Vehicle safety mechanism for dissipating collision forces
First Claim
1. A vehicle safety mechanism for dissipating collision forces against an underlying surface, comprising:
- at least a forward and a rearward friction platform movably disposed beneath the floor pan of a conventional motor vehicle and disposed generally parallel thereto, the motor vehicle having a width;
each said friction platform comprising a plate for bearing against the underlying surface beneath the motor vehicle, each said plate having a width corresponding substantially to the width of the motor vehicle; and
means for selectively extending each said friction platform downwardly beneath the vehicle and generally parallel to the floor pan of the vehicle, for lifting the vehicle at least slightly above the underlying surface and generally parallel thereto.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A safety system for dissipating the forces involved in a vehicle collision comprises two large friction platforms beneath the vehicle unibody or floor pan, with each platform having an actuator between the platform and the overlying vehicle structure and connected to the platform by a series of struts or arms. The actuators are preferably automated and pyrotechnically actuated to drive the struts outwardly and downwardly, thereby driving the platforms downwardly beneath the vehicle and against the underlying surface to lift the vehicle slightly above the underlying surface. The vehicle may be surrounded by a plurality of bumper-like impact absorbing contact structures, with each structure also linked to a corresponding friction platform. The outer portion of each contact structure telescopes into the inner portion, and drives a series of struts connected to the corresponding friction platform. Each contact structure may also include a sensor for impact detection and linkage for triggering the actuators to drive the platforms. The safety system thus minimizes interaction between vehicle and another impacted object by progressive actuation of the trapezoidal contact structure and associated mechanisms, while maximizing interaction between vehicle and underlying surface by the actuator and friction platform. Alternatively, high spring rate compression springs may be provided in addition to the pyrotechnic actuation system, with the springs providing slower actuation for repeatable manual operation for securing the car against theft or holding the car in place on a grade or in slippery conditions.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A vehicle safety mechanism for dissipating collision forces against an underlying surface, comprising:
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at least a forward and a rearward friction platform movably disposed beneath the floor pan of a conventional motor vehicle and disposed generally parallel thereto, the motor vehicle having a width; each said friction platform comprising a plate for bearing against the underlying surface beneath the motor vehicle, each said plate having a width corresponding substantially to the width of the motor vehicle; and means for selectively extending each said friction platform downwardly beneath the vehicle and generally parallel to the floor pan of the vehicle, for lifting the vehicle at least slightly above the underlying surface and generally parallel thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A motor vehicle and safety mechanism therewith for dissipating collision forces thereto against an underlying surface, comprising in combination:
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a motor vehicle having at least a floor pan, a width, and a periphery; a collision force dissipating mechanism having at least a forward and a rearward friction platform movably disposed beneath said floor pan of said motor vehicle and disposed generally parallel thereto; each said friction platform comprising a plate for bearing against the underlying surface beneath said motor vehicle, each said plate having a width corresponding substantially to the width of the motor vehicle; and means for selectively extending each said friction platform downwardly beneath said vehicle and generally parallel to said floor pan of said vehicle, for lifting said vehicle at least slight above the underlying surface and generally parallel thereto. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification