AU2013254933A1

AU2013254933A1 - Proactive Impact Absorber System

Info

Publication number: AU2013254933A1
Application number: AU2013254933A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jacques Malan Boonzaaier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-01
Filing date: 2013-11-06
Publication date: 2014-11-20

Abstract

Abstract A proactive impact absorber system 10 is described for increasing the 5 capacity of a first object, to which it is fitted, to absorb the impact of another object. The system comprises a movable structural element 12 mounted on the first object in a position where it is likely to be impacted by another object during a collision, and a mechanical actuator 14 connected to the structural element 12 and adapted to move the structural element 12 at high speed in 10 the direction of the other object when impact is imminent. The mechanical actuator 14 is also capable of acting as a shock absorber upon impact. The system also comprises an electronic control system 16 for detecting when impact with the other object is imminent and for activating the mechanical actuator 14 to move the structural element 12 whereby, in use, when the 15 structural element 12 intercepts the other object the mechanical actuator 14 acts to absorb the collision energy and reduce the impact of the other object on the first object. 20 Drawing to accompany Abstract: Figure 1 -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- -- - - - - - - - ----- - - - - - - - - - - E (NN E -- - ----------- -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - --- -- --- -

Description

ORIGINAL AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: "PROACTIVE IMPACT ABSORBER SYSTEM" Applicant: Jacques Malan Boonzaaier Associated Provisional Application No.: 2013901522 The following statement is a full description of the invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 "PROACTIVE IMPACT ABSORBER SYSTEM" Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a proactive impact absorber system for 5 increasing the capacity of an object to absorb the impact of another object and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to such a system for motor vehicles. Background to the Invention 10 Road accidents are an unfortunate daily occurrence involving motor vehicles colliding with other vehicles or with stationary objects such as trees, light poles, electricity pylons, and vehicle deflection barriers. Unfortunately many of these collisions not only cause considerable damage to property but also 15 result in fatalities. Vehicle manufacturers are continually improving the ability of motor vehicles to absorb the impact of collisions and to protect the occupants of the vehicle. Provision of multiple internal airbags and specially designed crumple zones in selected external panels of the vehicle have all contributed to increased safety. 20 However the statistics for road fatalities are still alarmingly high and therefore, in addition to more effective measures to reduce speeding and drink driving, there is still a need to improve the impact reduction capacity of vehicles involved in collisions. The present invention was developed with a view to providing a proactive 25 impact absorber system capable of significantly increasing the impact reduction capacity of a motor vehicle. However it will be apparent that the same system will have wider application and may also be fitted to other types of objects to improve the impact reduction capacity of such objects.

3 References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. 5 Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a proactive impact absorber system for increasing the capacity of a first object, to which it is fitted, to absorb the impact of another object, the system comprising: 10 a movable structural element mounted on the first object in a position where it is likely to be impacted by another object during a collision; a mechanical actuator connected to the structural element and adapted to move the structural element at high speed in the direction of the other object when impact is imminent, and wherein the mechanical actuator is also 15 capable of acting as a shock absorber upon impact; and, an electronic control system for detecting when impact with the other object is imminent and for activating the mechanical actuator to move the structural element whereby, in use, when the structural element intercepts the other object the mechanical actuator acts to absorb the collision energy and reduce 20 the impact of the other object on the first object. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a proactive impact absorber system for increasing the capacity of a first object, to which it is fitted, to absorb the impact of another object, the system comprising: 25 a movable structural element mounted on the first object in a position where it is likely to be impacted by another object during a collision; a mechanical actuator connected to the structural element and adapted to move the structural element at high speed in the direction of the other object when impact is imminent, and wherein the mechanical actuator is also 30 capable of acting as a shock absorber upon impact; and, 4 an electronic control system for detecting when impact with the other object is imminent and for activating the mechanical actuator to move the structural element whereby, in use, when the structural element intercepts the other object it establishes an expanded collision zone that in turn allows for 5 significant additional impact reduction capacity for the impacted object. Preferably the movable structural element is a panel movable between a first retracted position in which it rests against the first object and a second extended position in which it is supported a prescribed distance from the first object. Preferably the mechanical actuator is one of a pair of mechanical 10 actuators. In one embodiment each mechanical actuator comprises a shock absorbing elongate arm which is mechanically attached at one end to the first object and mechanically attached at the other end to the movable structural element. Typically each elongate arm comprises a hydraulic ram having a cylinder and a piston. Preferably an advanced, high speed, hydraulic pump 15 system is triggered by the electronic control system to drive the hydraulic rams to the extended position. Advantageously one end of each hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the first object by a stationary tilt joint. Preferably a cavity provided in the first object houses the hydraulic cylinder when the piston is in its fully retracted 20 position. Typically the other end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the moveable structural element via a slide bracket. Preferably the slide bracket is constrained to slide in a directional tethered sleeve provided in the moveable structural element. In an alternative embodiment the first object is provided with a sealed 25 receiving sleeve mounted behind the mechanical actuator and extending into an existing crumple zone provided in the first object wherein, in use, when the movable structural element intercepts the other object, and the mechanical actuator begins to act as a shock absorber, the mechanical actuator is pushed backwards linearly into the sealed receiving sleeve. 30 In another embodiment one end of the hydraulic cylinder of each shock absorbing elongate arm incorporates a pre-pressurised hydraulic cylinder, so 5 that when it is triggered it will push out the piston automatically and requires no hydraulic pump to be fitted to the vehicle. In yet another embodiment the mechanical actuator utilises a pre compressed spring, housed in a casing and with plates fitted at each side 5 wherein, in use, when triggered the spring is released and provides some movement of the moveable structural element towards the other object. 10 Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word 15 "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings 20 The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of several specific embodiments of the proactive impact absorber system, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of part of a first embodiment of a proactive 25 impact absorber system according to the present invention in which the movable structural element is shown in a second extended position; Figure 2 is a top plan view of the proactive impact absorber system of Figure 1 in which the movable structural element is shown in a first retracted position; 6 Figures 3 (a) and (b) are top plan views of second and third embodiments respectively of a mechanical actuator for the proactive impact absorber system of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a top plan view of part of a second embodiment of a 5 proactive impact absorber system according to the present invention in which the movable structural element is shown in an extended position; and, Figure 5 is a top plan view of part of a third embodiment of a proactive impact absorber system according to the present invention in which the 10 movable structural element is shown in an extended position. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments 15 A first embodiment of the proactive impact absorber system 10 in accordance with the invention, for increasing the capacity of a first object, to which it is fitted, to absorb the impact of another object, (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2), comprises a movable structural element 12 mounted on the first object in a position where it is likely to be impacted by another object during a 20 collision. Preferably the movable structural element 12 is a barrier panel movable between a first retracted position, in which it rests against the first object, and a second extended position in which it is supported a prescribed distance from the first object. The first object is not illustrated, but in this example is a motor vehicle, and the movable structural element is a vehicle 25 bumper bar 12 fitted to a front 15 of the vehicle. Alternatively the movable structural element 12 could be a section of the vehicle's body, such as a door panel, a strengthened side panel or any other protective panel or section of the vehicle. The other object is also not illustrated, but could be, for example, another moving vehicle or a stationary object such as a tree or electricity 30 pylon.

7 The system 10 further comprises a mechanical actuator 14 which is connected to the moveable structural element 12, and is adapted to move the structural element 12 at high speed in the direction of the other object when impact is imminent. The mechanical actuator 14 is also capable of acting as 5 a shock absorber upon impact. In the illustrated embodiment the mechanical actuator is one of a pair of mechanical actuators 14a and 14b. The system 10 further comprises an electronic control system 16 for detecting when impact with the other object is imminent and for activating the mechanical actuator 14 to move the structural element 12 at high speed in 10 the direction of the other object. In use, when the structural element 12 intercepts the other object the mechanical actuator 14 acts to absorb the collision energy and reduce the impact of the other object on the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment the electronic control system 16 comprises a Laser/Radar/Acoustic Detector (LRAD) 18 and a Dynamic Movement & 15 Position Sensor (DMPP) 20 (see Figure 2). Sensors 22 of the LRAD 18 are fitted to the front of the bumper bar 12 and detect the approach of the other object. The advanced electronics of the LRAD 18 and DMPP 20 in control system 16 calculate the likely trajectory of the other object and whether or not a collision is imminent with the front of 20 the vehicle. If collision is imminent then the control system 16 sends a control signal to activate the mechanical actuator 14 to move the structural element 12 at high speed in the direction of the other object. The core functionality of the system is based on its ability to direct or project the movable structural element 12, for example, a designated section of a 25 vehicle, at a rapid pace towards and in the direction of the oncoming vehicle or object. In this way it establishes an expanded collision zone, area or barrier, that in turn allows for significant additional impact reduction capacity for the impacted vehicle; and also to then deliver, immediately after the moment of establishing such a zone, area or barrier, a suitable absorption 30 mechanism, capacity or structure that would facilitate a deceleration between the two colliding objects.

8 In this embodiment each mechanical actuator comprises a shock-absorbing elongate arm 14 which is pivotally attached at one end to the front 15 of the vehicle and pivotally attached at the other end to the bumper bar 12. Typically the elongate arm comprises a hydraulic ram 14 having a cylinder 24 5 and a piston 26. An advanced, high speed, hydraulic pump system 28 (not illustrated) is triggered by the electronic control system 16 to drive both hydraulic rams 14 to the extended position as shown in Figure 1. Where the absorber system 10 is housed it has a tilting attachment so that it can swing towards the intended barrier movement direction. In this 10 embodiment, each hydraulic cylinder 24 is pivotally attached to the front 15 of the vehicle by a stationary tilt joint 30. A cavity provided in the front 15 of the vehicle houses the hydraulic cylinder 24 when the piston 26 is in its fully retracted position. The other end of the hydraulic piston 26 is pivotally attached to the bumper bar 12 via a slide bracket 32. The slide bracket 32 is 15 constrained to slide in a directional tethered sleeve 34 provided in the bumper bar 12, as shown in Figure 1. Once triggered each hydraulic ram 14 rapidly pushes out its piston 26, which is attached to the slide bracket 32 and is constrained to move inwards from the outer edge of the tethered sleeve 34. As the hydraulic rams 14 extend outwards, they push the bumper bar 12 20 at high speed towards the oncoming vehicle or object and then intercept it while it is still at a distance from the to-be-impacted vehicle. When the bumper bar 12 intercepts the other vehicle or object the hydraulic rams 14 act to absorb the collision energy and reduce the impact of the other object on the vehicle. It does this firstly by acting as a high speed absorber 25 until the hydraulic ram is fully retracted; and, secondly by means of the slide bracket 32 sliding back against the directional tethered sleeve 34. The hydraulic ram/shock absorber 14 thus folds back towards the vehicle's existing crumple zone, which would then act to further reduce the remaining impact energy from the collision. The hydraulic ram/shock absorber 14 is 30 typically housed in a location that is part of the vehicle's mainframe and key strength zones (e.g. front bumper steel bar left and right corners), lying flat 9 against the bar and attached to a custom-designed, strengthened barrier panel or section of the vehicle. Each shock-absorbing elongate arm 14 of this embodiment extends from a minimum length of about 500mm in its retracted position to a maximum 5 length of about 1m in its extended position, creating a near 1m additional energy absorption capability. Figures 3 (a) and (b) illustrate two alternative embodiments of the shock-absorbing elongate arm 14 respectively. In the first alternative embodiment of Figure 3 (a), the shock-absorbing elongate arm 14 of this embodiment extends from a minimum length of about 750mm 10 in its retracted position to a maximum length of about 1.5m in its extended position. In the second alternative embodiment of Figure 3 (b), the shock absorbing elongate arm 14 of this embodiment has dual telescopically mounted pistons, and extends from a minimum length of about 750mm in its retracted position to a maximum length of about 2m in its extended position. 15 The second piston 26 allows for a further expansion of almost 500mm. A third alternative embodiment of the shock-absorbing elongate arm 14 incorporates a pre-pressurised hydraulic cylinder 24, so that when it is triggered it will push out the piston 26 automatically and requires no hydraulic pump to be fitted to the vehicle. A fourth embodiment of the mechanical 20 actuator 14 utilises a pre-compressed spring, housed in a casing and with plates fitted at each side (not illustrated). When triggered the spring is released and provides some movement of the moveable structural element 12 towards the approaching vehicle or object. The spring system has limited extensibility and would only expand to about 500mm maximum. Also the 25 capacity of the spring system to absorb the collision energy is more limited than the shock-absorbing elongate arms, but would also be less expensive and simpler to manufacture and fit. It would also be somewhat lighter in weight and have less complex controls to incorporate. Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the proactive impact absorber 30 system 40 in which the absorber can optionally collapse into an existing crumple zone cavity, providing a second phase absorption mechanism. The 10 various components of the absorber 40 are similar to the first embodiment, are identified with the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail. As can be seen in Figure 4, the front of the vehicle is provided with a sealed receiving sleeve 42 mounted behind the shock-absorbing 5 elongate arm 14 and extending into an existing crumple zone at the front of the vehicle. When the bumper bar 12 intercepts the approaching object, and the shock-absorbing elongate arm 14 begins to act as a shock absorber, instead of the slide bracket sliding back along the directional tethered sleeve 34, the hydraulic ram 14 is pushed backwards linearly into the sealed 10 receiving sleeve 42. There are potential benefits in utilising the crumple zone cavity as a retracting area and enhancing it with the receiving sleeve 42, instead of using the directional tethered sleeve 34. This would also potentially enhance the deployment rate with the smoother sleeve. Figure 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the proactive impact absorber 15 system 50 in which the hydraulic cylinder 26 of the shock-absorbing elongate arm 14 is housed within the existing crumple zone cavity of the vehicle. This would reduce the 1 m extension of the first embodiment to only about 500mm, but could still achieve up to 1.5m extension if the second or third embodiments of the shock-absorbing elongate arms 14 illustrated in Figures 20 3 (a) or (b) were used. Whilst the described proactive impact absorber system is preferably fitted to a vehicle, it may also be mounted on a stationary object such as, for example, a vehicle deflection road barrier of the kind provided at the front of bridge support pylons. 25 Now that preferred embodiments of the proactive impact absorber system have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the described embodiments provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following: 11 (i) The proactive impact absorber system establishes an expanded collision zone, area or barrier, which in turn allows for significant additional impact reduction capacity for the impacted vehicle. (ii) By proactively anticipating the collision, and directing the 5 movable structural element at high speed towards the approaching object, the proactive impact absorber system is able to absorb much of the collision energy before the approaching object actually collides with the vehicle itself. 10 It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, in the described embodiments a maximum of two mechanical actuators are shown 15 with shock absorbing capability. However any suitable number of mechanical actuators may be arranged behind the movable structural element to provide additional collision energy absorption capacity. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described.

Claims

1. A proactive impact absorber system for increasing the capacity of a first object, to which it is fitted, to absorb the impact of another object, the system 5 comprising: a movable structural element mounted on the first object in a position where it is likely to be impacted by another object during a collision; a mechanical actuator connected to the structural element and adapted to move the structural element at high speed in the direction of the other object 10 when impact is imminent, and wherein the mechanical actuator is also capable of acting as a shock absorber upon impact; and, an electronic control system for detecting when impact with the other object is imminent and for activating the mechanical actuator to move the structural element whereby, in use, when the structural element intercepts the other 15 object the mechanical actuator acts to absorb the collision energy and reduce the impact of the other object on the first object.

2. A proactive impact absorber system for increasing the capacity of a first object, to which it is fitted, to absorb the impact of another object, the system comprising: 20 a movable structural element mounted on the first object in a position where it is likely to be impacted by another object during a collision; a mechanical actuator connected to the structural element and adapted to move the structural element at high speed in the direction of the other object when impact is imminent, and wherein the mechanical actuator is also 25 capable of acting as a shock absorber upon impact; and, an electronic control system for detecting when impact with the other object is imminent and for activating the mechanical actuator to move the structural element whereby, in use, when the structural element intercepts the other object it establishes an expanded collision zone that in turn allows for 30 significant additional impact reduction capacity for the impacted object. 13

3. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the movable structural element is a panel movable between a first retracted position in which it rests against the first object and a second extended position in which it is supported a prescribed distance from the first 5 object.

4. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mechanical actuator is one of a pair of mechanical actuators.

5. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 4, wherein each mechanical actuator comprises a shock-absorbing elongate arm which is 10 mechanically attached at one end to the first object and mechanically attached at the other end to the movable structural element.

6. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 5, wherein each elongate arm comprises a hydraulic ram having a cylinder and a piston.

7. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 6, wherein an 15 advanced, high speed, hydraulic pump system is triggered by the electronic control system to drive the hydraulic rams to the extended position.

8. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein one end of each hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the first object by a stationary tilt joint. 20

9. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 8, wherein a cavity provided in the first object houses the hydraulic cylinder when the piston is in its fully retracted position.

10. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 9, wherein the other end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the moveable 25 structural element via a slide bracket.

11. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 10, wherein the slide bracket is constrained to slide in a directional tethered sleeve provided in the moveable structural element. 14

12. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first object is provided with a sealed receiving sleeve mounted behind the mechanical actuator and extending into an existing crumple zone provided in the first object wherein, in use, when the movable structural 5 element intercepts the other object, and the mechanical actuator begins to act as a shock absorber, the mechanical actuator is pushed backwards linearly into the sealed receiving sleeve.

13. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in claim 6, wherein one end of the hydraulic cylinder of each shock-absorbing elongate arm 10 incorporates a pre-pressurised hydraulic cylinder, so that when it is triggered it will push out the piston automatically and requires no hydraulic pump to be fitted to the vehicle.

14. A proactive impact absorber system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mechanical actuator utilises a pre-compressed spring, housed 15 in a casing and with plates fitted at each side wherein, in use, when triggered the spring is released and provides some movement of the moveable structural element towards the other object. 20 Dated this 6th day of November 2013 Jacques Malan Boonzaaier by his Patent Attorneys Janet Stead & Associates