Safety device for a vehicle
The safety device for astride-ridden vehicles addresses the lack of pelvic protection by using a divided skin and energy absorbing structure to absorb impact energy, enhancing rider safety during collisions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUTOLIV DEV AB
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing safety devices for astride-ridden vehicles fail to protect the rider's pelvis from severe pelvic injuries during collisions, as conventional fuel tank pads primarily focus on preventing scratches rather than absorbing impact energy.
A safety device comprising a base, skin, and an energy absorbing structure, where the skin is divided into two volumes with different deformation characteristics and an energy absorbing structure positioned in one volume to absorb impact energy, minimizing pelvic injury.
The safety device effectively absorbs impact energy, reducing pelvic injuries by allowing the skin and energy absorbing structure to deform, providing enhanced protection for the rider's pelvis during collisions.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025084942_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SAFETY DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE
[0002] FIELD
[0003] The invention relates to a safety device for a vehicle, and more specifically to a structure for protecting the pelvis of the rider of an astride-ridden vehicle.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] Astride-ridden vehicles, such as motorcycles, motorised tricycles, quad bikes, personal watercraft (commonly known as jet skis®), or snow mobiles pose an inherent risk of injury to the rider in the event of a collision in that the rider is not restrained in any way. In the event of a collision, the rider therefore moves relative to the vehicle and may impact the vehicle.
[0006] Protective equipment for riders is a large industry, with many items such as helmets, protective jackets and trousers, gloves and boots sold each year. To decrease the likelihood of an impact causing injury to the rider, more recent items of protective clothing may feature integral airbags in areas such as the collarbone. It is also known to equip a motorcycle with an onboard airbag to protect the rider.
[0007] None of the above systems, however, protect the rider’s pelvis from impacting the fuel tank and causing severe pelvic injury. Fuel tank pads, generally made of gel or a thin foam layer, are known, however the main purpose of such tank pads is to prevent scratches of the paint on the fuel tank and not to offer meaningful protection in the event of a collision.
[0008] It is therefore an objective of the claimed invention to overcome the shortfalls identified in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a safety device as claimed in claim 1 , and a vehicle as claimed in claim 13.
[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motorcycle of an example of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of a part of motorcycle of an example of the present disclosure, and
[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of a part of a motorcycle in a deformed state of an example of the present disclosure.
[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0015] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
[0016] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components, applications and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the attachment of a first feature and a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first feature and the second feature are attached in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be positioned between the first feature and the second feature, such that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.
[0017] The following disclosure describes representative examples. Each example may be considered to be an embodiment and any reference to an “example” may be changed to “embodiment” in the present disclosure.
[0018] Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a motorcycle 1 being ridden by a rider 2. Although the examples described herein refer to motorcycles, it will be understood that the teachings provided are equally applicable to other astride-ridden vehicles such as motorised tricycles, quad bikes, personal watercraft, or snow mobiles. The term “astride-ridden vehicle” is intended to mean any vehicle which is designed such that the rider and / or passenger(s) sit on a seat 3 with a respective leg either side of the seat 3.
[0019] Motorcycles 1 , as with many astride-ridden vehicles, have a structure at one end of the seat 3. This structure is often a fuel tank, but is sometimes a storage compartment or has other uses. For example, in the case of an electric vehicle, the structure may house batteries. This structure will hereinafter be called a safety device 4.
[0020] The safety device 4 comprises a base 5. The base 5 may be planar or contoured, and may be formed around the shape of the frame 6 of the motorcycle 1 . The base 5 may further comprise an attachment arrangement for attaching the safety device 4 to the frame 6 of the motorcycle 1 . A skin 7 extends from the perimeter of the base 5 and serves to, along with the base 5, provide a sealed safety device 4. This is particularly important in examples where the safety device 4 is a fuel tank or storage compartment and is therefore required to be liquid-tight to prevent leakage of fuel, or prevent liquid ingress, respectively. The skin 7 may include a door (not shown) so as to allow access to a volume defined by the base 5 and the skin 7, thereby allowing fuel to be dispensed into the safety device 4, or the rider 2 to place their personal belongings into the safety device 4.
[0021] The volume defined by the base 5 and the skin 7 is split into a first volume 8 and a second volume 9. In some examples, such as that shown in figure 2, the two volumes 8, 9 may be separated by a divider 10. The divider may be a sheet material coupled to the base 5 and the skin 7. In some arrangements, the divider 10 may seal the first volume 8 from the second volume 9. In other examples, there is not a physical boundary between the first volume 8 and the second volume 9.
[0022] An energy absorbing structure 1 1 is coupled to a portion of the skin 7 and occupies at least a portion of the first volume 8, but does not occupy the second volume 9 of the safety device 4. The energy absorbing structure 11 may be coupled to the base 5 in addition to or instead of the skin 7. In examples including a divider 10, the energy absorbing structure 1 1 may be coupled to the divider 10 instead of or in addition to the base 5 and / or the skin 7.
[0023] The energy absorbing structure 1 1 is shown in figures 2 and 3 as a mesh, however it may take other forms such as a honeycomb or a foam. Other energy absorbing structures may also be used, such as hollow or solid blocks of various materials capable of absorbing the energy of an impact. The energy absorbing structure 1 1 preferably comprises a steel mesh, an aluminium honeycomb, or a polyurethane foam. The energy absorbing structure 1 1 may comprise multiple materials and / or geometries such that the resistance to deformation may increase as the energy absorbing structure 1 1 deforms. In some examples, a layer of padding may be provided to prevent injury from sharp edges of the skin 7 or impact absorbing structure 1 1 . The layer of padding may be of a foam material.
[0024] The skin 7 of the safety device 4 may be of any material, such as but not limited to steel, aluminium, or a plastics material. In some examples, the skin 7 is of a plurality of materials, and the portion of the skin 7 adjacent to the first volume 8 may be of a different material to the portion of the skin 7 adjacent to the second volume 9. Similarly, the skin 7 may be of a single material, but the portion of the skin 7 adjacent to the first volume 8 may be of a different thickness to the portion of the skin 7 adjacent to the second volume 9. More specifically, the portion of the skin 7 adjacent to the first volume 8 may be less than the thickness of the skin 7 adjacent to the second volume 9.
[0025] To generalise the above, the portion of the skin 7 adjacent to the first volume 8 preferably requires less energy to deform than the portion of the skin 7 adjacent to the second volume 9. This may be achieved by using a weaker material, a thinner material, and / or a weaker geometry of material.
[0026] In some examples, the safety device 4 may be installed on the motorcycle 1 in an orientation such that the distance between the first volume 8 and the seat 3 is less than the distance between the second volume and the seat 3. In such examples, the rider’s 2 pelvis will impart a force on the skin 7 of the safety device 4 adjacent to the first volume 8, and so the skin 7 and energy absorbing structure 1 1 will deform and absorb the energy of the impact. The result of an impact according to this example is shown in figure 3.
[0027] In other examples, the safety device 4 may be installed on the motorcycle 1 in an orientation such that the distance between the first volume 8 and the seat 3 is greater than the distance between the second volume and the seat 3. In such examples, the rider’s 2 pelvis will impart a force on the skin 7 of the safety device 4 adjacent to the second volume 9, and the second volume 9, without substantially deforming, slides and causes the energy absorbing structure 1 1 and skin adjacent to the first volume 8 to deform. The area in contact with the pelvis of the rider 2 therefore remains a smooth surface and minimises injury whilst the energy absorbing structure 1 1 absorbs the energy imparted by the rider.
[0028] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.
[0029] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.
[0030] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.
[0031] REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES
[0032] Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of the specification.
[0033] Clause 1 . A safety device for an astride-ridden vehicle, the safety device comprising: a skin defining a first volume of the safety device and a second volume of the safety device; and an energy absorbing structure coupled to a portion of the skin, wherein the energy absorbing structure occupies the first volume and does not occupy the second volume, and wherein the safety device is configured such that when a rider imparts a force on the safety device, the skin and energy absorbing structure deform to absorb at least a portion of the energy of the imparted force. Clause 2. The safety device of clause 1 , wherein a portion of the skin adjacent to the first volume requires less energy to deform than a portion of the skin adjacent to the second volume.
[0034] Clause 3. The safety device of clause 2, wherein the portion of the skin adjacent to the first volume is of a first material, and the portion of the skin adjacent to the second volume if of a second material, wherein the first material is different to the second material.
[0035] Clause 4. The safety device of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the portion of the skin coupled to the first volume is of a first thickness, and the portion of the skin adjacent to the second volume if of a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.
[0036] Clause 5. The safety device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the safety device further comprises a base having an attachment arrangement, the attachment arrangement for coupling the safety device to a frame of the vehicle.
[0037] Clause 6. The safety device of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a divider coupled to the base and coupled to the skin for separating the first volume and the second volume.
[0038] Clause 7. The safety device of clause 6, wherein the second volume is configured to hold a quantity of fuel, and the skin includes a door for allowing access to the second volume.
[0039] Clause 8. The safety device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second volume is a storage compartment, and the skin includes a door for allowing access to the second volume.
[0040] Clause 9. The safety device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the impact absorbing structure comprises a polyurethane foam. Clause 10. The safety device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the impact absorbing structure comprises aluminium honeycomb. Clause 11 . The safety device of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the impact absorbing structure comprises a mesh.
[0041] Clause 12. The safety device of clause 11 , wherein the mesh comprises steel. Clause 13. An astride-ridden vehicle comprising the safety device of any one of the preceding clauses.
[0042] Clause 14. The astride ridden vehicle of clause 13, wherein the vehicle comprises a seat, and wherein the distance from the first volume of the safety device to the seat is less than the distance from the second volume to the seat.
[0043] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.
Claims
9CLAIMS1 . A safety device for an astride-ridden vehicle, the safety device comprising: a skin defining a first volume of the safety device and a second volume of the safety device; and an energy absorbing structure coupled to a portion of the skin, wherein the energy absorbing structure occupies the first volume and does not occupy the second volume, and wherein the safety device is configured such that when a rider imparts a force on the safety device, the skin and energy absorbing structure deform to absorb at least a portion of the energy of the imparted force.
2. The safety device of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the skin adjacent to the first volume requires less energy to deform than a portion of the skin adjacent to the second volume.
3. The safety device of claim 2, wherein the portion of the skin adjacent to the first volume is of a first material, and the portion of the skin adjacent to the second volume if of a second material, wherein the first material is different to the second material.
4. The safety device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the portion of the skin coupled to the first volume is of a first thickness, and the portion of the skin adjacent to the second volume if of a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.
5. The safety device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety device further comprises a base having an attachment arrangement, the attachment arrangement for coupling the safety device to a frame of the vehicle.
6. The safety device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a divider coupled to the base and coupled to the skin for separating the first volume and the second volume.
7. The safety device of claim 6, wherein the second volume is configured to hold a quantity of fuel, and the skin includes a door for allowing access to the second volume.
8. The safety device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second volume is a storage compartment, and the skin includes a door for allowing access to the second volume.
9. The safety device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impact absorbing structure comprises a polyurethane foam.
10. The safety device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impact absorbing structure comprises aluminium honeycomb.11 . The safety device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the impact absorbing structure comprises a mesh.
12. The safety device of claim 11 , wherein the mesh comprises steel.
13. An astride-ridden vehicle comprising the safety device of any one of the preceding claims.
14. The astride ridden vehicle of claim 13, wherein the vehicle comprises a seat, and wherein the distance from the first volume of the safety device to the seat is less than the distance from the second volume to the seat.