Vehicle Object Restraint System Using Sensor-Triggered Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle safety technologies do not adequately address the risk of injury from objects becoming projectiles within the passenger compartment during collisions, despite advancements in passenger safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-borne object restraint system comprising a sensor subsystem, processing subsystem, vessel, and actuator that detects changes in momentum and activates a restraint mechanism to retain objects within vessels, preventing them from entering the passenger compartment during triggering events like collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a restraint mechanism is activated to retain objects during collisions, then objects are prevented from entering the passenger compartment, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the restraint mechanism with existing vehicle structures such as storage compartment lids, door panels, or dashboard components. By integrating the restraint function into already-present structural elements, the system reduces the need for entirely separate components. For example, a storage compartment lid can serve both as a closure and as a restraining barrier when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a normal storage compartment closure during everyday use, serves as a restraining barrier during collisions, and can potentially function as part of the vehicle's overall safety system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated single-purpose components.
2Reliability
If sensors and actuators are added to detect collisions and activate restraint mechanisms, then object restraint during triggering events is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor vehicle conditions (acceleration, impact forces, collision detection) and provide feedback to a control system. When a collision or triggering event is detected, the feedback signal automatically activates the restraint mechanism. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable activation while using existing vehicle sensor networks where possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system is designed to activate automatically through self-service mechanisms triggered by vehicle collision sensors. The system uses the vehicle's existing safety sensor network (such as airbag deployment sensors or collision detection systems) to trigger the restraint mechanism without requiring separate complex control systems. The actuator is pre-positioned and only requires a simple activation signal.
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 reduces the likelihood of objects becoming projectiles, enhancing passenger safety by securely holding objects in place during collisions and other triggering events.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor subsystem produces a sensor signal indicating a magnitude of a sensed condition... the processing subsystem asserts an actuator signal when the sensor signal indicates that a triggering event has occurred
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include object restraint systems and methods of their operation. The system is contained in a vehicle with a passenger compartment, and includes sensor and processing subsystems, a vessel, a restraint mechanism, and an actuator. The sensor subsystem produces a sensor signal indicating a magnitude of a sensed condition, and the processing subsystem asserts an actuator signal when the sensor signal indicates that a triggering condition has occurred. The vessel is configured to hold one or more inanimate objects. For example, the vessel may include a cupholder, a lidded or open compartment, a cargo area, or another storage space that is distinct from the passenger compartment. The actuator receives the actuator signal and activates the restraint mechanism in response to assertion of the actuator signal. The restraint mechanism, when activated, is configured to retain the object(s) within the vessel and to restrict the object(s) from entering the passenger compartment.