of the method, the one or more signals provided are one or more light beams.

[0016] According to one aspect of the method, one or more light beams are laser beams.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includes the step of providing a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile alarm based on the detected body part.

[0018] According to one aspect of the method, the mine safety level is a predetermined level determined based on a mine test performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding vehicle body, and the corresponding lower part, and / or based on mine simulation and / or estimation and / or calculation based on one of the configurations of such a vehicle, the configuration of such a vehicle body, and the configuration of such a lower part.

[0019] A method for facilitating the mine safety operation of a vehicle according to the present disclosure has the advantages according to the corresponding mine safety mechanism described herein.

[0020] In particular, the object of the present invention is achieved by a vehicle provided with the mine safety mechanism described herein.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a tracked vehicle. According to an alternative embodiment, the vehicle is a wheeled vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] To better understand the present disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout several of the drawings, like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0023] [Figure 1a] A side view of a tracked vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 1b] A perspective view of a connected tracked vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 2] A rear view of a vehicle body provided with a mine safety mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 3] A plan view of a vehicle body provided with a mine safety mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. [Figure 4] A flowchart of a method for facilitating the mine safety operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] As used herein, the term "link" refers to a communication link that can be a physical connector such as an optoelectronic communication wire or the like, or a non-physical connector such as a wireless connection such as a wireless or microwave link.

[0025] As used herein, the term "mine safety level" is associated with a vehicle comprising a vehicle body and a ground engagement mechanism connected to the vehicle body to facilitate movement of the vehicle. The vehicle body has a lower part configured to be disposed at a distance from the ground so that the ground engagement mechanism engages the ground to provide a ground clearance, and an internal space comprising a floor portion associated with the lower part. The mine safety level represents a level located within the internal space at a distance from the floor portion in a direction opposite to the ground. This distance is such that if a mine located below the lower part of the vehicle body explodes, the damage to the lower part does not affect the floor portion and the floor portion does not reach this level within the space, so that a person accommodated within the internal space and having all body parts at a height above this level is not seriously affected.

[0026] FIG. 1a schematically shows a side view of an endless track vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] The endless track vehicle V includes a vehicle body VB which, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, includes the chassis and vehicle body structure of the vehicle V.

[0028] The endless track vehicle V includes a ground engagement mechanism T1 configured to engage the ground G on which the vehicle V is intended to travel to facilitate movement of the vehicle V. The ground engagement mechanism T1 for the endless track vehicle V includes or is provided by a track assembly repair.

[0029] The track assembly repair includes a left track assembly T1 and a right track assembly for driving the vehicle V. The left track assembly T1 is shown in FIG. 1a. The ground engagement mechanism T1 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 suspendedly connected to the vehicle body VB.

[0030] The vehicle body VB includes an internal space S for accommodating occupants. The vehicle body VB includes a lower section 10. The vehicle body VB is configured to be positioned at a specific distance from the ground to provide a specific ground clearance. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle may be configured to adapt its ground clearance based, for example, on operating conditions. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a predetermined ground clearance is given when operating in a zone / area / situation where landmines may be present. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when operating in a zone / area / situation where there is a risk of being hit by landmines, the lower section 10 is configured to be at a predetermined distance C from the ground G.

[0031] The internal space S has a floor associated with the lower part 10. The internal space S includes a mine safety level L at a predetermined distance from the floor. The predetermined mine safety level L can be determined by performing tests on the corresponding vehicle / body / underbody and / or by simulation / estimation / calculation based on the configuration of such vehicle / body / underbody.

[0032] Accordingly, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety level L is a predetermined mine safety level.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety level L is a predetermined level determined based on mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicles, corresponding hulls, and corresponding undercarriages. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, such mine tests mean tests on the corresponding vehicles, corresponding hulls, and / or corresponding undercarriages in which a mine is placed below such undercarriages and detonated, with attention paid to the deformation of the undercarriages and the level of the undercarriage portion resulting from the movement of the undercarriage portion due to the deformation of the undercarriages.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety level L is a predetermined level determined based on simulations, estimates, and / or calculations of a mine explosion on such a vehicle configuration, such a vehicle body configuration, and / or such a lower configuration. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, such simulations, estimates, and / or calculations mean simulations, estimates, and / or calculations of a mine being placed below such a lower and detonated, wherein the deformation of the lower and the level of the lower floor portion resulting from the movement of the floor portion due to the deformation of the lower are simulated, estimated, and / or calculated. According to one aspect, the mine safety level L is based on a predetermined height of the lower 10 above the ground and a predetermined distance from the floor portion 12.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the predetermined distance from the floor portion 12 of the mine safety level is based on the ground clearance of the lower portion 10.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a predetermined mine safety level L is associated with the expected deformation of the lower part 10 if a mine explodes below the lower part of the vehicle body VB.

[0037] If the vehicle is hit by a landmine explosion below the lower part 10, a person P who is housed in the internal space S and whose entire body is positioned at a height of landmine safety level L or higher is expected to be safe. Therefore, if the vehicle is hit by a landmine located below the lower part and the floor 10 is affected, a person P who is housed in the internal space S and whose entire body is positioned at a height of landmine safety level L or higher is expected to be safe.

[0038] Each track assembly comprises a set of drive wheels DW, tension wheels TW, and load wheels RW, and a continuous track E positioned to extend over these wheels. Thus, the continuous track E is configured to be positioned around these wheels, where the drive wheels DW are positioned forward, the tension wheels TW are positioned rearward, and the load wheels RW are positioned between the drive wheels DW and the tension wheels TW. However, a tracked vehicle according to this disclosure may have a track assembly with drive wheels, tension wheels, and load wheels in any suitable arrangement. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is also possible to position the tension wheels forward, the drive wheels rearward, and the load wheels between them.

[0039] The tracks E of each track assembly are driven by drive wheels DW and are arranged to rotate by them. The vehicle V includes a drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the drive wheels DW. The drive mechanism may be any suitable drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include any suitable driving means, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electromechanical device.

[0040] Figure 1b schematically shows a side view of a tracked vehicle V according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0041] The tracked vehicle V is a connectable tracked vehicle V comprising a first vehicle unit V1 and a second vehicle unit V2 pivotably connected to the first vehicle unit V1 via an articulated joint Y.

[0042] Each vehicle unit V1, V2 of the tracked vehicle V comprises a vehicle body VB, which, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, includes the chassis and body structure of the vehicle V.

[0043] A first vehicle unit V1 and a second vehicle unit V2, i.e., a tracked vehicle V, include a ground engagement mechanism T1 configured to engage with the 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. The ground engagement mechanism T1 for the tracked vehicle V includes or is provided by a pair of track assembly sets for each vehicle unit.

[0044] A track assembly pair includes a left-side track assembly T1 and a right-side track assembly for each vehicle unit V1 and V2 of vehicle V, with the left-side track assembly T1 shown in Figure 1b. The ground engagement mechanism T1 of the shape of track assembly T1 is configured to connect to the body VB of each vehicle unit V1 and V2. Track assembly T1 is configured to be suspended and connected to the body VB of each vehicle unit V1 and V2.

[0045] The hull VB of each vehicle unit V1, V2 includes an internal space S for accommodating occupants. The hull VB of each vehicle unit V1, V2 includes a lower section 10. The hull VB of each vehicle unit V1, V2 is configured to be positioned at specific distances C1, C2 from the ground G to provide a specific ground clearance. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the vehicle may be configured to adapt its ground clearance based, for example, on operating conditions. According to one aspect of this disclosure, a predetermined ground clearance is given when operating in a zone / area / situation where landmines may be present. According to one aspect of this disclosure, when operating in a zone / area / situation where there is a risk of being hit by landmines, the lower section 10 of each vehicle unit V1, V2 is configured to be at a predetermined distance C1, C2 from the ground G.

[0046] The internal space S of each vehicle unit V1, V2 has a floor associated with the lower part 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 floor. The predetermined mine safety level L can be determined by performing tests on the corresponding vehicle / body / underbody and / or by simulation / estimation / calculation based on the configuration of such vehicle / body / underbody.

[0047] If the vehicle is hit by a landmine explosion below the lower part 10, a person P who is housed in the internal space S and whose entire body is positioned at a height of landmine safety level L or higher is expected to be safe. Therefore, if the vehicle is hit by a landmine located below the lower part and the floor 10 is affected, a person P who is housed in the internal space S and whose entire body is positioned at a height of landmine safety level L or higher is expected to be safe.

[0048] Each track assembly comprises a set of drive wheels DW, tension wheels TW, and load wheels RW, and an endless track E positioned to extend over these wheels. Thus, the endless track E is configured to be positioned around these wheels, with the drive wheels DW positioned forward, the tension wheels TW positioned rearward, and the load wheels RW positioned between the drive wheels DW and the tension wheels TW.

[0049] The tracks E of each track assembly V1 and V2 of the tracked vehicle V are driven by drive wheels DW and are arranged to rotate by them.

[0050] Vehicle V includes a drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the drive wheels. The drive mechanism may be any suitable drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include any suitable driving means, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electromechanical device. Each track assembly T1 of the vehicle units V1 and V2 of the tracked vehicle V may include a drive mechanism for operating the drive wheels DW and therefore driving the drive wheels DW.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the vehicle V according to this disclosure may be a single tracked vehicle as shown in Figure 1a, or a linked tracked vehicle V comprising a forward vehicle unit V1 and a rear vehicle unit V2 pivotably connected to the forward vehicle unit V1.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, a vehicle V according to the present disclosure may be a tracked vehicle with a ground engagement mechanism including a track assembly having a track configured to engage with the ground for driving the vehicle. According to alternatives not shown, a vehicle according to the present disclosure may be a wheeled vehicle with a ground engagement mechanism including a set of wheels configured to engage with the ground for driving the vehicle.

[0053] Figure 2 schematically shows a rear view of a vehicle body VB equipped with a mine safety mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 schematically shows a top view of a vehicle body equipped with a mine safety mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] The vehicle body VB may be the vehicle body VB according to the vehicle V in Figure 1a. The vehicle body VB may be the vehicle body VB according to a second vehicle unit V2, for example, according to Figure 1b. The vehicle body VB may be the vehicle body for a military vehicle. The vehicle body VB may be the vehicle body VB for carrying passengers. The vehicle body VB may be the vehicle body, and in Figures 2 and 3, it may be the vehicle body of a vehicle equipped with any suitable ground engagement mechanism for moving the vehicle, and therefore the vehicle body VB may be the vehicle body for a tracked vehicle or a wheeled vehicle.

[0055] The vehicle body VB includes a ground engagement mechanism (not shown) to facilitate the movement of the vehicle. This ground engagement mechanism is configured to be connected to the vehicle body VB.

[0056] The vehicle body VB includes a lower section 10. The vehicle body VB further includes opposing side sections 20, 30 and an upper section 40, as well as a front section and a rear section, and the lower section 10, the side sections 20, 30, the upper section 40, and the front section and rear section form the housing portion of the vehicle body VB.

[0057] The vehicle body VB includes an interior space S for accommodating occupants. The lower part 10, the side parts 20, 30, the upper part 40, and the front and rear parts are configured to form the interior space S. The side parts 20, 30 include a left side part 20 and a right side part 30. The interior space S includes a left inner wall part 22 associated with the left side part 20 and an opposite right inner wall part 32 associated with the right side part 30.

[0058] The interior space has a floor section 12 associated with the lower section 10. The interior space S includes a mine safety level L at a predetermined distance D from the floor section 12.

[0059] If the vehicle is hit by a landmine located below the lower part 10 and the floor 12 is affected, a person P who is housed in the internal space S and whose entire body is positioned at a height of landmine safety level L or higher is expected to be safe.

[0060] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the lower part 10 of the vehicle body VB is configured such that if a mine explodes directly beneath the vehicle body VB, i.e., below the lower part 10, the lower part 10 deforms upward, resulting in a deformed lower part 10A having a deformed floor portion 12A. The floor portion 12A of the deformed lower part 10A approaches the mine safety level L in a specific area within the internal space S.

[0061] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a seat member 50 for a passenger P is arranged within a space S. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the seat member 50 is arranged along each side portion 20, 30 within the internal space S, connected to the inner wall portions 22, 32 of the side portions 20, 30.

[0062] The seat member 50 may be any suitable seat member. The seat member 50 includes a seat portion 52 for the passenger to sit on, and may also include a backrest 54 according to one embodiment.

[0063] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sheet member 50 is fixedly arranged on the inner wall portions 22 and 32 of the side portions 20 and 30.

[0064] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sheet member 50 is configured to be connected to the inner wall portions 22 and 32 of the side portions 20 and 30 such that the sheet portion 52 is positioned above the mine safety level L.

[0065] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sheet members 50 are arranged along each side portion 20, 30, connected to the inner wall portions 22, 32 of the side portions 20, 30, such that individual sheet members 50 distributed along the inner wall portion 22 associated with the left side portion 20 and individual sheet members 50 distributed along the inner wall portion 32 associated with the right side portion 30 are arranged facing each other. Therefore, the sheet members 50 arranged connected to the inner wall portion 22 are configured to face the sheet members 50 arranged connected to the inner wall portion 32 on the opposite side.

[0066] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a support member 60 for a passenger P is positioned within a space S to provide support for a body part, facilitating the holding of a body part, such as a foot F, above the mine safety level L.

[0067] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the support member 60 is configured to be positioned connected to the sheet portion 52 of the sheet member 50 so that the foot F of a person P positioned on the sheet member 50 can be supported by the support member 60 positioned connected to the opposite sheet member 50. See Figure 2. According to one aspect, the support member 60 includes a loop configuration for inserting the toes / part of the foot F. Such a support member 60 may be positioned below the sheet portion of each sheet member 50 but above the mine safety level L. However, depending on the size of the foot and / or the way the support member 60 is connected to hold the foot F, a part of the foot F, such as the heel, may be below the mine safety level L.

[0068] This disclosure includes a mine safety mechanism A. This mine safety mechanism A includes a sensor mechanism 100 configured to provide one or more signals B at a mine safety level L, and to detect a part of the body that exceeds the mine safety level L by one or more signals B in order to warn a person P of a mine safety risk.

[0069] According to one aspect of this disclosure, one or more signals B configured to be provided by the sensor mechanism 100 are visual signals. According to one aspect of this disclosure, one or more signals B configured to be provided by the sensor mechanism 100 are one or more light beams B. According to one aspect of this disclosure, one or more light beams B are laser beams.

[0070] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor mechanism 100 comprises at least one signal transmitting unit 110 arranged in an internal space S to facilitate the provision of one or more signals at a mine safety level L.

[0071] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one signal transmitting unit 110 located within an internal space S is configured, for example, to be connected to a support member 60 to detect a body part, such as a foot, that exceeds the mine safety level L, and to provide a signal B, such as a light beam, such as a laser beam B, at the mine safety level L.

[0072] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one signal-emitting unit 110 comprises one or more laser-emitting units configured to emit one or more laser beams. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more laser-emitting units are configured to emit one or more narrow coherent laser beams of visible light configured to illuminate a body part exceeding the mine safety level L with a bright colored light spot. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more laser-emitting units may include one or more laser pointers.

[0073] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A is further configured to provide a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning based on the detected body part. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A is further configured to provide a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning based on the body part detected by the sensor mechanism 100.

[0074] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one signaling unit 110 is configured to provide a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile alarm based on whether a body part exceeds one or more signaling levels. According to one embodiment, at least one signaling unit 110 may include or be operably connected to a control device configured to receive information relating to a body part that exceeds one or more signaling levels of a mine safety level, and to take measures to notify a person in which one or more body parts exceed one or more signaling levels, and / or other persons near such a person.

[0075] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A includes a visual warning device (not shown) configured to provide a visual warning. The visual warning may be the activation of light, etc. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, such a visual warning device may be configured to activate if one or more body parts exceeding an outgoing signal are not removed within a predetermined time interval.

[0076] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A includes an audible alarm device (not shown) configured to provide an audible alarm. The audible alarm may be the activation of an alarm, etc. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, such an audible alarm device may be configured to activate if one or more body parts exceeding an outgoing signal are not removed within a predetermined time interval.

[0077] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A includes a tactile alarm device (not shown). The tactile alarm may consist of one or more signals that cause, for example, a temperature change such as heat, or an impact, in a body part that has exceeded one or more signals. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, such a tactile alarm device may be configured to activate if a body part that has exceeded one or more transmitted signals is not removed within a predetermined time interval.

[0078] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A comprises 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 operably connected to the sensor mechanism 100. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to be operably connected to the sensor mechanism 100 via one or more links. Figure 3 schematically shows such a control device 200.

[0079] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to receive information from the sensor mechanism 100 relating to a body part exceeding one or more transmitted signals of a mine safety level. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to take measures to notify a person and / or other persons near such a person if one or more body parts exceed one or more transmitted signals.

[0080] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 comprises or is operably connected to a visual alarm device configured to provide a visual alarm.

[0081] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 comprises an auditory alarm device configured to provide an auditory alarm, or is operably connected to a visual alarm device.

[0082] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 comprises a tactile alarm device configured to provide a tactile alarm, or is operably connected to a visual alarm device.

[0083] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A includes a ground clearance determination device 300 configured to determine the ground clearance of the vehicle. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 includes or is operably connected to the ground clearance determination device 300 configured to determine the ground clearance of the vehicle. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to receive information regarding the current ground clearance from the ground clearance determination device 300. The ground clearance determination 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 determination sensors and / or one or more sensors associated with detecting the position of the vehicle body relative to the ground engagement mechanism.

[0084] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, if a vehicle is operating or intended to operate in one or more zones, regions, areas, and situations in which there is a risk of being hit by landmines, the control device 200 is configured to take measures, based on information received from the ground clearance determination device 300 regarding the current ground clearance, to ensure that the lower part of the vehicle body is at a predetermined distance from the ground, and thus the vehicle is given a predetermined ground clearance.

[0085] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, if a vehicle is operating or intended to operate in one or more zones, regions, areas, and situations in which there is a risk of being hit by landmines, the control device 200 is configured to determine, based on information received from the ground clearance determination device 300 regarding the current ground clearance, whether the vehicle's ground clearance 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, to take measures to facilitate ground clearance adjustment, such as raising the lower part of the vehicle body to a predetermined distance from the ground to give the vehicle a predetermined ground clearance. The measures taken to facilitate ground clearance adjustment may be any appropriate measures, such as automatic adjustment or warning the vehicle operator that ground clearance adjustment is required.

[0086] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A includes a mine safety risk information device 400 configured to provide information when a vehicle is operating or intended to operate in one or more zones, regions, areas, and situations where there is a risk of mine damage, i.e., a mine explosion. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 includes the mine safety risk information device 400 or is operably connected to the mine safety risk information device 400. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 is configured to receive information on potential mine safety risks from the mine safety risk information device 400. The mine safety risk information device 400 may include any appropriate device for determining the mine safety risk. 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 such as GPS, and / or a communication device for providing auditory and / or visual information regarding the mine safety risk.

[0087] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the mine safety mechanism A includes a sensor mechanism activation mechanism 500 configured to activate the sensor mechanism 100 based on information relating to the vehicle operating in an area where a mine risk may exist. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 200 includes the sensor mechanism activation mechanism 500 or is operably connected to the sensor mechanism activation mechanism 500. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor mechanism activation mechanism 500 is configured to activate the sensor mechanism 100 based on information from a mine safety risk information device 400. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor mechanism activation mechanism 500 is configured to automatically activate the sensor mechanism 100 based on information relating to the vehicle operating in an area where a mine risk may exist. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor mechanism activation mechanism 500 includes an activation member such as an activation button, and an operator involved in the operation of the vehicle can activate the sensor mechanism 100 based on transmitted information relating to the vehicle operating in an area where a mine risk may exist.

[0088] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor mechanism 100 is configured to emit one or more signals at a mine safety level L when activated. The mine safety level L is a predetermined level determined based on mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicles, corresponding hulls, and corresponding undercarriages, and / or based on mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one or more of the configurations of such vehicles, such hulls, and such undercarriages.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the sensor mechanism 100 is configured to emit one or more signals at a mine safety level L when activated. The mine safety level is based on a predetermined height above the ground and a predetermined distance from the floor.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the sensor mechanism 100 is configured to emit one or more signals at a mine safety level L when activated. The predetermined distance from the floor to the mine safety level is based on the ground clearance of the lower part. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the current ground clearance is at a low level, i.e., if the lower part is closer to the ground than the predetermined ground clearance, the mine safety level can be determined by increasing the distance from the floor to give the predetermined mine safety level. This allows the information to be used to adjust the ground clearance when an alarm is issued regarding a person's body part in the space exceeding the mine safety level.

[0091] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 includes a memory mechanism including at least one memory. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 includes a processor mechanism including at least one processor. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 200 includes a communication mechanism including at least one communication unit.

[0092] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the memory mechanism of the control device 200 may be integrated with the processor mechanism, embedded within the processor mechanism, or be a separate memory hardware device. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the memory mechanism of the control device 200 may be operably connected to the processor mechanism. According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least one of the at least one memory of the memory mechanism may be integrated with the processor mechanism, embedded within the processor mechanism, or be a separate memory hardware device.

[0093] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the memory mechanism may include RAM, ROM, hard disk, optical disk, magnetic medium, flash memory, and / or any other mechanism capable of storing instructions or data.

[0094] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the processor mechanism of the control device 200 may include any physical device having an electrical circuit that performs logical operations on input data. According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least one processor of the processor mechanism of the control device 200 may include any physical device having an electrical circuit that performs logical operations on input data. For example, the processor mechanism may include one or more integrated circuits, microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs in whole or in part, or other circuits for executing instructions or logical operations.

[0095] Figure 4 schematically shows a flowchart of method M1 for facilitating mine-safe operation of a vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0096] The vehicle body includes a lower section and an interior space for accommodating occupants. The interior space has a floor section associated with the lower section. The interior space includes a mine safety level at a predetermined distance from the floor section. If the vehicle is hit by a mine located below the lower section and the floor section is affected, persons residing in the interior space with all body parts positioned above the mine safety level are expected to be safe. Therefore, if the vehicle is hit by a mine located below the lower section and the floor section is affected, persons residing in the interior space with all body parts positioned above the mine safety level are expected to be safe.

[0097] According to this embodiment, method M1 includes step S1, in which one or more signals are provided for the mine safety level.

[0098] According to this embodiment, method M1 includes step S2, in which one or more signals are used to detect a body part that exceeds a mine safety level in order to warn a person of a mine safety risk.

[0099] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, method M1 may include step S3, in which a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile alarm is provided based on the detected body part. In this step, a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile alarm is provided if the body part is detected by one or more signals.

[0100] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the step of providing a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile alarm based on a detected body part is performed when a body part is detected during a predetermined time period.

[0101] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include the steps of: determining the duration for which a body part remains above a mine safety level when detected by one or more signals; and providing a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning if this duration exceeds a predetermined time interval.

[0102] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mine safety level is a predetermined level determined based on mine tests performed on one or more of the corresponding vehicles, corresponding hulls, and corresponding undercarriages, and / or based on mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one of the configurations of such vehicles, such hulls, and such undercarriages.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the mine safety level is based on a predetermined ground clearance and a predetermined distance from the floor. According to one embodiment, the predetermined distance from the floor of the mine safety level is based on the ground clearance of the lower part. According to one embodiment, the predetermined mine safety level is associated with the expected deformation of the lower part if a mine explodes below the lower part of the vehicle body.

[0104] Method M1 for facilitating the operation of a vehicle mine safety mechanism is adapted to be performed by the vehicle mine safety mechanism described above, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, according to the embodiment.

[0105] The above description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Clearly, many changes and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The purpose of selecting and describing embodiments is to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and examples of its application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to understand the invention in terms of various embodiments and variations suitable for anticipated practical applications.

Claims

1. A mine safety mechanism for vehicle (V), The vehicle comprises a vehicle body (VB) and a ground engagement mechanism (T1) for facilitating the movement of the vehicle. The ground engagement mechanism is connected to the vehicle body (VB), The vehicle body (VB) includes a lower part (10) and an internal space (S) for accommodating passengers. The aforementioned internal space has a floor portion (12) associated with the lower part (10), The internal space (S) includes a mine safety level (L) at a predetermined distance from the floor (12), and if the vehicle is hit by a mine located below the lower part (10) and the floor (12) is affected, a person (P) contained within the internal space (S) and whose entire body is positioned at a height above the mine safety level (L) is expected to be safe. The mine safety mechanism comprises a sensor mechanism (100) configured to provide one or more signals (B) at the mine safety level (L), and is configured to detect the body part that exceeds the mine safety level (L) using the one or more signals (B) in order to warn a person (P) that the body part has exceeded the mine safety level (L).

2. The mine safety mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the one or more signals configured to be provided by the sensor mechanism are one or more light beams.

3. The mine safety mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the one or more light beams are laser beams.

4. The mine safety mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor mechanism comprises at least one signal transmitting unit arranged in the internal space to facilitate the provision of the one or more signals at the mine safety level.

5. A mine safety mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further configured to provide a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning based on a detected body part.

6. The mine safety mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein 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 body, and the corresponding lower part, and / or based on mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one of the configurations of such vehicle, such body, and such lower part.

7. A method for facilitating the safe operation of a vehicle (V) on a minefield, The vehicle comprises a vehicle body (VB) and a ground engagement mechanism (T1) for facilitating the movement of the vehicle. The ground engagement mechanism is connected to the vehicle body (VB), The vehicle body (VB) includes a lower part (10) and an internal space (S) for accommodating passengers. The aforementioned internal space has a floor portion (12) associated with the lower part (10), The internal space (S) includes a mine safety level (L) at a predetermined distance from the floor (12), and if the vehicle is hit by a mine located below the lower part (10) and the floor (12) is affected, a person (P) contained within the internal space (S) and whose entire body is positioned at a height above the mine safety level (L) is expected to be safe. The aforementioned method, Step (S1) provides one or more signals (B) at the aforementioned mine safety level (L), Step (S2) to detect the body part that exceeds the landmine safety level (L) by one or more signals (B) in order to warn a person that a body part has exceeded the landmine safety level (L), Methods that include...

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 light beams are laser beams.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising the step (S3) of providing a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile alarm based on the detected body part.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein 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 body, and the corresponding undercarriage, and / or based on mine simulations and / or estimations and / or calculations based on one of the configurations of such vehicle, such body, and such undercarriage.

12. A vehicle (V) equipped with a mine safety mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. The vehicle (V) is a tracked vehicle, as described in claim 12.

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