Flexible Hose Connecting Device for Safe Driver Assistance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test arrangements for simulating rear-end collisions are inadequate as they increase the risk of damage to test vehicles due to the rigid structure and mass of sleds, preventing safe evasive maneuvers and effective testing of avoidance systems.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connecting device using deformable hoses that can be adjusted in length to maintain a constant distance between the towing vehicle and target object, allowing for transmission of acceleration and deceleration forces while buckling to absorb impact, thus reducing the risk of damage and enabling safe evasive maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid sled structure is used to pull the target object, then the target object can be stably positioned, but the mass increases significantly and the risk of damage to the test vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid sled structure with a flexible hose that can be pressurized. The hose maintains the target object's position through pneumatic pressure while having minimal mass. When impact occurs, the hose can deform and buckle to absorb energy, unlike the rigid sled that transfers all impact force to the test vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pressurized hose system where pneumatic pressure maintains the structural integrity and positioning of the target object. The hose can be inflated to provide sufficient rigidity for stable positioning, then deflate or buckle during impact to reduce damage risk, eliminating the need for heavy rigid structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid rail structure is used under the target object, then the target object remains stable, but the test vehicle cannot safely evade after collision and the rail prevents testing of avoidance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose replaces the rigid rail, allowing the target object to be positioned stably during normal operation while enabling the test vehicle to perform evasive maneuvers. During collision, the hose can deform and move out of the way, unlike the fixed rail that blocks escape paths and prevents avoidance system testing.
3Length of stationary object
If a short and rigid connection is used between towing vehicle and target object, then the distance is constant, but the connection cannot absorb impact forces and transmits all forces to the towing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose provides a connection that can maintain relatively constant length through pneumatic pressure during normal operation, but can deform and extend during impact to absorb forces. This eliminates the need for heavy shock-absorbing mechanisms while protecting the towing vehicle from impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose's physical state can change from a pressurized, relatively rigid state during normal operation to a deformable, extended state during impact. This parameter change allows the connection to adapt to different operational requirements - maintaining distance control during towing while absorbing impact forces during collision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The flexible hose system effectively transmits forces during collisions, reducing the risk of damage to both vehicles and allowing safe lane changes, enabling comprehensive testing of safety and assistance systems without causing harm to drivers or vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The hoses or their inner volume can continue to be pressurized hydraulically or pneumatically
Implementation Method 2
The flexible hose system effectively transmits forces during collisions, reducing the risk of damage to both vehicles
Implementation Method 3
at least two deformable hoses, which are connected to one another transversely to the longitudinal direction by means of at least one connecting element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (4) for connecting a target object (1) to a towing vehicle (3) for functionally testing a driver assistance system of a test vehicle (7) for test driving, especially for near-collision and collision test driving, and a test arrangement wherein said device is used.