Windshield Intrusion Panel Structure With Fracture Stop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a vehicular crash, existing technologies fail to effectively prevent exterior components from intruding into the passenger cabin through the windshield, which is a critical safety concern as it violates regulatory requirements and poses risks to occupants.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus that includes deployable airbags, a panel housing, a fracturable feature, and a compressible instrument panel to resist the intrusion of objects into the passenger cabin by deploying across the windshield area, utilizing a film layer, and a stop structure to limit deformation and prevent entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid instrument panels and fixed windshield structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but intrusion into the passenger cabin cannot be effectively prevented during crash
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel is designed with movable and compressible characteristics, transitioning from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic structure that can move rearward and compress during impact to prevent windshield intrusion into the passenger cabin
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield area protection system is divided into multiple functional components including the movable instrument panel, deployable airbag, fracturable feature, and stop structure, each performing specific functions to collectively prevent intrusion
2Loss of energy
If the windshield is allowed to deform freely during impact, then energy absorption is improved, but object entry into the passenger cabin cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield structure is segmented with a fracturable feature that creates a predetermined break line, allowing the windshield to deform and absorb energy in a controlled manner while the lower stop structure prevents excessive deformation and object entry into the passenger cabin
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible instrument panel and deployable airbag provide pre-positioned cushioning structures that absorb impact energy and prevent windshield intrusion before objects can enter the passenger cabin
3Reliability
If no deployable protection structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but compliance with safety regulations cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is pre-positioned in a stored state within the instrument panel housing and automatically deploys upon detection of crash conditions, providing rapid protection without requiring complex continuous monitoring or manual activation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing crash detection capabilities and the instrument panel's own structure to automatically deploy protection mechanisms, reducing the need for separate complex control systems
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 effectively prevents the intrusion of objects into the passenger cabin during a crash by deploying airbags and panels, limiting windshield deformation, and using a compressible instrument panel to absorb impact, thereby ensuring compliance with safety regulations and enhancing occupant safety.
Implementation Method 1
an airbag that is deployable into an area above the instrument panel to resist entry of objects into the passenger cabin
Implementation Method 2
an instrument panel that is formed in part from a compressible structure that, during an impact, is engaged and compressed by the windshield
Implementation Method 3
a fracturable feature that extends laterally across a width dimension of the windshield
Implementation Method 4
a stop structure that extends laterally across the windshield to limit deformation of a front portion of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a panel. The apparatus includes a weakened portion that extends laterally across a width dimension of the panel. The apparatus includes a stop structure spaced from the weakened portion that extends laterally across the width dimension of the panel to limit deformation. A bottom edge of the panel is configured to rotate about an axis extending along the weakened portion to abut the stop structure.