GB1445883A - Device for automatic signalling of an automotive vehicle damaged by collision - Google Patents

Abstract

1445883 Utilizing inertia machinery SERPRO SOC D'ETUDES ET DE RECHERCHES POUR LA PROTECTION 17 Oct 1973 [23 Feb 1973 14 Aug 1973] 48405/73 Heading F2X [Also in Divisions G4 and H1] A striker in a device starts an irreversible process for warning other drivers automatically when a vehicle is immobilized in a collision; the striker is spring loaded and normally locked positively but under an impact force an inertial block unlocks it. In one embodiment an inertial arrangement comprises blocks M1-M4, Figs. 1, 2, in respective pipes T1-T4 and acting on respective strikers P1-P4. Striker, e.g. P2, has an offset D2 bearing against a shoulder on block M2, and is loaded by a spring S2. Even under severe braking a block is arranged not to free its associated striker but moves sufficiently to keep the block "free" in its pipe; in a serious collision, however, one or more blocks move sufficiently against the retaining springs to free corresponding strikers, see block M1 in Fig. 2. The striker may actuate smoke-producing means, an optical or acoustical transmitter, or power to a radio transmitter. A more detailed arrangement is described, in which orthogonal inertial cylinders (22) are provided each is differential in action and stepped to permit a locking member (38) to drop to relase the associated striker (31) to relase a smoke-producing fluid (41), Figs. 3 to 5 (none shown). The striker may close electric contacts, which may be mercury type, Fig. 9 (not shown), or actuate a primable electric supply cell, Fig. 8 (not shown). The mounting position of the device is discussed, Figs. 6, 7 (neither shown). Manual electric switch, Fig. 11.-A rod 122 is locked by a wire 125 and when a knob is pushed the rod is moved to interconnect terminals 132, 133 and the rod is locked by a hole 123 therein receiving a pin 127. A radio transmitter, flashing lights and the vehicle's horn are simultaneously actuated, Fig. 10 (not shown), in a circuit incorporating the automatic device. Other embodiments of the automatic device are described, Figs. 12-15 (none shown).