Safety system for an automobile

• US 20070216144A1
• Filed: 03/15/2006
• Published: 09/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Chrysler LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Bannon, Sean
• Granted Patent: US 7,416,211 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01252 Devices other than bags
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23107 the bag being integrated in a multi-bag system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/08 automatically movable from an inoperative to an operative position, e.g. in a collision electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements B60R21/01

Abstract

A safety system is provided for an automobile, which includes a plurality of sensors for monitoring a plurality of parameters. The safety system also includes a processor to ascertain an imminent accident. The system further includes one or more parasols that cover one or more day light openings (DLOs) of the automobile when the imminent accident is ascertained.

Claims

1. A safety system for an automobile, the safety system comprising:

a. a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors monitoring a plurality of parameters;

b. a processor, the processor ascertaining an imminent accident based on the plurality of parameters; and

c. one or more parasols, the one or more parasols covering one or more day light openings (DLOs) of the automobile when the processor ascertains the imminent accident.

2. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors are selected from the group comprising a, a radar sensor, a rollover sensor, a laser sensor and an infra-red sensor.

3. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parasols is made from a material selected from the group comprising nylon fiber, mylar fiber, kevlar fiber, dacron fiber and carbon fiber.

4. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the one or more DLOs is at least one of a front-window, a rear-window, a quarter-window, and a backlight-window of the automobile.

5. The safety system of claim 1 further comprising one or more airbags at the one or more DLOs, wherein the one or more airbags are inflated when the processor ascertains the imminent accident.

6. The safety system of claim 5, wherein the one or more parasols prevents the one or more airbags to protrude out of the one or more DLOs.

7. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parasols comprises:

a. one or more seams at the one or more parasols; and

b. one or more chords attached to the one or more seams, wherein the one or more chords tear the one or more parasols at the one or more seams.

8. The safety system of claim 1 further comprising an electric motor for enabling the one or more parasols to cover the one or more DLOs.

9. The safety system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of latches for enabling the one or more parasols to remain fixed at the one or more DLOs.

10. The safety system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of safety devices, wherein the plurality of safety devices is activated when the processor ascertains the imminent accident.

11. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the imminent accident is at least one of a front-collision, a side-collision, a rear-collision, an oblique-collision and a rollover of the automobile.

12. A method for aiding in safety of an occupant in an automobile, the method comprising:

a. monitoring a plurality of parameters;

b. ascertaining an imminent accident based on the plurality of parameters; and

c. covering one or more day light openings (DLOs) by one or more parasols when the imminent accident is ascertained.

13. The method for claim 12, wherein monitoring the plurality of parameters comprises converting values of the plurality of parameters to a plurality of corresponding voltages.

14. The method for claim 13, wherein ascertaining the imminent accident comprises comparing the plurality of voltages with a plurality of corresponding threshold voltages.

15. The method for claim 13, wherein covering the one or more DLOs comprises spreading the one or more parasols at the one or more DLOs when at least one of the plurality of voltages is more than a plurality of corresponding threshold voltages.

16. The method for claim 12 further comprising rolling down one or more glasses at the one or more DLOs when the imminent accident is ascertained.

17. The method for claim 12 further comprising inflating one or more airbags at the one or more DLOs when the imminent accident is ascertained.

18. The method of claim 12 further comprising activating a plurality of safety devices when the imminent accident is ascertained.