Vehicle Bollard Anchoring for Rapid Emergency Deceleration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking systems in autonomous vehicles are often inadequate for rapid deceleration, particularly in situations where a pedestrian suddenly appears in the vehicle's path, leading to potential collisions.

Innovation Solution

A rapid deceleration system comprising at least one bollard attached to the vehicle and an energetics arrangement to propel the bollard into the road surface, causing the vehicle to decelerate by deforming the bollard and/or the vehicle's body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional braking systems (Torricelli brakes, air brakes, hydraulic brakes, pneumatic brakes) are used, then the vehicle can decelerate, but the deceleration is insufficient for rapid stopping due to significant frictional forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeceleration rateVSAvoidfrictional energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional friction-based mechanical braking systems with a kinetic energy transfer system. Instead of using brake pads and rotors that rely on friction, the system uses a mass transfer mechanism where a mass is accelerated forward and then released to collide with the vehicle body, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into the motion of the released mass and subsequent deformation energy, thereby achieving rapid deceleration without relying on frictional forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If the vehicle uses existing brake systems, then the braking mechanism is relatively simple, but the stopping distance is too long to avoid sudden obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestopping timeVSAvoidbraking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acceleration of a mass using the vehicle's existing propulsion system during normal operation. When rapid deceleration is needed, the pre-accelerated mass is released to collide with the vehicle body, providing immediate deceleration force. This preliminary preparation allows the system to achieve rapid stopping without requiring a complex dedicated braking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's propulsion system serves dual purposes: it propels the vehicle forward during normal operation and also accelerates the mass that will be used for rapid deceleration. The vehicle body itself serves as both the platform for the braking system and the target for the mass collision, absorbing the kinetic energy through controlled deformation. This self-service approach reduces the need for separate, complex braking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If conventional brakes are engaged, then the braking system can slow the vehicle, but the frictional forces limit the maximum deceleration capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeceleration forceVSAvoidfrictional heating and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system fundamentally changes the physical parameter used for deceleration from friction force to kinetic energy transfer. Instead of increasing frictional force between brake components, the system uses the kinetic energy of a released mass to generate deceleration force through collision. This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of frictional heating and wear while providing superior deceleration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables autonomous vehicles to rapidly decelerate and avoid collisions by anchoring the vehicle to the road surface, effectively absorbing energy through deformation of the bollard and vehicle frame.

Implementation Method 1

at least one energetics arrangement configured to propel the at least one bollard from the body toward the road surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy conversion:

Implementation Method 2

decelerate the body such that at least one of a portion of the body or the at least one bollard is deformed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS12202450B2Methods and apparatus for rapidly decelerating a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 NURO INC

AI summary

A rapid deceleration mechanism for a vehicle is provided herein. The rapid deceleration mechanism decelerates a body of the vehicle traveling on a road surface. The rapid deceleration mechanism includes at least one bollard attached to the body and at least one energetics arrangement. The at least one energetics arrangement propels the at least one bollard from the body toward the road surface to decelerate the body such that at least one of a portion of the body or the at least one bollard is deformed.