Abstract: A protection system comprises at least one inflatable safety structure, each associated with a gas generator that can be activated by an external command, wherein the external command comprises an electrical signal from an automated system that is responsible for the critical safety functions of a vehicle, corresponding to predictive information about an impact. The gas generator is configured to generate a gas over a time period such that the total inflation time of the inflatable structure is greater than 50 milliseconds. The inflatable structure may be waterproof.

Abstract: A force-absorbing barrier 10 includes a plurality of concentric chambers 21, 23, 25 and 27 at least partially filled with fluid 42. The walls 22, 24, 26 and 28 defining the chambers are flexible. Fluid passages 30 in the interior walls 24, 26 and 28 between chambers allow fluid flow between the chambers. The fluid flow from chamber to chamber will absorb energy from the impact a motor vehicle, preventing the vehicle from impacting the terminal of a guardrail.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an airbag apparatus for a vehicle. The airbag apparatus is capable of protecting a collision object while protecting a vehicle and an occupant by being installed in a fully autonomous vehicle in which the occupant's position and posture are variable. The airbag apparatus includes an inflator provided outside a vehicle body and configured to generate working gas, a housing mounted to an edge of the vehicle body, a cushion part accommodated in the housing and configured to be inflated as being discharged from the housing by receiving the working gas generated from the inflator for covering a front of the vehicle body, and a tether part provided in the cushion part to determine a deployment shape of the cushion part.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body portion, an opening defined by the body portion, and an extendable bumper that is positioned in the opening and is moveable with respect to the body portions between an extended position and a retracted position. The extendable bumper includes an inflatable structure that causes movement of the extendable bumper between the retracted position and the extended position in response to inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: A protective lift pad is located on a mechanical lift of a materials handling vehicle, and is adapted for engaging and protecting materials carried by the vehicle. The lift pad includes a flexible polymeric body. A plurality of magnets are embedded within the flexible body, and are adapted for releasably magnetically mounting the lift pad to a metal surface on a vertical back of the mechanical lift.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices having adaptive surfaces. An adaptive surface may expand or deform responsive to a temperature change and/or a mechanical strain for thermal management for the device or for mechanical restructuring of the device in various configurations. The adaptive surface may be formed from a negative Poisson's ratio relief pattern in the surface or an inhomogeneous arrangement of materials.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle spoiler including a front spoiler provided on a vehicle lower side of a front bumper, an air bag, which is connected with a bottom part of the front bumper and the front spoiler, causes the front spoiler to be in a deployed state by expanding, and causes the front spoiler to be in a stored state by contracting, and a relief valve that reduces inner pressure of the air bag when inner pressure of the air bag increases due to interference of an obstacle on a road with the front spoiler.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body having a width direction. A fascia with a long dimension oriented in the width direction is coupled to the vehicle body. A compressible layer is disposed between the fascia and the body, with a first face proximate the fascia and a second face proximate the body. The first face is provided with a first recess to define a first cavity between the fascia and the compressible layer. The second face is provided with a second recess to define a second cavity between the compressible layer and the body. The first recess and the second recess have long dimensions oriented in the width direction. A pressure sensor is disposed in the second cavity. The fascia has a fascia face proximate the compressible layer and a rib member projecting from the fascia face. The rib member is disposed at least partially in the first cavity.

Abstract: Activating a smart bumper system is provided. Traffic data are received from a set of sensors located on each of a plurality of vehicles within a defined area. A collision is predicted between two or more vehicles is imminent based on analyzing the traffic data. A smart bumper system of at least one of the two or more vehicles that will be involved in the predicted collision is actuated to minimize an amount of damage during the predicted collision.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device includes a tube. A plurality of first pellets are disposed in the tube and a plurality of second pellets are disposed in the tube. The first pellets are deformable relative to the second pellets.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper structure including: bumper reinforcement inside of a bumper cover provided at a front-rear direction outside end of a vehicle; an absorber disposed adjacent to the vehicle front-rear direction outside of the bumper reinforcement; a pedestrian collision detection sensor including a pressure tube extending between the bumper reinforcement and the absorber, bending toward a vehicle lower side at positions of both vehicle width direction end portions of the bumper reinforcement, including a left and right pair of tube end portions extending along a vehicle up-down direction, and outputting a signal according to a change in pressure in the pressure tube; and a reinforcement member, the reinforcement member being provided to a vehicle front-rear direction inside face of the bumper cover, reinforcing the bumper cover, and being disposed in a position superimposed in the vehicle front-rear direction on the tube end portion in plan view.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to airbag systems for vehicles having interlocking airbags. An example airbag system may include a first airbag having a first shape and a second airbag having a second shape. The first shape and the second shape are configured to interlock with one another in order to reduce the likelihood of an object passing between the first airbag and the second airbag when the first and second airbags are inflated. In addition, the first airbag and second airbag are arranged to deploy on an exterior of the vehicle. An airbag system can also include one or more processors configured to determine that an impact with an object is likely to occur within a predetermined period of time. These processors can also use the determination to send a first signal to deploy the first airbag and a second signal to deploy the second airbag.

Abstract: A vehicle body transformable front section structure including: a front side member; a crash box that is configured including a tube shaped section having mountain portions and valley portions provided alternately along the vehicle front-rear direction and capable of extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and that is attached to an end portion at a vehicle front side of the front side member; bumper reinforcement; a collision prediction section; and a gas generator; the tube shaped section being configured including a first wall portion and a second wall portion respectively disposed connected to each other in the vehicle front-rear direction through each of the mountain portions; and a recess being formed on an inner face side of the tube shaped portion in at least one out of the first wall portion or the second wall portion so as to enlarge the surface area of the inner face.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member for a bumper assembly of a vehicle includes an open-celled foam. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed in the open-celled foam. A magnetic field source selectively controls a magnetic field in the open-celled foam. The open-celled foam includes cell walls and the magnetorheological fluid coats the cell walls and defines open cells unfilled by magnetorheological fluid.

Abstract: An outer bumper and an inner bumper have disposed therebetween a plastic bolster. At least one inflator is communicatively coupled to a controller and arranged to inflate the plastic bolster. The bolster is formed of a plastic having sufficient rigidity to fold. In one example, the bolster includes accordion folds in an undeployed state.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a bumper back beam extending in a width direction of a vehicle, and an inflator protector mounted at a front surface of the bumper back beam to cover the front surface of the bumper back beam in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An airbag module disposed at the inflator protector is expanded and inflated in the width direction of the vehicle. The impact absorbing device for a vehicle can facilitate manufacturing of a bumper back beam, simplify a structure, and effectively absorbs impact.

Abstract: Disclosed is an external airbag apparatus. The apparatus includes, a back beam disposed on one surface directed toward a bumper on which an airbag module is disposed. The apparatus additionally includes a deployment guide disposed between the bumper and the back beam, both ends of which are coupled to the back beam, and a middle end of which is supported on the bumper. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a sensor disposed between the deployment guide and the back beam to sense impact when pressed by the deployment guide during impact to the bumper.

Abstract: A pedestrian collision detection device is obtained that is capable of improving pedestrian detection performance in the vicinity of a bumper corner portion. A pedestrian collision detection device includes a chamber member disposed with pressure detectors, and an ECU is connected to the pressure detectors. Terminal portions of the chamber member are wrapped around so as to cover vehicle width direction outside end faces of bumper reinforcement at bumper corner portion sides. When a load of a specific value or greater is input to the terminal portions of the chamber member from a bumper cover side during a collision, the terminal portions obtain a reactive force from the bumper reinforcement and undergo compression deformation towards the vehicle width direction inside, and the pressure inside a pressure chamber of the chamber member changes.

Abstract: A bumper system for a vehicle includes a fascia having an integral energy absorber portion configured to dissipate an amount of energy due to an impact upon the fascia. The energy absorber portion includes multiple spaced formations configured to extend rearward and forward when the bumper system is installed on the vehicle. The bumper system may also include an impact beam. The fascia can be secured to the vehicle so that the fascia is positioned immediately adjacent the impact beam. The bumper system can also include a valence that covers the energy absorber portion from view, so that only a remaining display portion of the bumper system is visible from outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A front body structure of a vehicle in which rigidity of a back beam may be significantly improved through being coupled with an energy absorber, an airbag cushion is extended to protrude forward while tearing only a front bumper, and the energy absorber is made of steel in order to improve rigidity.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bladder forming a deflector to attach to a front bumper of the vehicle to divert air around the vehicle. The deflector works to reduce the drag forces on the vehicle's front bumper by promoting more streamline or laminar air flow around the body of the vehicle. Such drag force reduction translates into greater vehicle fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A front body structure of a vehicle in which rigidity of a back beam may be significantly improved through being coupled with an energy absorber, an airbag cushion is extended to protrude forward while tearing only a front bumper, and the energy absorber is made of steel in order to improve rigidity.

Abstract: A bodywork for vehicles including panels made of a deformable material and filled with a pressured fluid. The panels are located on the external sections of the bodywork.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] An impact absorption body for a vehicle can have desired impact absorption performance, exhibits excellent impact absorption performance particularly immediately after an impact is applied to the body, and can maintain high impact absorption performance. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] The impact absorption body (1) for a vehicle is installed within a vehicle forming member and absorbs impact energy in a collision. The impact absorption body (1) has a first wall (4) placed on the side that receives an impact, a second wall (5) facing the first wall (4) with a hollow section (2) between them, and one or more impact absorption ribs (9) constructed from deep groove sections (15) and shallow groove sections (16). The deep groove sections (15) are formed by depressing the first wall (4) and second wall (5) into groove shapes and integrally joining the top surfaces, which function as fusion bonding surfaces, of the depressions.

Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.

Abstract: An inflatable, energy-absorbing device for positioning behind a deployable front surface of a vehicle includes at least one air bag. Each of the at least one air bag is made of a drop stitch material comprising at least an outer and an inner layer of fabric and an internal reinforcement in the form of one or more internal stitchings which extends/extend around the airbag between opposing surfaces of the outer and inner layers of fabric. The inflatable, energy-absorbing device is configured to, upon actuation thereof by means of a sensor system for detecting approaching or actual impacts, inflate and thereby deploy the front surface of the vehicle in the driving direction of the vehicle. A deployable soft nose structure is also disclosed. The deployable soft nose structure comprises a deployable front surface and at least one inflatable, energy-absorbing device as defined above, positioned behind deployable the front surface.

Abstract: A reusable bumper (10) for a rotorcraft (1) suitable for protecting a rear end (3) of said rotorcraft (1). The bumper (10) comprises a resilient outer shell (20) forming a first chamber (11) having a resilient inner shell (30) placed therein and forming a second chamber (12), said outer shell (20) having at least one main orifice (21), said inner shell (30) being provided with management means (50) for managing the pressure that exists inside said second chamber (12) and suitable for enabling said pressure to increase up to a predetermined threshold in order to inform the pilot that the bumper (10) has made contact with the ground (S), and then to enable said pressure to drop in order to absorb energy resulting from said contact.

Abstract: A bumper has a ram (1) cooperating by a pressure fluid chamber (5) with a collision energy dissipating unit (11), in which kinetic energy of progressive motion is converted into kinetic energy of rotary motion. The pressure fluid chamber (5) is made as an angle fluid splitter (4) comprising an input cylinder (3) co-operating with a piston (2) of the ram (1) and at least two output cylinders (6, 7) angularly deviated from an axis (20) of the input cylinder (3), said output cylinders co-operating with pistons (9), the piston rods (10) of which are linked with the energy dissipating units (11) driving spinning masses (15).

Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. One or more tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.

Abstract: A front end assembly mounting for the front unit of a motor vehicle including a mounting and a container for holding an operating fluid integrated together with the front side of the container projecting forwardly. The container is arranged in an installation position at the height of an impact region of a leg or hip of a pedestrian to absorb energy in case of impact with a pedestrian.

Abstract: An air-cushioned vehicle or hovercraft includes a three-dimensional frame comprising a latticework of tubular members. A pressure plate is coupled to the underside of the frame and includes at least one aperture therein and a skirt attached adjacent a periphery thereof. At least one lifting fan is positioned relative to the at least one aperture to generate a current of air therethrough. The frame may be configured to generate a visual indication of damage thereto. Methods of making and air-cushion vehicle are disclosed. Methods of using an air-cushion vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reusable system for cushioning impacts to a vehicle comprising: a bumper mounted via shock absorbers to the chassis of the vehicle; a remote sensor for detecting location and relative velocity of objects in proximity of the vehicle; a processor; a primary airbag mounted within the bumper, expandable outwards from some bumper upon inflation; an inflator for the primary airbag; a valve for releasing gas from the primary airbag and a retractor for compressing primary airbag, wherein a signal from processor indicating imminent impact triggers inflation of primary airbag beyond bumper protecting bumper and retractor collapses airbag for reuse.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle, in particular a trailer or semi-trailer, comprises on its two sides two side-impact guard devices each comprising at least one bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to the frame of the vehicle. Set between the bars of the two side-impact guard devices is a housing structure for one or more spare wheels, in such a way that said housing structure and the spare wheel or wheels housed therein contribute, together with the aforesaid bars, to absorbing the energy of a lateral impact.

Abstract: A reusable trailer mounted attenuator with a collapsible scissor frame assembly supported by front, intermediate and rear vertical frames. A self-adjusting shock absorber with staged metering is attached to the scissor frame assembly and controls its collapse under impact in a manner that deceleration of an impacting vehicle does not exceed permitted rates irrespective of the weight and speed of the impacting vehicle within the design range. Guides are provided to permit the scissor frame assembly to collapse without twisting and a replaceable strike plate with vertical fins concealed with a cover plate is attached to the rear vertical frame.

Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end and a rear end, and a restraint element disposed adjacent the front end and capable of being coupled to a towing vehicle. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The restraint element is operable between at least an impact condition and a non-impact condition.

Abstract: A device for detecting a collision of a vehicle with an obstacle includes an enclosed space positioned behind a front bumper cover. Deformation or displacement of the bumper cover due to a collision is transmitted to the enclosed space. Air pressure in the enclosed space and its temperature are measured by sensors and electrical signals representing the pressure and the temperature are fed to an electronic control unit that determines whether the enclosed space is hermetically closed or not based on the pressure and the temperature of the air in the enclosed space. If the enclosed space becomes non-hermetical due to a collision impact, the air therein leaks and the pressure therein becomes atmospheric pressure irrespective of the temperature of the air in the enclosed space. Therefore, the hermetical condition of the enclosed space is surely detected.

Abstract: A collision detection apparatus for a vehicle having a vehicle bumper, which includes a bumper reinforcement includes a chamber member, a pressure sensor, and a collision detecting device. The chamber member is provided inside the vehicle bumper at a front surface of the bumper reinforcement. The pressure sensor is configured to sense change of pressure in the chamber space. The chamber member includes a deformable part and a non-deformable part, each of which extends in a vehicle width direction. The deformable part is compressed to be deformed between the collision object and the bumper reinforcement in a case, where the collision object collides with the vehicle bumper. The non-deformable part is limited from being compressed to be deformed.

Abstract: An impact attenuator, which is arranged to be flexible longitudinally as well as sideways, has a rear part with two wheels, an attenuating part, a front part with two pivot wheels, and a coupling part for connection to a vehicle. The coupling part has a damper for dampening part of the force during a collision against the impact attenuator. During a minor collision against the impact attenuator the collision force is mainly absorbed by the damper. The damper regains after a collision its original position and the impact attenuator can remain operative. During a larger collision against the impact attenuator, the collision forces are also absorbed by the attenuating part.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a morphing cellular structure. The morphing cellular structure comprises a group of unit cells with each unit cell configured to have a cellular geometry. The group unit cells are formed of an active material, where the active material has both a first state and a second state. The active material is responsive to an actuation signal such that when the actuation signal is actuated, the active material is deformed from the first state to the second state, thereby changing the volume of each unit cell affected by the actuation of the actuation signal and morphing the cellular structure. Furthermore, both a passive material and at least one additional active material can be attached with the active material, allowing a user to selectively change the shape of the cellular structure.

Abstract: In a vehicular front bumper structure having the function of detecting the collision of an object against the front bumper of a vehicle in the vehicle, the length of a front bumper area in widthwise directions of the vehicle, in which area a load applied to the front bumper is detected with a collision detection sensor (104), is more than or equal to a maximum distance in the widthwise directions of the vehicle between the right and left front pillars (A pillars; 107) of the vehicle, the collision detection sensor being provided to extend along a bumper reinforce (103) between the bumper reinforce and a shock absorber (105), the bumper reinforce and the shock absorber forming the front bumper; and the collision detection sensor has an interface part (106) provided at one of the ends of the collision detection sensor in the widthwise directions of the vehicle which one is on the side opposite to a walkway (a right front end in left-hand traffic/a left front end in right-hand traffic).

Abstract: A trailer crash attenuation assembly includes a longitudinal hollow member adapted to act as a hydraulic cylinder at one end, hydraulic fluid disposed in the hydraulic cylinder and a tank connected to the hydraulic cylinder to receive and store said hydraulic fluid expressed from the hydraulic cylinder. A first longitudinal telescopic member is adapted to slide into and out of the longitudinal hollow member and is adapted to act a piston. Two other longitudinal hollow members are positioned substantially parallel to and on either side of the first longitudinal hollow member and are connected to the first longitudinal hollow member. Two telescopic members are adapted to slide into and out of the two other longitudinal hollow members respectively. A casing is connected at its proximal end to all three longitudinal hollow members, is adapted at its distal end to receive a crash cushion; and has a pair of wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for impact dispersal of a force applied to a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle or other carrier. The apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with a relief valve and a flow restrictor connected in series. The piston rod of each cylinder receives the force of an impact, which causes the fluid in the cylinder to undergo an increase in pressure, which is relieved by multiple relief valves and serially connected flow restrictors. In one embodiment, the relief valves and the flow restrictors are incorporated into a single valve. The system responds to an amount of force caused by an impact and disperses the force accordingly at a controlled rate. Applications for such an embodiment include connection to vehicle bumpers, to a seat back where the cylinder is double-acting, and to landing feet for air-drop carriers.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper is constructed of an inflatable bladder that absorbs impact energy and provides increased protection to the vehicle and its occupants. The bumper deflates upon impact and is capable of quickly restoring to its original shape and appearance by re-inflating.

Abstract: A multi-chambered bumper airbag for deployment from the bumper of a vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle is provided. The airbag comprises a main inflatable portion that, when inflated, absorbs the energy from contact with a structural member of the struck vehicle. The airbag also has one or more secondary inflatable portions concentric with the main inflatable portion. Because the secondary inflatable portions have a lower gas pressure than the main inflatable portion, they are used to cushion the occupant of the struck vehicle should the occupants' head and neck be forced out of the window of the struck vehicle.

Abstract: A cost effective bumper for a vehicle is provided that develops maximum resiliency of an inflated spare wheel to dampen shock of impacts so as to reduce injury to the occupants and reduce repair cost of the vehicle, without need for additional parts or cost. The bumper is especially suited to increase the safety of small automobiles, and storage of the spare wheel in the bumper assembly gives added room in the luggage compartment. The introduction of Hybrid power plants for small automobiles allows timely opportunities for new placements of engine components, to best accommodate the bumper assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: A linear actuator with an internal dampening mechanism is disclosed. The actuator has a housing has a first end and a second end and forms an internal chamber. A constricted opening is also added to the actuator at the first end. A piston is disposed within the housing and is capable of sliding along the chamber. The piston has a head portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is slidable through the constricted opening whereas the head portion is not slidable through the constricted opening. A fluid is also added to the actuator. The fluid is disposed within the housing. In one embodiment, the actuator is constructed such that the sliding of the shaft portion forces a fluid through the constricted opening such that the movement of the piston is dampened. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator includes one or more second pistons and an orifice.

Abstract: An airbag (10) for mounting in the bumper (18) of a motor vehicle (12) is provided. The airbag can have an up-side-down “L” shape or a cylindrical shape. Further, multiple bags can be combined within one system. The airbag is configured to cover substantially the width of the vehicle upon deployment and also provide protection to the occupant of a struck vehicle (36) in the event the occupant is partially expelled from the struck vehicle in the direction of the bag. The airbag is combined with an inflation (23), collision sensor (34) and an electronic control unit (38) to form the airbag system.

Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.