Tram bumper airbag for protecting pedestrians

Abstract

The present invention relates to an innovative safety system for trams (slow-moving vehicles), consisting of an airbag that can be deployed in the event of a collision with pedestrians or cyclists. This system, which is equipped with advanced sensors and detection algorithms, helps to absorb the impact and considerably reduce the risk of serious injury.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Patent title: Airbag on tram bumper for pedestrian protection

[0003] Technological Field: The present invention innovates in the field of land vehicles by proposing an active safety solution for trams, combining elements of passive safety devices and information processing. This system, based on airbag technology, significantly improves the protection of pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision.

[0004] Problem of the invention: Trams, as heavy and fast means of urban transport, often share public roads with pedestrians, cyclists, and other users. This coexistence can lead to collisions, which present significant risks of serious injury or even death. In particular, when a pedestrian or cyclist is struck by a tram, the displacement of the body under the tram's chassis and wheels can cause aggravated bodily harm.

[0005] The considerable weight of trams makes emergency rescues particularly complex: lifting or moving a tram to free a victim trapped underneath is a delicate and time-consuming operation, often requiring specialized equipment. This difficulty increases the risks for the victim, as every minute of delay in their extraction reduces their chances of survival.

[0006] The system is designed to deploy automatically in the event of an imminent collision with a pedestrian, cyclist, or vehicle. Its aim is to cushion the impact, prevent serious injuries, and keep the victim from being trapped under the wheels.

[0007] Since the tram cannot brake suddenly without endangering the safety of the passengers, collisions with people suddenly appearing in its path are inevitable. In this context, our system aims to prevent the body from shifting under the tram's chassis and wheels, a situation that could otherwise lead to serious or aggravated injuries. Advantages:

[0008] Reduction of serious injuries: The airbag absorbs most of the impact energy.

[0009] Protection against being pulled under the tram: The cushions under the tram prevent the victim from being pulled under the wheels.

[0010] Universal compatibility: The system can be adapted to different tram models.

[0011] Fast and reliable deployment: Thanks to intelligent sensors, the system reacts quickly and efficiently.

[0012] Aesthetics and integration: The bumper is designed to be discreet and integrate perfectly into the design of the modern tram.

[0013] An outer rubber cover can also be customized to withstand the elements and reduce maintenance costs.

[0014] State of the art: Patent WO2020178533A1, communication interface for an external inflatable pedestrian safety structure fitted to a vehicle, inflatable structure-vehicle communication protocol, and associated safety module. The invention relates to the communication interface between a pedestrian safety module fitted to a vehicle, including an external inflatable structure whose inflation can be selectively controlled to envelop and restrain a pedestrian colliding with said vehicle, and an information processing system from sensors and cameras fitted to said vehicle. This interface includes means for receiving from said processing system: a triggering signal for said inflatable structure in response to the identification of a risk of collision with a pedestrian, and information characteristic of said pedestrian and their relative movement with respect to said vehicle.These characteristic information received include morphological characterization information resulting from image processing captured by one or more sensors, this morphological characterization information being processed by the pedestrian safety module to calculate a selective inflation control strategy for the inflatable structure.

[0015] Patent EP3187378B 1, Pedestrian Protection System Against Contact with a Vehicle's Hood. This pedestrian protection system includes a first sensor that generates an initial signal indicating a hazard condition in front of a vehicle. The pedestrian protection system may also include an external airbag system that deploys an external airbag outside the vehicle. In operation, a processor receives the initial signal from the first sensor, processes this signal to detect the hazard condition, and activates the external airbag system in response to the detected hazard condition in order to protect at least one of the following: a pedestrian and the vehicle.

[0016] Proposed solution: The invention proposes to equip trams with an innovative "airbag" type protection system designed to improve the safety of vulnerable users such as pedestrians, cyclists and electric scooter riders in the event of a collision.

[0017] This system incorporates an inflatable device positioned at the front of the tram, under the bumper. Upon impact, the airbag deploys rapidly to cushion the collision, thus reducing injuries caused by the initial shock. Furthermore, the device fills the gap between the bumper and the rails, effectively preventing bodies from being drawn under the tram's chassis and wheels.

[0018] Our solution helps to reduce the serious consequences of collisions while also supporting city initiatives to strengthen public transport safety.

[0019] Operating mode

[0020] This tram airbag system is designed to significantly improve the safety of road users in the event of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. It relies on a combination of advanced sensors, data processing algorithms, and a rapid deployment device.

[0021] They operate through the following steps:

[0022] Collision detection: A suite of sensors, including a 20-30 meter range radar with a 1° angular resolution operating at 77 GHz, a 20-40 meter range mechanical lidar with a milliradian angular resolution, a 1280x720 pixel camera with a 25 fps frame rate and a 120°-150° horizontal field of view, ultrasound, and 2-3 meter range sensors, are integrated into the front of the tram. These sensors collect real-time data on the distance, speed, shape, and trajectory of the collision.

[0023] Four objects were detected and are integrated into the tramway to continuously monitor the immediate environment.

[0024] The collected data is then processed by an embedded electronic module. Sophisticated algorithms analyze this data to:

[0025] Obstacle identification: Collected data is processed by an onboard electronic module. Deep learning algorithms, including convolutional neural networks, are used for real-time image recognition. These algorithms, optimized for low-light and fast-moving conditions, accurately identify pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Object tracking algorithms are also implemented to estimate the trajectories and speeds of detected objects.

[0026] Collision Prediction: Data from various sensors (radar, lidar, camera, ultrasound) are fused using an extended Kalman filtering algorithm, allowing for optimal estimation of the position, velocity, and trajectory of objects. This fusion improves the system's robustness by reducing the impact of individual measurement errors.

[0027] A probabilistic model based on hidden Markov chains is used to predict collisions. This model takes into account distance, relative speed, object trajectory, and the geometric characteristics of the environment (presence of curves, pedestrian crossings, etc.) to estimate the probability of collision in the next few seconds.

[0028] Airbag deployment

[0029] The airbag deploys when the probability of a collision exceeds a predefined threshold and the distance to the obstacle is less than a critical value. A safety margin is built into the system to prevent false alarms and false deployments.

[0030] When a collision is imminent, the inert gas (nitrogen) produced by the generator is rapidly injected into the airbag. Designed to offer optimal protection to pedestrians and cyclists, the airbag deploys in a fraction of a second in front of the tram. Shape and materials

[0031] The airbag has a convex, streamlined shape that allows it to conform closely to the contours of the tram and optimize the contact area in the event of a collision. This specific shape, determined by computer simulations, helps to distribute the force of the impact over a wider area, thus reducing the risk of serious injury.

[0032] The airbag material is a coated fabric specially designed to withstand mechanical stress and extreme weather conditions. This fabric boasts high resistance to abrasion, tearing, and UV radiation, ensuring a long lifespan and optimal performance.

[0033] Internal structure

[0034] To ensure even pressure distribution and controlled airbag deformation, the airbag is divided into several interconnected compartments. This internal structure also reduces the risk of the airbag folding or deforming during deployment.

[0035] Fixing and sealing

[0036] The airbag is securely attached to the tram structure using strategically placed anchor points. These anchor points are reinforced with composite material plates, ensuring a strong and durable attachment. To guarantee the system's airtightness, a neoprene seal is used between the airbag and the tram body.

[0037] Deflation

[0038] Once the danger has passed, the airbag deflates automatically thanks to integrated pneumatic valves. These valves control the gas release rate, ensuring a gradual and safe deflation. An assisted ventilation system can be activated to accelerate the deflation process and facilitate airbag storage.

[0039] Safety and maintenance

[0040] The airbag system is equipped with safety sensors that continuously monitor its operating status. In the event of a malfunction, an alarm is triggered and the system is automatically deactivated. The entire system has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its reliability and durability under extreme operating conditions.

[0041] The system benefits from continuous learning thanks to a reinforcement learning algorithm which allows it to adapt its parameters according to traffic conditions and thus improve its performance over time.

[0042] This signal triggers the deployment sequence:

[0043] Gas generator activation: A compact pyrotechnic gas generator, triggered by an electrical signal, rapidly produces nitrogen in less than 50 milliseconds. This type of generator guarantees a fast and reliable response while ensuring safety thanks to a dual ignition system and a heat-resistant casing that inflates the airbag.

[0044] Tram Integration: The airbag is usually installed under the tram's front bumper, but it can also be integrated into the sides of the vehicle to provide side protection. The system is securely attached to the tram's structure to withstand shocks and vibrations.

[0045] Advantages of the system: This airbag system offers several advantages:

[0046] • Increased safety: Significant reduction in serious injuries in the event of a collision with pedestrians or cyclists.

[0047] • Early detection: The sensors allow for the detection of obstacles at a great distance, providing a longer reaction time to avoid collisions or mitigate their effects.

[0048] • Flexibility: The system can be adapted to different types of trams and different traffic conditions.

[0049] • Reliability: The components used are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions and ensure reliable operation.

[0050] The airbags deployed in a very short time (less than a second) to ensure optimal protection. This requires highly responsive inflation technologies and a system capable of quickly retracting after each deployment to avoid blocking access or disrupting normal tram operations.

[0051] Figure 1: The drawing represents a concept for an airbag bumper for a tram:

[0052] The 360° camera with artificial intelligence analyzes data to assess the risk of impact and trigger the airbag in a fraction of a second.

[0053] 2. Radar airbag sensors integrated under the front bumper of the tram.

[0054] 3 ► A large, high-strength airbag is integrated into the front bumper of the tram.

[0055] 4k a reckless person on a scooter.

Claims

Demands Claim 1: Vulnerable user protection system for trams, comprising: an inflatable device positioned under the front bumper of the tram, a sensor set including radar, lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors, an on-board electronic module configured to analyze the data collected by the sensors and predict an imminent collision, a gas generator configured to rapidly deploy the inflatable device upon detection of an imminent collision, said device being designed to cushion the initial impact and prevent the victim from being drawn under the chassis and wheels of the tram. Claim 2: System according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic module integrates a data fusion algorithm based on extended Kalman filtering and machine learning algorithms enabling accurate collision prediction. Claim 3: System according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflatable device is divided into several interconnected compartments to ensure homogeneous pressure distribution and controlled deformation during deployment. Claim 4: System according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflatable device is made of a material resistant to abrasion, tearing and UV, and includes a customizable outer rubber cover to withstand the weather. Claim 5: System according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors comprise: o a radar with a range of 20 to 30 meters and an angular resolution of 1°, o a mechanical lidar with a range of 20 to 40 meters and an angular resolution of a few milliradians, o a camera with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and a horizontal field of view of 120° to 150°, o ultrasonic sensors with a range of 2 to 3 meters. Claim 6: System according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas generator is a compact pyrotechnic generator producing nitrogen in less than 50 milliseconds. Claim 7: System according to claim 1, characterized in that the algorithm used to predict collisions is based on a probabilistic model using hidden Markov chains. Claim 8: System according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is designed to fold up quickly after deflation so as not to interfere with the normal operations of the tramway. Claim 9: System according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes diagnostic sensors to monitor the operating status of the system and trigger an alarm in case of malfunction. Claim 10: System according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed to be compatible with different tram models through a modular fixing mechanism.

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