US20040112665A1 - System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event - Google Patents
System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event Download PDFInfo
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- US20040112665A1 US20040112665A1 US10/453,985 US45398503A US2004112665A1 US 20040112665 A1 US20040112665 A1 US 20040112665A1 US 45398503 A US45398503 A US 45398503A US 2004112665 A1 US2004112665 A1 US 2004112665A1
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- loss
- set forth
- motor vehicle
- control
- engine
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D15/00—Steering not otherwise provided for
- B62D15/02—Steering position indicators ; Steering position determination; Steering aids
- B62D15/025—Active steering aids, e.g. helping the driver by actively influencing the steering system after environment evaluation
- B62D15/0265—Automatic obstacle avoidance by steering
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K28/00—Safety devices for propulsion-unit control, specially adapted for, or arranged in, vehicles, e.g. preventing fuel supply or ignition in the event of potentially dangerous conditions
- B60K28/10—Safety devices for propulsion-unit control, specially adapted for, or arranged in, vehicles, e.g. preventing fuel supply or ignition in the event of potentially dangerous conditions responsive to conditions relating to the vehicle
- B60K28/14—Safety devices for propulsion-unit control, specially adapted for, or arranged in, vehicles, e.g. preventing fuel supply or ignition in the event of potentially dangerous conditions responsive to conditions relating to the vehicle responsive to accident or emergency, e.g. deceleration, tilt of vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K31/00—Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T7/00—Brake-action initiating means
- B60T7/12—Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiation; for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger
- B60T7/22—Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiation; for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger initiated by contact of vehicle, e.g. bumper, with an external object, e.g. another vehicle, or by means of contactless obstacle detectors mounted on the vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T2201/00—Particular use of vehicle brake systems; Special systems using also the brakes; Special software modules within the brake system controller
- B60T2201/02—Active or adaptive cruise control system; Distance control
- B60T2201/024—Collision mitigation systems
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units, or advanced driver assistance systems for ensuring comfort, stability and safety or drive control systems for propelling or retarding the vehicle
- B60W30/08—Active safety systems predicting or avoiding probable or impending collision or attempting to minimise its consequences
- B60W2030/082—Vehicle operation after collision
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a vehicle control system and method for controlling a motor vehicle, and more particularly, to a vehicle control system and method for detecting the occurrence of a loss of control event and automatically controlling engine, braking and/or steering systems of the motor vehicle.
- Most vehicles have an energy absorbing structure within the front end of the vehicle as well as front airbags. It is very common that, as a result of the primary collision, the vehicle is skewed with respect to the path of its motion or it may spin. The result may be either a vehicle rollover or a secondary collision in which the vehicle contacts an obstruction at a point other than the front, thereby bypassing the energy absorbing structure and/or the front airbags are not actuated.
- the present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems identified above.
- a system for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel includes a brake system for applying pressure to resist the rotation of the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel, a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal, and, a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and automatically actuating the brake system.
- a system for use with a motor vehicle having an engine includes an engine control system for controlling the engine, a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal, and a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and signaling the engine control system to reduce power output of the engine.
- a method for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and a brake system for applying pressure to resist the rotation of the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel is provided.
- the method includes the steps of detecting an occurrence of a loss of control of the motor vehicle and automatically actuating the brake system in response to detecting the loss of control event.
- a method for use with a motor vehicle having an engine and an engine control for controlling the engine includes the steps of detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and signaling the engine control system to reduce power output of the engine in response to detecting the occurrence of the loss of control event.
- a system for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel includes a steering system for controllably steering the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel, a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal, and a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and automatically actuating the steering system.
- a method for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and a steering system for controllably steering the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel is provided.
- the method includes the steps of detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and automatically actuating the steering system in response to detecting the loss of control event.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a system for minimizing injury after a loss of control event, according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 having a brake system, a steering system, and a engine control system;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 after a primary collision
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of the system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustration operation of the system of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present inventions.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle 100 with a system 102 for minimizing injury after a loss of control event, such as a collision.
- the motor vehicle 100 includes first and second front wheels 104 (only one of which is shown) and first and second rear wheels 106 (only one of which is shown).
- the motor vehicle 100 includes an engine 108 (shown as a box in dotted lines) which is controlled by an operator or driver user via a gas pedal (not shown) in a conventional manner. As shown, the motor vehicle 100 is following a path 110 as dictated by the driver.
- the system 102 includes a brake system 202 for applying pressure to resist the rotation of the front wheels 104 and/or the rear wheels 106 .
- the brake system 202 includes a set of brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 and a controller 212 .
- the brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 apply pressure to resist the rotation of the wheels 104 , 106 .
- the controller 212 actuates the brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 in response to driver actuation of a brake pedal (not shown) or via a predetermined program in response to detection of a loss of control event (see below).
- the control 212 must be capable of actuating the brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 without the depression of the brake pedal.
- the brake control 212 is also capable of actuating each brake 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 independently.
- the system 102 also includes a sensor 214 for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle 100 and responsively producing a loss of control signal.
- the sensor 214 is designed to generate the loss of control signal when a velocity of the motor vehicle 100 changes at a rate greater than a predetermined threshold, i.e., an acceleration of the vehicle is greater than predetermined threshold.
- the senor 214 includes a yaw rate sensor.
- the measured yaw rate is compared with a predetermined threshold.
- the loss of control event is detected when the measured yaw rate is above the predetermined threshold.
- a body slip angle can be calculated as a function of the measured yaw rate, and the velocity and lateral acceleration of the motor vehicle 100 .
- the calculated body slip angle is compared with a predetermined threshold.
- the loss of control event is detected when the calculated body slip angle is greater than the predetermined threshold.
- the senor 214 includes an accelerometer.
- the sensor 214 is incorporated into an airbag system (not shown) and produces the loss of control signal when the airbag system is triggered.
- the airbag system may include front and/or side airbags.
- the sensor 214 is a device which measures a body roll angle of the motor vehicle 100 .
- the device used to measure the body roll angle of the motor vehicle 100 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a roll rate sensor or other like sensor.
- the senor 214 includes one or more limit switches situated between two members of the motor vehicle 100 .
- the two members are chosen such that the members close or collapse towards one another during a collision thereby closing the limit switch.
- the controller 212 is adapted to receive the loss of control signal and automatically actuate one or more of the brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 .
- the brake system 202 actuates all four brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 in response to receiving the loss of control signal. Actuation of the brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 , allows the brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 to absorb some or all of the kinetic energy of the motor vehicle 100 after the loss of control event or primary collision.
- the system 102 is adapted to attempt to reorient the motor vehicle 100 after the loss of control event or first or primary collision.
- FIG. 3 which shows the motor vehicle 100 after a primary collision and prior to a second collision with an obstruction 300 . i.e., a stationery object or another vehicle (moving or stationery).
- an obstruction 300 i.e., a stationery object or another vehicle (moving or stationery).
- the motor vehicle 100 is orientated in a direction and following a path as illustrated by a first arrow 302 . If this path is sharp enough, the vehicle 100 may rollover. Even if the vehicle 100 does not rollover, the vehicle 100 may collide with the obstruction 300 on its side or offset from the front of the vehicle, thus, increasing the risk of harm to passengers within the vehicle.
- the system 102 attempts to reorient the vehicle 100 such that the vehicle 100 returns to its original path, as illustrated by a second arrow 304 by actuating all or some of the brakes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 .
- the system may reduce actuation of the rear brakes 208 , 210 or apply less brake force to the rear wheels 106 .
- the motor vehicle 100 also includes a steering system 216 for controllably steering the front wheels and/or the rear wheels 104 , 106 .
- the steering system 216 controls the front wheels 104 .
- the system 102 attempts to reorient the vehicle 100 through actuation of the brake system 202 and/or the steering system 216 .
- the system 102 attempts to return the motor vehicle 102 to its original path 304 by directly controlling direction of the front wheels 104 through the steering system 216 .
- the steering system 216 must be capable of controlling the direction of the front wheels 104 independent of the actuation of a steering wheel (not shown).
- One type of such a system is a drive or steer-by-wire system. Such systems are well known in the art and are thus not further discussed.
- the controller 212 sends a command to the steering system 216 to reorient the vehicle 100 .
- the motor vehicle 100 also includes an engine control system 218 for controllably actuating the engine 108 .
- the controller 212 is adapted to reduce power output of the engine 108 in response to receiving the loss of control signal. Preferably, after detecting the loss of control event, the controller 212 sends a command signal to the engine control system 218 to reduce the power output of the engine 108 .
- the engine control system 218 may also implement a cruise control function which maintains a desired vehicle velocity set by the driver.
- the controller 212 is adapted to cancel the cruise-control function (if engaged) in response to receiving the loss of control signal. Preferably, after detecting the loss of control event, the controller 212 sends a command signal to the engine control system 218 to cancel the cruise-control function.
- the motor vehicle 100 may also include an energy absorbing structure 112 .
- the energy absorbing structure 112 includes a bumper 114 and/or airbags and/or structural arrangements within the motor vehicle 100 designed to absorb energy during a collision and/or the like.
- the controller 212 is adapted to reorient the motor vehicle 100 such that the energy absorbing structure 112 absorbs energy from a subsequent collision.
- the controller 212 is adapted to reorient the motor vehicle 100 such that the energy absorbing structure 112 is between passengers in the motor vehicle 100 and objects within the path of the motor vehicle 100 .
- a method according to an embodiment of the present invention operation of the system 102 will now be discussed.
- a first control block 402 an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle 100 is detected.
- the brake system 202 is automatically actuated in response to detection of the loss of control event.
- a method according to another embodiment of the present invention operation of the system 102 will now be discussed.
- a first control block 502 an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle 100 is detected.
- the engine control system 218 automatically reduces a power output of the engine 108 in response to detecting the occurrence of the loss of control event.
Abstract
A system for use with a motor vehicle that minimizes injury after a loss of control event. The motor vehicle has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and an engine. The system includes a control which detects a loss of control event and automatically actuates a brake system and/or a steering system and/or commands an engine controller to reduce power output of an engine.
Description
- This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application 60/221,767, titled “System for Minimizing Injury After a Collision”, filed Jul. 31, 2000 (Docket No. 60,472-002).
- The present invention relates generally to a vehicle control system and method for controlling a motor vehicle, and more particularly, to a vehicle control system and method for detecting the occurrence of a loss of control event and automatically controlling engine, braking and/or steering systems of the motor vehicle.
- There are many collisions between motor vehicles in which the vehicles involved have substantial velocities after the collision and are subsequently involved in further collisions and/or rollovers. These secondary events may be even more devastating than the initial collision. The remaining kinetic energy of a vehicle after the primary collision may be dissipated in a secondary collision (resulting in injury or loss of life). Other loss of control events, such as driver error, may also result in subsequent collisions.
- Most vehicles have an energy absorbing structure within the front end of the vehicle as well as front airbags. It is very common that, as a result of the primary collision, the vehicle is skewed with respect to the path of its motion or it may spin. The result may be either a vehicle rollover or a secondary collision in which the vehicle contacts an obstruction at a point other than the front, thereby bypassing the energy absorbing structure and/or the front airbags are not actuated.
- The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems identified above.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a system for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, is provided. The system includes a brake system for applying pressure to resist the rotation of the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel, a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal, and, a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and automatically actuating the brake system.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a system for use with a motor vehicle having an engine, is provided. The system includes an engine control system for controlling the engine, a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal, and a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and signaling the engine control system to reduce power output of the engine.
- In still another aspect of the present invention, a method for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and a brake system for applying pressure to resist the rotation of the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel, is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting an occurrence of a loss of control of the motor vehicle and automatically actuating the brake system in response to detecting the loss of control event.
- In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for use with a motor vehicle having an engine and an engine control for controlling the engine, is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and signaling the engine control system to reduce power output of the engine in response to detecting the occurrence of the loss of control event.
- In a further aspect of the present invention, a system for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, is provided. The system includes a steering system for controllably steering the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel, a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal, and a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and automatically actuating the steering system.
- In a still further aspect of the present invention, a method for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and a steering system for controllably steering the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel, is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and automatically actuating the steering system in response to detecting the loss of control event.
- Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a system for minimizing injury after a loss of control event, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 having a brake system, a steering system, and a engine control system;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 after a primary collision;
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of the system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and,
- FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustration operation of the system of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present inventions.
- Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a
motor vehicle 100 with asystem 102 for minimizing injury after a loss of control event, such as a collision. Themotor vehicle 100 includes first and second front wheels 104 (only one of which is shown) and first and second rear wheels 106 (only one of which is shown). Themotor vehicle 100 includes an engine 108 (shown as a box in dotted lines) which is controlled by an operator or driver user via a gas pedal (not shown) in a conventional manner. As shown, themotor vehicle 100 is following apath 110 as dictated by the driver. - With reference to FIG. 2, the
system 102 includes abrake system 202 for applying pressure to resist the rotation of thefront wheels 104 and/or therear wheels 106. Thebrake system 202 includes a set ofbrakes controller 212. Thebrakes wheels controller 212 actuates thebrakes control 212 must be capable of actuating thebrakes brake control 212 is also capable of actuating eachbrake - The
system 102 also includes asensor 214 for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of themotor vehicle 100 and responsively producing a loss of control signal. Preferably, thesensor 214 is designed to generate the loss of control signal when a velocity of themotor vehicle 100 changes at a rate greater than a predetermined threshold, i.e., an acceleration of the vehicle is greater than predetermined threshold. - In one embodiment, the
sensor 214 includes a yaw rate sensor. The measured yaw rate is compared with a predetermined threshold. The loss of control event is detected when the measured yaw rate is above the predetermined threshold. - Alternatively, a body slip angle can be calculated as a function of the measured yaw rate, and the velocity and lateral acceleration of the
motor vehicle 100. The calculated body slip angle is compared with a predetermined threshold. The loss of control event is detected when the calculated body slip angle is greater than the predetermined threshold. - In another embodiment, the
sensor 214 includes an accelerometer. In still another embodiment, thesensor 214 is incorporated into an airbag system (not shown) and produces the loss of control signal when the airbag system is triggered. The airbag system may include front and/or side airbags. In still another embodiment, thesensor 214 is a device which measures a body roll angle of themotor vehicle 100. The device used to measure the body roll angle of themotor vehicle 100 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a roll rate sensor or other like sensor. - In a further embodiment, the
sensor 214 includes one or more limit switches situated between two members of themotor vehicle 100. The two members are chosen such that the members close or collapse towards one another during a collision thereby closing the limit switch. - In one embodiment, the
controller 212 is adapted to receive the loss of control signal and automatically actuate one or more of thebrakes brake system 202 actuates all fourbrakes brakes brakes motor vehicle 100 after the loss of control event or primary collision. - In another embodiment, the
system 102 is adapted to attempt to reorient themotor vehicle 100 after the loss of control event or first or primary collision. With respect to FIG. 3, which shows themotor vehicle 100 after a primary collision and prior to a second collision with anobstruction 300. i.e., a stationery object or another vehicle (moving or stationery). After the primary collision, themotor vehicle 100 is orientated in a direction and following a path as illustrated by afirst arrow 302. If this path is sharp enough, thevehicle 100 may rollover. Even if thevehicle 100 does not rollover, thevehicle 100 may collide with theobstruction 300 on its side or offset from the front of the vehicle, thus, increasing the risk of harm to passengers within the vehicle. Thus, thesystem 102 attempts to reorient thevehicle 100 such that thevehicle 100 returns to its original path, as illustrated by asecond arrow 304 by actuating all or some of thebrakes vehicle 100 to its original path, as shown in FIG. 3, the system may reduce actuation of therear brakes rear wheels 106. - The
motor vehicle 100 also includes asteering system 216 for controllably steering the front wheels and/or therear wheels steering system 216 controls thefront wheels 104. In another embodiment, thesystem 102 attempts to reorient thevehicle 100 through actuation of thebrake system 202 and/or thesteering system 216. In other words, thesystem 102 attempts to return themotor vehicle 102 to itsoriginal path 304 by directly controlling direction of thefront wheels 104 through thesteering system 216. Thesteering system 216 must be capable of controlling the direction of thefront wheels 104 independent of the actuation of a steering wheel (not shown). One type of such a system is a drive or steer-by-wire system. Such systems are well known in the art and are thus not further discussed. After detection of the loss of control event, thecontroller 212 sends a command to thesteering system 216 to reorient thevehicle 100. - The
motor vehicle 100 also includes anengine control system 218 for controllably actuating theengine 108. In one embodiment, thecontroller 212 is adapted to reduce power output of theengine 108 in response to receiving the loss of control signal. Preferably, after detecting the loss of control event, thecontroller 212 sends a command signal to theengine control system 218 to reduce the power output of theengine 108. - The
engine control system 218 may also implement a cruise control function which maintains a desired vehicle velocity set by the driver. In another embodiment, thecontroller 212 is adapted to cancel the cruise-control function (if engaged) in response to receiving the loss of control signal. Preferably, after detecting the loss of control event, thecontroller 212 sends a command signal to theengine control system 218 to cancel the cruise-control function. - The
motor vehicle 100 may also include anenergy absorbing structure 112. Preferably, theenergy absorbing structure 112 includes abumper 114 and/or airbags and/or structural arrangements within themotor vehicle 100 designed to absorb energy during a collision and/or the like. In one embodiment, thecontroller 212 is adapted to reorient themotor vehicle 100 such that theenergy absorbing structure 112 absorbs energy from a subsequent collision. Preferably, thecontroller 212 is adapted to reorient themotor vehicle 100 such that theenergy absorbing structure 112 is between passengers in themotor vehicle 100 and objects within the path of themotor vehicle 100. - With reference to FIG. 4, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention, operation of the
system 102 will now be discussed. In afirst control block 402, an occurrence of a loss of control event of themotor vehicle 100 is detected. In asecond control block 404, thebrake system 202 is automatically actuated in response to detection of the loss of control event. - With reference to FIG. 5, a method according to another embodiment of the present invention, operation of the
system 102 will now be discussed. In afirst control block 502, an occurrence of a loss of control event of themotor vehicle 100 is detected. In asecond control block 404, theengine control system 218 automatically reduces a power output of theengine 108 in response to detecting the occurrence of the loss of control event. - Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (44)
1. A system for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, comprising:
a brake system for applying pressure to resist the rotation of the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel;
a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal; and,
a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and automatically actuating the brake system.
2. A system, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the loss of control event is a collision.
3. A system, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the motor vehicle has two front wheels and two rear wheels.
4. A system, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the brake system is adapted to apply pressure to all front wheels and all rear wheels.
5. A system, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the controller is adapted to attempt to reorient the motor vehicle.
6. A system, as set forth in claim 5 , including a steering system for controllably steering the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel.
7. A system, as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the controller reorients the motor vehicle through application of the brake system and/or the steering system.
8. A system, as set forth in claim 1 , including an engine control system for controlling an engine.
9. A system, as set forth in claim 8 , wherein the controller is adapted to reduce a power output of the engine in response to receiving the loss of control signal.
10. A system, as set forth in claim 8 , wherein the engine control system includes a cruise-control function.
11. A system, as set forth in claim 10 , wherein the cruise-control function is cancelled in response to receipt of the loss of control signal.
12. A system, as set forth in claim 5 , including an energy absorbing structure.
13. A system, as set forth in claim 12 , wherein the controller is adapted to reorient the motor vehicle such that the energy absorbing structure absorbs energy from a subsequent collision.
14. A system, as set forth in claim 12 , wherein the controller is adapted to reorient the motor vehicle such that the energy absorbing structure is between passengers in the motor vehicle and objects within a path of the motor vehicle.
15. A system, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes an accelerometer.
16. A system, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is included in an air bag system.
17. A system for use with a motor vehicle having an engine, comprising:
an engine control system for controlling the engine;
a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal; and,
a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and signaling the engine control system to reduce power output of the engine.
18. A system, as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the loss of control event is a collision.
19. A system, as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the engine control system includes a cruise control function.
20. A system, as set forth in claim 19 , wherein the controller is adapted to signal the engine control system to disable the cruise control function.
21. A system, as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the controller is integrated with the engine control system.
22. A system, as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the sensor includes an accelerometer.
23. A system, as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the sensor is included in an air bag system.
24. A method for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and a brake system for applying pressure to resist the rotation of the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel, the method comprising:
detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle;
automatically actuating the brake system in response to detecting the loss of control event.
25. A method, as set forth in claim 24 , wherein the loss of control event is a collision.
26. A method, as set forth in claim 24 , including the step of apply pressure to all front wheels and all rear wheels.
27. A method, as set forth in claim 24 , including the step of attempting to automatically attempting to reorient the motor vehicle in response to detecting the loss of control event.
28. A method, as set forth in claim 24 , wherein the motor vehicle includes a steering system for controllably steering the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel.
29. A method, as set forth in claim 28 , including the step of reorienting the motor vehicle through application of the brake system and/or the steering system after the loss of control event has occurred.
30. A method, as set forth in claim 24 , wherein the motor vehicle includes an engine control system for controllably actuating an engine.
31. A method, as set forth in claim 30 , including the step of reducing power output of the engine in response to detecting the occurrence of the loss of control event.
32. A method, as set forth in claim 30 , wherein the engine control system includes a cruise-control function.
33. A method, as set forth in claim 32 , including the step of canceling the cruise-control function in response to detecting the occurrence of the loss of control event.
34. A method, as set forth in claim 27 , wherein the motor vehicle includes an energy absorbing structure.
35. A method, as set forth in claim 34 , including the step of reorienting the motor vehicle such that the energy absorbing structure absorbs energy from a subsequent collision after the occurrence of a loss of control event has been detected.
36. A method, as set forth in claim 34 , including the step of reorienting the motor vehicle such that the energy absorbing structure is between passengers in the motor vehicle and objects within a path of the motor vehicle after the occurrence of a loss of control event has been detected.
37. A method for use with a motor vehicle having an engine and an engine control for controlling the engine, including the steps of:
detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle; and,
signaling the engine control system to reduce power output of the engine in response to detecting the occurrence of the loss of control event.
38. A method, as set forth in claim 37 , wherein the loss of control event is a collision.
39. A method, as set forth in claim 37 , wherein the engine control system includes a cruise control function.
40. A method, as set forth in claim 39 , including the step of signaling the engine control system to disable the cruise control function in response to detecting the occurrence of the loss of control event.
41. A system for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, comprising:
a steering system for controllably steering the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel;
a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle and responsively producing a loss of control signal; and,
a controller for receiving the loss of control signal and automatically actuating the steering system.
42. A system, as set forth in claim 41 , wherein the loss of control event is a collision.
43. A method for use with a motor vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and a steering system for controllably steering the at least one front wheel and/or the at least one rear wheel, the method comprising:
detecting an occurrence of a loss of control event of the motor vehicle; and,
automatically actuating the steering system in response to detecting the loss of control event.
44. A method, as set forth in claim 43 , wherein the loss of control event is a collision.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/453,985 US20040112665A1 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2003-08-13 | System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event |
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US22176700P | 2000-07-31 | 2000-07-31 | |
US09/915,835 US6814173B2 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-07-26 | System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event |
US10/453,985 US20040112665A1 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2003-08-13 | System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event |
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US09/915,835 Continuation US6814173B2 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-07-26 | System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event |
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US20040112665A1 true US20040112665A1 (en) | 2004-06-17 |
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US10/397,603 Expired - Lifetime US7014006B2 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2003-03-26 | System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event |
US10/453,985 Abandoned US20040112665A1 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2003-08-13 | System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event |
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US10/397,603 Expired - Lifetime US7014006B2 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2003-03-26 | System and method for minimizing injury after a loss of control event |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20020011373A1 (en) | 2002-01-31 |
US20030217883A1 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
US6814173B2 (en) | 2004-11-09 |
US7014006B2 (en) | 2006-03-21 |
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