Vehicle Partial Mass Acceleration for Crash Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs face challenges in managing force introduction to occupants during crashes, as they either lack time to gradually increase force at high speeds or cause discomfort at low speeds, necessitating a compromise for average speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that accelerate a partial mass of the vehicle in the opposite direction of expected force introduction during a crash, using a crash detection device and acceleration device to decelerate the vehicle earlier and distribute deceleration forces more evenly, thereby improving occupant protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle is designed to slowly increase force on occupants during deceleration, then occupant comfort is improved, but the deceleration time becomes too long for high-speed crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by accelerating a partial mass of the vehicle in the direction of motion before the crash occurs. This pre-acceleration creates a repercussion force that opposes the crash force, effectively reducing the net deceleration force on occupants. The crash detection device triggers this preliminary action when an impending collision is detected, allowing the system to prepare the counter-force in advance rather than relying solely on passive crash structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle structure is optimized for average crash speeds, then a compromise solution is achieved, but optimal protection is not provided for high or low speed crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the vehicle's mass distribution dynamic rather than static. The partial mass can be accelerated in the direction of motion when needed, changing the effective inertial properties of the vehicle during the crash event. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different crash scenarios (varying speeds and types) rather than relying on a fixed structural design optimized for average conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of mass acceleration by accelerating a partial mass of the vehicle in the direction of motion before impact. This parameter change creates a repercussion force that opposes the crash force, effectively modifying the deceleration profile experienced by occupants. The crash detection device monitors crash parameters and triggers the mass acceleration at the optimal moment to maximize protection effectiveness.
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
This approach prolongs the time available for deceleration, reduces occupant loading, and makes deceleration forces more bearable by activating restraint systems earlier and maintaining a consistent deceleration level, enhancing occupant safety and comfort across various crash scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a partial mass (7) of the vehicle (1) is accelerated in an absolute manner in a direction which is opposed to an effective direction (3) in which a force introduction into the vehicle (1) is expected in the case of a crash
Implementation Method 2
By the acceleration of the partial mass, a repercussion is however generated which is supported at the remaining vehicle, which consequently has the same direction as the force introduction into the vehicle which is expected in the case of a crash
Implementation Method 3
With the help of a corresponding crash detection device, it is possible to detect a crash (that is, a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle) at a time when the expected force introduction at the vehicle due to the crash is not yet (or not yet completely) built up
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a crash detection device for detecting a crash that introduces a force acting in an effective direction into the vehicle. An acceleration device directly or indirectly cooperates with the crash detection device to absolutely accelerate at least one partial mass of the vehicle against the effective direction in which the force is introduced in case of a crash.