Pedestrian Head Protection Optical Unit Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle designs fail to effectively protect pedestrians from head impacts, as the optical unit often acts as a hard point even when supported by wing impact absorption systems, posing a danger during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle part that supports the optical unit and wing, capable of transitioning from an initial operating configuration to a depression configuration under vertical force, such as a pedestrian's head impact, using fusible means like buckling or shear-resistant components to reduce the optical unit's altitude and prevent it from becoming a dangerous hard point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical unit is fixed at a given altitude to maintain its support function, then the optical unit is properly positioned for operation, but it becomes a dangerous hard point during head impact
Solution Approach 1:
The support means is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to transition between an operating configuration (maintaining optical unit at given altitude) and a depression configuration (allowing optical unit to sink under vertical force). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the support rigidity based on the applied load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means changes its structural parameter (altitude position of optical unit) in response to vertical force. During normal operation, the optical unit remains at its design altitude, but under pedestrian head impact forces, it transitions to a lower altitude, thereby reducing the harmful impact effect.
2Reliability
If separate support parts are used for optical unit and wing, then each component is properly supported, but the front vehicle configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical unit support function and wing support function into a single integrated support part. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate support components and their individual attachment systems, thereby reducing overall configuration complexity while maintaining both support functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single support part is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the optical unit at a given altitude, supporting the wing at a given altitude, and enabling both components to sink during head impact. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
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 solution ensures pedestrian safety by allowing the optical unit to sink during impacts, reducing the risk of injury and simplifying the front vehicle configuration by using a single part for both optical unit and wing support, while maintaining structural integrity under normal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
using fusible means like buckling or shear-resistant components to reduce the optical unit's altitude
Implementation Method 2
using fusible means like buckling or shear-resistant components to reduce the optical unit's altitude
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a motor vehicle part, comprising means for supporting an optical block (16), said support means having an initial so-called operating configuration, wherein the optical block is maintained at a given height on the vehicle. The means supporting the optical block may further take up a second so-called depressing configuration when they are subjected to a vertical force, substantially equal to that of an impact of a pedestrian's head, a second configuration wherein the optical block (16) is located at a lower height on the vehicle.