WO2014188355A1

WO2014188355A1 - Device and method of absorbing the energy of an impact and articles comprising such a device

Info

Publication number: WO2014188355A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/061594
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca Antonio Andrea FRIGERIO
Original assignee: Frigerio Luca Antonio Andrea
Priority date: 2013-05-21
Filing date: 2014-05-21
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: ITMI20130820A1

Abstract

There are described a device (10) and a method of absorbing the energy of an impact (I). The device comprises: at least one main body (20) containing a controllable fluid composition (F); at least one proximity detection means (30), suitable for detecting an imminent impact (I); a control unit (40) in communication with said at least one proximity detection means (30). The control unit (40) is configured to receive in input an activation signal (s) from said at least one proximity detection means (30) and, based on the received activation signal (s), generate a stimulus (M; E) suitable for reversibly modifying the viscosity of the controllable fluid composition (F), thereby absorbing the energy of the impact (I). There is further described an article (100, 200) comprising the device (10) for absorbing the energy of an impact (I).

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD OF ABSORBING THE ENERGY OF AN IMPACT AND ARTICLES COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE

* * * *

The present invention relates to a device and a method of absorbing the energy of an impact. The invention further relates to articles, for example clothing items and helmet linings for motorcyclists, alpinists, skiers and the like, comprising such a device.

When carrying out particularly demanding and dangerous sport activities, such as for example motorcycling, parachuting, mountain climbing, skiing and the like, as well as working activities in which accidental falling can occur, it is known for protection devices to be used having the function of protecting the user against violent impacts in the case of crashing against obstacles or accidental falls.

Such known protection devices comprise jackets, overalls or similar garments that are equipped with protection elements, such as for example plates, removable inserts or external protection structures in highly resistant materials, for example titanium, carbon fibre, composite materials and the like, or with particular padding. Such protection elements have the function of cushioning the impact between the body of the user and an obstacle and are therefore called "passive" protection devices.

In the rest of the present description and in the following claims, the term "obstacle" shall be used to indicate any rigid or semi-rigid element that hinders the carrying out of an action. Examples of obstacles are a wall, the road surface, a means of transport, a tree and the like.

The aforementioned known passive protection devices have, however, some drawbacks.

First, they are not always capable of preventing the energy of an impact from discharging onto the human body. Indeed, there are frequently cases in which, even at low speed, despite the presence of protection devices, impacts can even cause substantial fractures, whilst paradoxically leaving the protection elements themselves intact.

Second, due to the presence of the protection elements, which are often rigid and bulky, known protection devices limit the freedom of movement of the user to a certain extent, for example while carrying out a sport or working activity thus being poor in terms of practicality and mobility. This is particularly disadvantageous in the cases in which the user is required to be extremely elastic in moving his body, like for example during a motorcycling race or when skiing down a slope.

In the prior art so-called "controllable" fluid compositions are also known. These are specifically fluid compositions that are capable of modifying their rheological behaviour following the application of an external magnetic or electric field. In the first case they are called magnetorheological fluid compositions, and in the second they are called electrorheological fluid compositions.

More particularly, when subjected to a magnetic/electric field, magnetorheological/electrorheological fluid compositions have the property of instantaneously and reversibly changing their viscosity in a manner that is proportional to the magnetic/electric field that is applied.

The Applicant has surprisingly found that, by using the controllable fluid compositions defined above, it is possible to realize a safety device, specifically a device for absorbing the energy of an impact, that is capable of avoiding or at least minimising the drawbacks discussed above with reference to the passive protection devices known at the state of the art.

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a so-called "active" protection device and method, i.e. capable of detecting an imminent impact of a user against an obstacle and of instantaneously and reversibly activating one or more elements that are configured to absorb the energy that, following impact, could be discharged onto the body of the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for absorbing the energy of an impact, which is extremely versatile and can be applied to articles, for example jackets, overalls and the like, that are already available to the user.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide articles, like for example a clothing item, a helmet lining and the like, provided with a device for absorbing the energy of an impact, which articles, when worn by a user, have minimum bulk and do not limit the movements of the user himself.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide articles provided with a device for absorbing the energy of an impact, that are capable of offering complete protection to the areas of the body of the user which are mostly exposed to the risk of permanent damage, typically the back and the neck.

Last but not least object of the present invention is to provide a device for absorbing the energy of an impact and articles comprising it, which can be produces with competitive manufacturing costs.

These and other objects, which shall become clearer in the following, are achieved by a device for absorbing the energy of an impact, a method of absorbing the energy of an impact and by articles comprising the device according to the attached claims.

Therefore, in a first aspect thereof, the invention concerns a device for absorbing the energy of an impact comprising:

- at least one main body containing a controllable fluid composition;

- at least one proximity detection means, suitable for detecting the imminent impact;

- a control unit in communication with said at least one proximity detection means and configured to:

- receive in input an activation signal from said at least one proximity detection means; and

- based on the received activation signal, generate a stimulus suitable for reversibly modifying the viscosity of the controllable fluid composition, thereby absorbing the energy of the impact.

Thanks to its combination of features, the device according to the invention is advantageously capable of detecting an imminent impact, as well as the area of the body of the user on which the energy of the impact will be discharged, and of modifying, substantially instantaneously and reversibly, the rheological behaviour of the controllable fluid composition so as to absorb the energy of the impact in an active manner, in the instant in which it is discharged onto the body of the user.

Preferably, each main body consists of a first layer and a second layer defining a space therebetween, said space being filled with the controllable fluid composition. A device is advantageously obtained that is light and therefore not bulky and extremely versatile.

Preferably, the first and the second layer are made from a rigid or flexible material.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and the second layer are made of graphene. This advantageously makes it possible to obtain a main body that is extremely wear-resistant, as well as having low weight and small bulk.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, each main body is made in the form of a net or micro-net, the meshes of which are filled with the controllable fluid composition. This makes it advantageously possible to further reduce the bulk and the weight of the device. Moreover, the shape of a net or micro-net makes it possible to shape the main body(ies) of the device so as to be able to make clothing items, for example an overall, or a helmet lining that can be comfortably worn by the user.

Preferably, the meshes of the net or micro-net are made from a rigid or flexible material.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the meshes of the net or micro-net are made of graphene. This advantageously makes it possible to obtain a main body that is extremely wear-resistant, as well as having low weight and small bulk.

Preferably, the net can be made by two or more layers of intertwisted fabric, between which the controllable fluid composition is trapped.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the meshes of the net or micro-net have a honey-comb, tubular or spiral configuration.

Preferably, the controllable fluid composition is a magnetorheological fluid composition, preferably comprising magnetisable particles that are dispersed or suspended in a vector fluid, and the stimulus generated by the control unit is a magnetic field.

According to an alternative embodiment, the controllable fluid composition is an electrorheological fluid composition, preferably comprising a colloidal suspension of thin particles in a non-conductive vector fluid, and the stimulus generated by the control unit is an electric field.

Preferably, the magnetisable particles and the thin electrifiable particles are dispersed or suspended in a noble gas, for example helium. This makes it possible to further reduce the weight of the device.

Preferably, the proximity detector means comprise proximity sensors, more preferably infrared proximity sensors, which can be easily integrated in a clothing item in which it is possible to install the device according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the device can include geolocation means, of the GPS {Global Positioning System) type, by which the control unit of the device can, immediately after an accident, communicate with rescue structures, preferably rescue structures that are located near to the place of the accident, so as to indicate to an operator the position of the user of the device to be rescued.

Preferably, the control unit comprises means for switching the device on/off and/or displaying means of the operating state of the device.

In a further aspect thereof, the invention relates to a method of absorbing the energy of an impact comprising the steps of: a) detecting the imminent impact; b) generating a stimulus suitable for reversibly modifying the viscosity of a controllable fluid composition thereby absorbing the energy of the impact.

Preferably, step a) comprises scanning the surrounding environment and step b) comprises orienting particles of said controllable fluid composition thereby generating a force equal and opposite to the force generated by the impact on the body of the user.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a clothing item comprising the device for absorbing the energy of an impact defined above.

In yet another aspect, the invention concerns a helmet lining comprising the device for absorbing the energy of an impact defined above.

In yet another aspect, the invention concerns a computer program comprising a software code that is configured for carrying out the method of the present invention.

In yet another aspect, the present invention concerns a memory means that can be read by a computer comprising the above computer program.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention shall become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof, given with reference to the attached drawings.

The different characteristics in the single configurations can be combined with one another as desired, when it is necessary to make use of the advantages obtained specifically by a particular combination.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a device for absorbing the energy of an impact according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in its resting or non-operative condition;

Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in the operative phase or in the phase of absorbing the energy of an impact;

Figure 3 is a schematic view, similar to that of Figure 1 , showing a device for absorbing the energy of an impact according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a jacket with the device of Figure 1 integrated in it;

Figure 5 shows a jacket with the device of Figure 3 integrated in it; and

Figure 6 shows a helmet lining with the device of Figure 1 integrated in it.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, these show a detailed view of a device for absorbing the energy of an impact according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The device, in general indicated with the reference numeral 10, comprises a main body 20, at least a proximity detection means, in the illustrated example there are five proximity sensors 30, preferably five infrared proximity sensors, and a control unit 40. Naturally, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to provide any proximity detection means suitable for the purpose, for example gyroscopes, accelerometers and the like.

The control unit 40 is in communication with the proximity sensors 30, through respective connecting lines 32, of the cabled type, for example optical fibres, or wireless, and with the main body 20, according to modalities that shall be described in greater detail in the rest of the present document.

Moreover, preferably, the control unit 40 comprises means for switching the device 10 on/off, for example a switch 42, and/or displaying means 44 suitable for indicating the operating state of the device 10.

In one preferred embodiment, the device 10 can include geolocation means 50, of the GPS {Global Positioning System) type, by means of which the control unit 40 can communicate with the rescue structures that are closest to the position of the user of the device immediately after the accident.

In the example of Figure 1 , the main body 20 comprises a first layer 22 and a second layer 24 that are tightly sealed at respective peripheral edges 21 , 23, so as to define a space therebetween, which is suitable for being filled with a controllable fluid composition F.

The first layer 22 and the second layer 24 are made from a fluid- tight material that is rigid or flexible. Examples of rigid materials are organic polymers that are reinforced with fibres, like for example glass fibres, carbon fibres and the like, polycarbonates, polycarbonate-polyester copolymers, polystyrene and combinations thereof. Preferably, the first layer 22 and the second layer 24 are made of graphene.

In particular, the fluid composition F comprises a plurality of particles 25 that are dispersed or suspended in a vector fluid. As previously described, such a controllable fluid composition F is capable of modifying its rheological behaviour following the application of one external stimulus (M, E, Figure 2). We speak about magnetorheological fluid compositions, when the external stimulus that is applied is a magnetic field (M, Figure 2), and about electrorheological fluid compositions, when the external stimulus that is applied is an electric field (E, Figure 2).

More specifically, when a magnetorheological/electrorheological fluid composition is subjected to a magnetic/electric field M/E, the particles 25 that are contained in the vector fluid are oriented, instantaneously and reversibly, forming aggregated structures, for example chains of particles 25. As a result, the viscosity of the controllable fluid composition F increases proportionally with respect to the magnetic/electric field M/E that is applied.

Suitable magnetorheological fluid compositions comprise magnetisable particles 25, for example ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles, dispersed or suspended within the vector fluid according to a random distribution.

Suitable magnetisable particles 25 comprise: iron, iron alloy, iron oxides, nickel and nickel alloys, cobalt and cobalt alloys, and the like. Preferably, the magnetisable particles are spherical in shape with a diameter that is smaller than or equal to 500 micrometres, more preferably smaller than or equal to 100 micrometres. Naturally, the particles 25 can have any suitable shape other than the preferred spherical shape.

Suitable vector fluids comprise: organic liquids, in particular non- polar organic liquids, such as for example silicone oils, mineral oils, paraffin oils and the like. The vector fluid can also be an aqueous fluid comprising water or water mixed with small amounts of organic polar solvents such as for example methanol, ethanol, propanol, acetone and the like.

Suitable electrorheological fluid compositions include colloidal suspensions of thin particles 25 in non-conductive vector fluids. Suitable thin particles 25 comprise: barium, titanium and the like. Preferably, the thin particles are spherical with a diameter that can be of between 30 and 70 nanometres, preferably equal to around 50 nanometres.

Preferably, the magnetisable or thin particles 25 are dispersed or suspended in a noble gas, for example helium. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the weight and bulk of the device when used for making a clothing item, for example for motorcyclists.

With particular reference to Figure 2, the proximity sensors 30, for example infrared sensors, are configured to detect an imminent impact I (Figure 2) and to transmit, substantially in real time, a respective activation signal s (Figure 2) to the control unit 40.

Preferably, the proximity sensors 30 detect the imminent impact I by scanning the external environment and transmit the activation signal s to the control unit 40 before the impact I occurs, for example when they detect an obstacle that is positioned at a predetermined distance from the user, which is comprised in the range of between 150 cm and 200 cm, preferably equal to 180 cm.

Upon receipt the activation signal s from the respective proximity sensor 30, the control unit 40, in turn, is configured to generate a stimulus, preferably a magnetic field M or an electric field E, suitable for modifying the viscosity of the controllable fluid composition F.

More specifically, the control unit 40 is configured to aggregate and orient the particles 25 present in the controllable fluid composition F so that the aggregated particles 25 generate a force equal and opposite to that which is produced by the impact I on the body of the user. Consequently, the resultant of the forces acting on the body of the user upon impact I is null and the energy generated by the impact I on the body of the user is completely absorbed by the device 10.

Figure 3 shows a device for absorbing the energy of an impact according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

The device, in general indicated with the reference numeral 110, is similar to the device 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, from which it differs only for the shape of the main body 120.

In particular, the device 110 comprises proximity detecting means 130, preferably infrared proximity sensors, and a control unit 140 that is in communication with the proximity sensors 130 through respective cabled or wireless connecting lines 132, means 142 for switching the device on/off, displaying means 144 for displaying the operating state of the device and/or geolocation means 150, which are in communication with the control unit 140.

The main body 120 has the shape of a net or micro-net, the meshes 122, 124 of which are filled with the controllable fluid composition F described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The net or micro-net configuration of the main body 120 advantageously makes it possible to further reduce the bulk of the device as well as its weight. Moreover, the net or micro-net configuration makes it possible to shape the main body 120 to be able to make clothing items, for example overalls, or a helmet lining that can be comfortably worn by the user.

Preferably, the meshes 122, 124 of the net or micro-net are made from a rigid or flexible material. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the meshes 122, 124 of the net or micro-net are made of graphene.

Preferably, the net can be made by means of two or more layers of intertwisted fabric, between which the controllable fluid composition F is trapped. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the meshes 122, 124 of the net or micro-net have a honey-comb, a tubular or spiral configuration.

The device 110 operates in a similar manner with respect to that which was described above with reference to the device 10.

Figures 4 and 5 show a clothing item, specifically a jacket 100 for motorcyclists, which is equipped with the device 10 and the device 110 for absorbing the energy of an impact I according to the invention, respectively.

In the examples shown, the device 10, 110 that is associated with the jacket 100 comprises five main bodies 20, 120 that are filled with the controllable fluid composition F. The main bodies 20, 120 are arranged, respectively, at the neck/shoulders, sleeves and the back part of the jacket 100. Advantageously, in such a way, the areas of the body of the user which are the most exposed to trauma in the case of a violent impact or a crash against an obstacle are protected. Naturally, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to provide any number of main bodies 20, 120, positioned in any desired part of the jacket 100.

The proximity detection means 30, 130 are also suitably distributed inside the jacket 100, preferably at a respective main body 20, 120, and are in communication with the control unit 40, 140, through the connecting lines 32, 132. The control unit 40, 140 is preferably positioned in an area that is accessible to the field of sight of the user.

Figure 6 shows a helmet lining 200 that is equipped with a device 10 for absorbing the energy of an impact I according to the invention. Naturally, the helmet lining 200 can be made with the device 110 of Figure 3.

In the example shown, the device 10 comprises a main body 20 that is filled with the controllable fluid composition F, arranged at the neck part of the helmet lining. In such a way, the cervical area of the user, which usually undergoes violent twisting in the case of impact against an obstacle, is advantageously protected.

Again, the proximity sensors 30 are suitably distributed inside the helmet lining 200, preferably at the main body 20, and are in communication with the control unit 40, through respective connecting lines.

With reference again to Figures 1 and 2, it will now be described in detail a method of absorbing the energy of an impact I carried out by using the device 10 of the invention. Naturally, a method that is completely similar is valid with reference to the device 110 of Figure 3.

Let us assume, purely as an example, that the main body or bodies 20 of the device 10 are filled with a magnetorheological fluid composition F comprising a plurality of magnetisable particles 25 dispersed or suspended in the vector fluid. Naturally, the operation of the device 10 is completely analogous if the main body or bodies 20 contain, inside them, instead of the magnetorheological fluid composition F defined above that can be reversibly activated by a magnetic field M, an electrorheological fluid composition that can be reversibly activated by an electric field E.

Let us then assume that a motorcyclist wearing the device 10 is the victim of an accidental fall, following which his back hits against an obstacle, typically the road surface.

The proximity sensors 30 scan the surrounding environment and, in the instant in which the fall occurs, the proximity sensors 30 that are arranged at the back of the motorcyclist, detect the imminent impact I, in the specific example the road surface coming closer to the body of the user, and they transmit an activation signal s to the control unit 40.

In turn, the control unit 40 generates a magnetic field M, the intensity of which is a function of predetermined parameters, like for example the speed at which the obstacle approaches and/or the surface of the obstacle.

In the presence of the generated magnetic field M, the magnetisable particles 25 of the magnetorheological fluid composition F become polarised thereby forming, inside the vector fluid, chains of particles that are oriented so as to generate a force that is equal and opposite to the force that is generated by the impact I between the road surface and the body of the user upon falling.

In other words, thanks to the presence, in the vector fluid, of the chains of oriented particles, the viscosity, or flow resistance, of the vector fluid substantially instantaneously increases proportionally to the applied magnetic field M. A solid mass is thus generated that is capable of generating a force that is equal and opposite to that which is generated by the impact I, and is therefore capable of absorbing the energy of the impact I in the instant in which the impact occurs.

When the magnetic field M is deactivated, for example by switching off the device 10, the particles 25 return substantially instantaneously to a so-called chaotic or free state, with a consequent reduction of the viscosity of the vector fluid.

From the description made the characteristics of the device and of the method of absorbing the energy of an impact, as such as of the articles comprising the device, object of the present invention should be clear, as well as the relative advantages should also be clear.

In particular, the following advantageous technical effects can be achieved:

- to obtain an "active" protection device and method, i.e. a device capable of detecting an imminent impact of a user, for example against the asphalt or against an obstacle, and capable of activating, instantaneously and reversibly, one or more elements configured for absorbing the energy that, upon impact, could be discharged onto the body of the user;

- to obtain a device that is extremely versatile and that can be applied to articles, for example jackets, overalls and the like, that are already available to the user; and - to obtain clothing items that are capable of ensuring complete protection of the areas of the body of the user that are mostly exposed to risk of permanent damage and that, when worn, have minimal bulk and do not hinder the movement of the user himself.

Finally, it is clear that the device for absorbing the energy of an impact thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variants, all covered by the invention; moreover, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according to the technical requirements.

Claims

1 . A device (10; 1 10) for absorbing the energy of an impact (I) characterised in that it comprises: at least one main body (20; 120) containing a controllable fluid composition (F); at least one proximity detection means (30; 130), suitable for detecting an imminent impact (I); a control unit (40; 140) in communication with said at least one proximity detection means (30; 130) and configured to:

- receive in input an activation signal (s) from said at least one proximity detection means (30; 130); and

- based on the received activation signal (s), generate a stimulus (M; E) suitable for reversibly modifying the viscosity of the controllable fluid composition (F), thereby absorbing the energy of the impact (I).

2. A device (10) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said at least one main body (20) consists of a first layer (22) and a second layer (24) defining a space therebetween, said space being filled with said controllable fluid composition (F).

3. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that said first (22) and second layers (24) are made from a rigid or flexible material.

4. A device (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that said first and the second layers are made of graphene.

5. A device (1 10) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said at least one main body (120) is a net or micro-net, the meshes (122, 124) of which are filled with said controllable fluid composition (F).

6. A device (1 10) according to of claim 5, characterised in that said net or micro-net comprises two or more layers of intertwisted fabric, between which the controllable fluid composition (F) is trapped.

7. A device (1 10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that said meshes (122, 124) of the net or micro-net have a honey-comb, tubular or spiral configuration.

8. A device (1 10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that said meshes (122, 124) are made of graphene.

9. A device (10; 1 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said controllable fluid composition (F) is a magnetorheological fluid composition and said stimulus generated by said control unit (40; 140) is a magnetic field (M).

10. A device (10; 1 10) according to claim 9, characterised in that said magnetorheological fluid composition comprises magnetisable particles (25) dispersed or suspended in a vector fluid.

1 1 . A device (10; 1 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said controllable fluid composition (F) is an electrorheological fluid composition and said stimulus generated by said control unit (40; 140) is an electric field (E).

12. A device (10; 1 10) according to claim 1 1 , characterised in that said electrorheological fluid composition comprises a colloidal suspension of thin particles (25) in a non-conductive vector fluid.

13. A device (10; 1 10) according to claim 10 or 12, characterised in that the magnetisable or thin particles (25) are dispersed in helium gas.

14. A device (10; 1 10) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said proximity detector means (30; 130) comprise infrared proximity sensors.

15. A device (10; 1 10) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said control unit (40; 140) comprises means (42; 142) for switching the device (10; 1 10) on/off.

16. A device (10; 1 10) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said control unit (40; 140) comprises displaying means (44; 144) of the operating state of the device (10; 1 10).

17. A device (10; 1 10) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said control unit (40; 140) further comprises geolocation means (50; 150) in communication with the control unit (40; 140).

18. A method of absorbing the energy of an impact (I) characterised in that it comprises the steps of: a) detecting the imminent impact (I); b) generating a stimulus (M; E) suitable for reversibly modifying the viscosity of a controllable fluid composition (F) thereby absorbing the energy of the impact (I).

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein step a) comprises scanning the surrounding environment and said step b) comprises orienting particles (25) of said controllable fluid composition (F) thereby generating a force equal and opposite to the force generated by the impact (I) on the body of a user.

20. A clothing item (100) characterised in that it comprises a device (10; 1 10) for absorbing the energy of an impact (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

21 . A helmet lining (200) characterised in that it comprises a device (10; 1 10) for absorbing the energy of an impact (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.