Spring-Loaded Rollover Protector Shaft Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle stability control systems can prevent rollover events but do not provide active protection once a rollover is initiated, and existing solutions are difficult to calibrate and robust enough for extreme customer usage.
Innovation Solution
An active rollover protection system with a spring-loaded rollover protector shaft that deploys when a critical rollover angle is exceeded, actuated by a controller and sensors, which includes a frame mounted to the roof assembly with tubular cross members and release locks to restrain the shaft in both stowed and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rollover mitigation device with a deployable protector shaft is implemented, then active rollover protection is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protector shaft is nested within the tubular cross member of the roof assembly, allowing the shaft to be stored compactly during normal operation and deployed outward when needed. This nesting arrangement provides active rollover protection while maintaining a compact structure that does not significantly increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by enabling the protector shaft to move between stowed and deployed positions. This dynamic capability allows the device to provide active rollover protection only when needed, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable device complexity.
2Reliability
If release locks are used to restrain the protector shaft in stowed and deployed positions, then the protector shaft can be reliably deployed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release lock system is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the shaft's position and deployment state. The lock mechanism self-activates during deployment and self-latches in the deployed position, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining reliable deployment.
3Speed
If spring-loaded actuation is used to deploy the protector shaft, then rapid deployment is achieved, but the force required for deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spring-loaded elements are pre-loaded during the stowed phase to store potential energy. When deployment is initiated, this stored energy is rapidly converted to kinetic energy, driving the shaft outward at high speed. The preliminary loading of springs enables rapid deployment without requiring large instantaneous forces from external actuators.
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 system effectively mitigates rollover events by deploying a protector shaft to prevent further roll, providing protection to the vehicle and occupants by terminating lateral angular momentum, thus preventing the vehicle from continuing to roll over.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member disposed within the tube that actuates a protector shaft to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
providing protection to the vehicle and occupants by terminating lateral angular momentum, thus preventing the vehicle from continuing to roll over
Data Source
AI summary
A rollover mitigation device for a motor vehicle comprises a frame mounted to a roof assembly within which is disposed a transversely mounted deployable rollover protector shaft. The frame comprises a pair of lateral mounting rails mounted to the roof assembly and a tubular cross member extending between the pair of lateral mounting rails. The deployable rollover protector shaft is substantially disposed within the tubular cross member when in the stowed position and is actuated from the stowed position to a locked deployed position by a spring disposed within the tubular cross member. A controller actuates a release lock to release the deployable rollover protector shaft to the deployed position upon a sensor detecting a roll angle of the motor vehicle exceeding a predetermined value. A deployment lock restrains the deployable rollover protector shaft in the deployed position.