Vehicle Hood Release Using Shape Memory Alloy for Pedestrian Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs lack an effective mechanism to automatically open the hood in response to an impact event, such as pedestrian contact, which can lead to increased injury risk.
Innovation Solution
A release mechanism apparatus is integrated into the vehicle, utilizing a biasing component, retaining arms, and a trigger with shape memory alloy, which deploys to open the hood prior to pedestrian contact, functioning as a damper to absorb impact energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the hood is kept closed during pedestrian impact, then the vehicle maintains normal operation and appearance, but the pedestrian suffers increased injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the pedestrian impact event before the hood would normally be contacted, and automatically initiating the hood opening sequence in advance. The sensor detects the impact and triggers the release mechanism to open the hood before the pedestrian reaches it, transforming the hood into a protective damper element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hood release mechanisms with an automated sensor-based system. The sensor detects pedestrian impact and automatically activates the release mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention and enabling rapid response to protect pedestrians.
2Reliability
If the hood is opened automatically in response to impact detection, then pedestrian injury is minimized, but the response time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preparing the hood release mechanism in advance through continuous sensor monitoring. When impact is detected, the pre-positioned release mechanism can act immediately without requiring complex real-time decision-making or manual intervention, thus reducing response time while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the sensor to automatically detect impact events and trigger the release mechanism without external intervention. The biasing component automatically propels the hood open once released, eliminating the need for additional actuators or power sources for the hood movement itself.
3Speed
If a biasing component is used to propel the hood open, then the hood can quickly assume a protective position, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing component serves itself by using its stored elastic energy to automatically propel the hood open without requiring additional motors, actuators, or power sources. The retaining arm simply needs to release the biasing component, and the component's inherent elasticity provides the force needed for rapid hood deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power source function from the hood opening mechanism by using the biasing component's stored elastic energy instead of requiring an active motor or actuator. This extraction simplifies the system by removing complex power transmission elements while maintaining rapid opening capability.
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 apparatus effectively reduces the likelihood of injury by opening the hood before pedestrian contact, allowing it to act as a damper and absorb impact energy, thereby minimizing the force of the impact on the pedestrian.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger may include shape memory alloy. In response to the shape memory alloy receiving electrical current, the shape memory alloy may deform.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may be used to release a hood of a vehicle. In one or more implementations, the vehicle detects a pedestrian and the apparatus releases the hood. The apparatus may include a biasing component that, when released, provides a force to another component to release the hood. In order to release the biasing component, the apparatus may include shape memory alloy that deforms when heated. As an exemplary heating method, the vehicle may include a sensor that detects the pedestrian and provides a signal in the form of electrical current that passes through the shape memory allow. The hood may release prior to the pedestrian contacting the hood.