Windshield Weakening Means for Pedestrian Impact Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern windshields, due to their curved and strong design, pose a risk of serious injury to pedestrians in the event of a collision, as they do not effectively absorb impact forces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating weakening means such as break lines or pyrotechnic devices in the windshield to facilitate a controlled collapse during a collision, reducing the force experienced by pedestrians and minimizing injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the windshield is made strong and curved for structural integrity, then the strength and structural stability are improved, but the harmful effect on pedestrians increases due to high impact force
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is divided into two functional zones: a strong upper portion for structural integrity and a weakened lower portion with break lines for pedestrian safety. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to serve different functions - the upper part maintains overall strength while the lower part controlled collapses to reduce impact force on pedestrians.
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield structure is modified locally by introducing break lines and creating a weakened zone in the lower portion. This local quality change means that only specific areas of the windshield have reduced strength, allowing controlled collapse where needed while maintaining overall structural integrity in other areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If break lines are introduced to weaken the windshield for controlled collapse, then the pedestrian safety is improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is segmented into a strong upper structure and a weakened lower structure with break lines. This segmentation ensures that the break lines only affect the lower portion where pedestrian impact is most likely, while the upper portion maintains full structural integrity for the vehicle's structural needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The break lines and weakened zones are introduced locally in the lower portion of the windshield rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized modification allows the windshield to maintain overall structural integrity while having specific areas designed for controlled collapse during pedestrian impact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the windshield collapses easily to reduce impact force, then the pedestrian safety is improved, but the ability to protect vehicle occupants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is segmented into a strong upper portion that maintains occupant protection and a weakened lower portion that collapses for pedestrian safety. This segmentation ensures that the collapse function is isolated to the lower breakaway zone, while the upper structure remains intact to continue protecting vehicle occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The weakened zones with break lines are confined to the lower portion of the windshield where pedestrian impact occurs. The upper portion maintains full strength and rigidity to ensure continued occupant protection. This local quality differentiation allows the same component to serve dual functions in different spatial zones.
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 controlled collapse of the windshield significantly decreases the risk of serious injuries to pedestrians by distributing and absorbing the impact force, while ensuring the windshield remains intact to prevent lacerations.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic device arranged to damage said windshield
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A windshield (10, 20, 30, 41) for a vehicle (40) comprises weakening means (13; 22; 42) arranged to weaken said windshield so that the windshield collapses in a controlled manner in the event of the vehicle (40) colliding with a person.