PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11021126-B1
Application Number: US-201815983206-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Windshield area intrusion control

Abstract:
An apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin. The apparatus includes an instrument panel that is located between the windshield and the passenger cabin, and an airbag that is deployable into an area above the instrument panel to resist entry of objects into the passenger cabin.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin, the apparatus comprising:
 an instrument panel that is located between a lower edge of the windshield and the passenger cabin; 
 an airbag that is spaced from the windshield and deployable from an interior surface of a roof into an area above the instrument panel to resist entry of objects through the windshield into the passenger cabin; and 
 a reaction surface that is formed from a surface of the instrument panel, 
 wherein the reaction surface is configured to move from a lowered position generally contiguous with a remainder of the surface of the instrument panel to a raised position generally perpendicular to the remainder of the surface, and 
 wherein the reaction surface is configured to engage with an end portion of the airbag to resist movement of the airbag into the passenger cabin in a longitudinal direction in the raised position. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the airbag extends across at least ninety percent of an interior dimension of the vehicle in a lateral direction. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the airbag occupies a majority of a height between the instrument panel and the roof to separate the windshield from the passenger cabin. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reaction surface is configured to rotate from the lowered position to the raised position upon deployment of the airbag for engagement with the airbag. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the reaction surface rotates in response to translation of a front portion of the remainder of the surface of the instrument panel in a generally longitudinal direction toward the passenger cabin. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the reaction surface pivots with respect to the remainder of the surface of the instrument panel at a joint, and wherein the joint includes a living hinge or a pin. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the reaction surface, in the raised position, occupies a majority of a height between the instrument panel and the roof to separate the windshield from the passenger cabin. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reaction surface is moved by at least one of a mechanical actuator or a pyrotechnic actuator. 
     
     
       9. A method for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a roof, an instrument panel, and a passenger cabin, the method comprising:
 detecting an impact or an imminent impact; and 
 based on detecting the impact or the imminent impact:
 deploying an airbag that is spaced from the windshield from an interior surface of the roof into an area above the instrument panel to resist entry of objects through the windshield into the passenger cabin; and 
 deploying a reaction surface from the instrument panel, the reaction surface configured to rotate from a lowered position generally flush with a surface of the instrument panel to a raised position extending upward from the surface of the instrument panel toward the roof, and the reaction surface configured to engage with an end portion of the airbag in the raised position to resist movement of the airbag into the passenger cabin in a longitudinal direction, 
 
 wherein the instrument panel is located between a lower edge of the windshield and the passenger cabin. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the reaction surface is formed on a moveable portion of the instrument panel that moves upon deployment of the airbag for engagement with the airbag. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the moveable portion of the instrument panel rotates in response to translation of a front portion of the instrument panel in a generally longitudinal direction during the impact. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the moveable portion pivots with respect to a remainder of the instrument panel at a joint, and wherein the joint includes a living hinge or a pin. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the moveable portion is moved by at least one of a mechanical actuator or a pyrotechnic actuator. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the moveable portion, when deployed, occupies a majority of a height between the instrument panel and the roof to separate the windshield from the passenger cabin. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 9 , wherein when deployed, the airbag extends across at least ninety percent of an interior dimension of the vehicle in a lateral direction. 
     
     
       16. An apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin, the apparatus comprising:
 an instrument panel that is located between a lower edge of the windshield and the passenger cabin; 
 an airbag that is deployable from an interior surface of a roof into an area above the instrument panel to resist entry of objects through the windshield into the passenger cabin; and 
 a reaction surface configured to:
 rotate from a lowered position generally flush with a surface of the instrument panel to a raised position extending upward from the surface of the instrument panel toward the roof; and 
 engage with an end portion of the airbag in the raised position to resist movement of the airbag into the passenger cabin. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the reaction surface is configured to rotate from the lowered position to the raised position upon deployment of the airbag for engagement with the end portion of the airbag. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the reaction surface rotates in response to translation of a front portion of the instrument panel toward the passenger cabin during an impact. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the reaction surface pivots with respect to a remainder of the surface of the instrument panel at a joint, and wherein the joint includes a living hinge or a pin. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the reaction surface is rotated by at least one of a mechanical actuator or a pyrotechnic actuator.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/527,294, filed on Jun. 30, 2017, and entitled “Windshield Area Intrusion Control.” This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/575,593, filed on Oct. 23, 2017, and entitled “Windshield Area Intrusion Control.” The contents of the foregoing applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The application relates generally to windshields for vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During a vehicular crash, portions of a vehicle will deform upon impact with other objects. A vehicle can be configured to reduce or eliminate entry of structures, such as exterior body components, into a passenger cabin of the vehicle. As an example, crush zones may be designed to allow longitudinal crushing along the hood or fenders of the vehicle in a manner that reduces the likelihood that components will intrude into the passenger cabin. In many jurisdictions, vehicle safety regulations require that no exterior parts of a vehicle intrude into the passenger cabin during a crash. Crash testing, such as a frontal impact with a fixed structure, may be performed to confirm compliance with these regulations. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin. The apparatus includes an instrument panel that is located between the windshield and the passenger cabin, and an airbag that is deployable into an area above the instrument panel to resist entry of objects into the passenger cabin. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin. The apparatus includes a panel housing located at a periphery of the windshield, and a deployable panel that deploys from the panel housing in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact to cover a portion of the windshield. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin. The apparatus includes a fracturable feature that extends laterally across a width dimension of the windshield, and a stop structure that extends laterally across the windshield to limit deformation of a front portion of the vehicle. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin. The apparatus includes an instrument panel that is formed in part from a compressible structure that, during an impact, is engaged and compressed by the windshield. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin. The apparatus includes a film layer located on an interior surface of the windshield. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration that shows a portion of a vehicle. 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view illustration that shows a vehicle in which an upper airbag is deployable such that it is positioned between a windshield and a passenger cabin. 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear-view illustration that shows the vehicle of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view illustration that shows a vehicle in which a lower airbag is deployable such that it is positioned between a windshield and a passenger cabin. 
         FIG. 3B  is a rear-view illustration that shows the vehicle of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view illustration that shows a vehicle in which an upper airbag and a lower airbag are deployable such that they are positioned between a windshield and a passenger cabin. 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear-view illustration that shows the vehicle of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view illustration that shows a vehicle in which an upper airbag is deployable such that it is engageable with a reaction surface and is positioned between a windshield and a passenger cabin. 
         FIG. 5B  is a rear-view illustration that shows the vehicle of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view illustration that shows a vehicle in which an instrument panel has a moveable portion. 
         FIG. 6B  is a rear-view illustration that shows the vehicle of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  shows an example of a moveable instrument panel in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 7B  shows the moveable instrument panel of  FIG. 7A  in an intermediate position. 
         FIG. 7C  shows the moveable instrument panel of  FIG. 7A  in a raised position. 
         FIG. 8A  is a side view illustration that shows a vehicle that includes a deployable panel. 
         FIG. 8B  is a rear-view illustration that shows the vehicle of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is a side view illustration that shows a vehicle that includes a deployable panel. 
         FIG. 9B  is a rear-view illustration that shows the vehicle of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  shows a vehicle in an initial condition. 
         FIG. 10B  shows the vehicle of  FIG. 10A  in a deformed condition. 
         FIG. 11  shows a first example of a defined notch on an interior surface of a windshield. 
         FIG. 12  shows a second example of a defined notch on an exterior surface of a windshield. 
         FIG. 13  shows a vehicle that has a compressible instrument panel. 
         FIG. 14A  shows a vehicle that has a compressible instrument panel and an inflatable portion in an uninflated condition. 
         FIG. 14B  shows the vehicle of  FIG. 14A  with the inflatable portion of the compressible instrument panel in an inflated condition. 
         FIG. 15  shows a vehicle windshield assembly that has a film layer. 
         FIG. 16A  show a windshield assembly that has a film layer and a transparent inflatable structure in an uninflated condition. 
         FIG. 16B  shows the windshield assembly of  FIG. 16A  with the transparent inflatable structure in the inflated condition. 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram that shows an intrusion control system 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure herein is directed to structures that resist intrusion of objects into the passenger cabin of a vehicle during an impact. 
     In vehicle designs in which a windshield is positioned near a front extent of the vehicle, the windshield may experience large deformations during an impact, in order to dissipate energy. The structures disclosed herein are intended to resist intrusion of objects into the vehicle from the windshield area during large deformations of the windshield. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration that shows a portion of a vehicle  100 . The vehicle  100  includes a vehicle body  102 , which may be or include a chassis, frame, unibody, monocoque, and/or exterior panels. A passenger cabin  104  is defined inside the vehicle body  102 . The vehicle  100  may be supported with respect to a surface (e.g., a road) by wheels  106 , and control of the vehicle may be affected through the wheels using actuators such as steering, propulsion, braking, and suspension actuators. 
     The vehicle  100  has a front portion  108 , which defines a front extent of the vehicle  100 . In a frontal impact with an object, the front portion  108  of the vehicle  100  may be the first part of the vehicle  100  to contact the object. The vehicle  100  includes a windshield  110 . In the illustrated example, the windshield  110  has a raked configuration, with a lower edge of the windshield  110  being positioned at or near the front portion  108  and an upper edge of the windshield  110  being positioned upward and rearward from the lower edge. As an example, a front surface of the windshield  110  may define an angle of around 30 degrees through eighty degrees relative to horizontal. The windshield  110  also extends laterally (i.e., in a cross-car direction) across part of or all of the width of the vehicle  100 . In the illustrated example, the windshield  110  has a wrap-around configuration in which portions of the windshield  110  extend to and along the side surfaces of the vehicle  100 , but other configurations can also be utilized with the structures described herein. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a vehicle  200  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  202 , a passenger cabin  204 , wheels  206 , a front portion  208 , and a windshield  210 . The vehicle  200  also includes an instrument panel  212  that is located inside the vehicle body  202  between the windshield  210  and the passenger cabin  204 . The vehicle  200  includes one or more airbags that are deployable such that they are positioned between the windshield  210  and the passenger cabin  204 . In some implementations, the airbags are disposed entirely over the instrument panel  212 , forward from the passenger cabin  204 , and do not extend into the passenger cabin  204 . 
     An upper airbag housing  214  is located on an interior surface of a roof  216  of the vehicle body  202 . The upper airbag housing  214  may extend across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  200 . An upper airbag  215  is deployable from the upper airbag housing  214 , for example, in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. When deployed, the upper airbag  215  extends downward from the upper airbag housing  214  from the roof  216  toward the instrument panel  212  and extends across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  200 . As an example, the upper airbag  215  may extend across at least ninety percent of an interior width of the vehicle  200  in the lateral direction. The upper airbag  215  may extend all of the way from the upper airbag housing  214  to the instrument panel  212 . The upper airbag  215 , when deployed may occupy a majority of the width of the vehicle  200  and a majority of the height between the instrument panel  212  and the roof  216 , to separate the windshield  210  from the passenger cabin  204 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a vehicle  300  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  302 , a passenger cabin  304 , wheels  306 , a front portion  308 , and a windshield  310 . The vehicle  300  also includes an instrument panel  312  that is located inside the vehicle body  302  between the windshield  310  and the passenger cabin  304 . The vehicle  300  includes one or more airbags that are deployable such that they are positioned between the windshield  310  and the passenger cabin  304 . In some implementations, the airbags are disposed entirely over the instrument panel  312 , forward from the passenger cabin  304 , and do not extend into the passenger cabin  304 . 
     A lower airbag housing  318  is located on or in the instrument panel  312  (e.g., concealed under a surface of the instrument panel  312 ). The lower airbag housing  318  may extend across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  300 . A lower airbag  319  is deployable from the lower airbag housing  318 , for example, in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. When deployed, the lower airbag  319  extends upward from the lower airbag housing  318  from the instrument panel  312  toward the roof  316  and extends across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  300 . As an example, the lower airbag  319  may extend across at least ninety percent of an interior width of the vehicle  300  in the lateral direction. The lower airbag  319  may extend all of the way from the lower airbag housing  318  to the roof  316 . The lower airbag  319 , when deployed, may occupy a majority of the width of the vehicle  300  and a majority of the height between the instrument panel  312  and the roof  316 , to separate the windshield  310  from the passenger cabin  304 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a vehicle  400  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  402 , a passenger cabin  404 , wheels  406 , a front portion  408 , and a windshield  410 . The vehicle  400  also includes an instrument panel  412  that is located inside the vehicle body  402  between the windshield  410  and the passenger cabin  404 . The vehicle  400  includes one or more airbags that are deployable such that they are positioned between the windshield  410  and the passenger cabin  404 . In some implementations, the airbags are disposed entirely over the instrument panel  412 , forward from the passenger cabin  404 , and do not extend into the passenger cabin  404 . 
     An upper airbag housing  414  is located on an interior surface of a roof  416  of the vehicle body  402 . The upper airbag housing  414  may extend across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  400 . An upper airbag  415  is deployable from the upper airbag housing  414 , for example, in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. When deployed, the upper airbag  415  extends downward from the upper airbag housing  414  from the roof  416  toward the instrument panel  412  and extends across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  400 . As an example, the upper airbag  415  may extend across at least ninety percent of an interior width of the vehicle  400  in the lateral direction. The upper airbag  415  may extend all of the way from the upper airbag housing  414  to the instrument panel  412 . The upper airbag  415 , when deployed may occupy a majority of the width of the vehicle  400  and a majority of the height between the instrument panel  412  and the roof  416 , to separate the windshield  410  from the passenger cabin  404 . 
     A lower airbag housing  418  is located on or in the instrument panel  412  (e.g., concealed under a surface of the instrument panel  412 ). The lower airbag housing  418  may extend across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  400 . A lower airbag  419  is deployable from the lower airbag housing  418 , for example, in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. When deployed, the lower airbag  419  extends upward from the lower airbag housing  418  from the instrument panel  412  toward the roof  416  and extends across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  400 . As an example, the lower airbag  419  may extend across at least ninety percent of an interior width of the vehicle  400  in the lateral direction. The lower airbag  419  may extend all of the way from the lower airbag housing  418  to the roof  416 . The lower airbag  419 , when deployed, may occupy a majority of the width of the vehicle  400  and a majority of the height between the instrument panel  412  and the roof  416 , to separate the windshield  410  from the passenger cabin  404 . 
     The upper airbag housing  414  and the lower airbag housing  418  are slightly offset in a longitudinal direction (e.g., front-to-rear direction). When deployed, the upper airbag  415  and the lower airbag  419  overlap elevationally, and may engage one another to separate the windshield  410  from the passenger cabin  404 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a vehicle  500  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  502 , a passenger cabin  504 , wheels  506 , a front portion  508 , and a windshield  510 . The vehicle  500  also includes an instrument panel  512   a  that is located inside the vehicle body  502  between the windshield  510  and the passenger cabin  504 . The vehicle  500  includes one or more airbags that are deployable such that they are positioned between the windshield  510  and the passenger cabin  504 . In some implementations, the airbags are disposed entirely over the instrument panel  512   a , forward from the passenger cabin  504 , and do not extend into the passenger cabin  504 . 
     An upper airbag housing  514  is located on an interior surface of a roof  516  of the vehicle body  502 . The upper airbag housing  514  may extend across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  500 . An upper airbag  515  is deployable from the upper airbag housing  514 , for example, in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. When deployed, the upper airbag  515  extends downward from the upper airbag housing  514  from the roof  516  toward the instrument panel  512   a  and extends across most of or all of the lateral direction of the vehicle  500 . As an example, the upper airbag  515  may extend across at least ninety percent of an interior width of the vehicle  500  in the lateral direction. The upper airbag  515  may extend all of the way from the upper airbag housing  514  to the instrument panel  512 . The upper airbag  515 , when deployed may occupy a majority of the width of the vehicle  500  and a majority of the height between the instrument panel  512   a  and the roof  516 , to separate the windshield  510  from the passenger cabin  504 . To provide a reaction surface for the upper airbag  515 , a protrusion  512   b  extends upward relative to the remainder of the instrument panel  512   a , and includes a surface that is engageable with the upper airbag  515  when it is deployed, to resist movement of the upper airbag  515  toward the passenger cabin  504 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  show a vehicle  600  in which an instrument panel has a moveable portion. The vehicle  600  includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  602 , a passenger cabin  604 , wheels  606 , a front portion  608 , and a windshield  610 . The vehicle  600  also includes an instrument panel  612  that is located inside the vehicle body  602  between the windshield  610  and the passenger cabin  604 . The vehicle body  602  of the vehicle  600  includes a roof  616 . 
     The instrument panel  612  includes a moveable portion  613  that defines a lowered position (depicted in broken lines) and a raised position (depicted in solid lines). The moveable portion  613  pivots with respect to the remainder of the instrument panel  612  (which may be fixed) at a joint  620 , which may be, as examples, a pin connected joint or a living hinge. The moveable portion  613  may move from the lowered position to the raised position in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. The moveable portion  613  may be moved by, as examples, a mechanical actuator (e.g., a spring loaded mechanical actuator) or a pyrotechnic actuator. When in the raised position, the moveable portion  613  serves as a separation device that is located between the windshield  610  and the passenger cabin  604 . The moveable portion  613  of the instrument panel  612 , when deployed, may occupy a majority of the width of the vehicle  600  and a majority of the height between the instrument panel  612  and the roof  616 , to separate the windshield  610  from the passenger cabin  204 . 
     Optionally, the upper airbag housing  214  and the upper airbag  215  of the vehicle  200  could be included in the vehicle  600 , such that the moveable portion  613  of the instrument panel  612  serves as a reaction surface for the upper airbag  215  when the moveable portion  613  of the instrument panel  612  is in the raised position. 
       FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  show an example of an instrument panel  712  having a moveable portion  713  that moves between a lowered position ( FIG. 7A ), an intermediate position ( FIG. 7B ), and a raised position ( FIG. 7C ) under the influence of a coupling  722  to a front portion  708  (shown schematically) of a vehicle. During an impact, the front portion  708  translates in a generally longitudinal direction, which causes rotation of the coupling  722  relative to the front portion  708 . The coupling  722  is rigidly connected to the moveable portion  713  of the instrument panel  712 , such that the moveable portion  713  rotates from the lowered position, to the intermediate position, and to the raised position during translation of the front portion  708 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8B  show a vehicle  800  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  802 , a passenger cabin  804 , wheels  806 , a front portion  808 , a windshield  810 , an instrument panel  812 , and a roof  816 . The vehicle  800  includes, in various implementations, a deployable panel, which can be a sheet of material, such as netting, plastic, or fabric, that is stored around the windshield  810  and deploys in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. Deployment of the deployable panel can be driven by an inflatable pyrotechnic device, a linear pyrotechnic device, or a mechanical spring actuator. 
     The vehicle  800  includes a first panel housing  824  is located at a periphery of the windshield  810 , below the windshield  810  and at the lateral sides of the windshield  810 . A first panel  825  is deployable from the first panel housing  824  to cover a portion of the windshield  810  on the interior of the vehicle  800  to restrain intrusion of objects into the passenger cabin. The first panel  825  can extend, for example, across the lateral width of the windshield  810  and from a lower edge of the windshield  810  upward to or past an elevational midpoint of the windshield  810 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9B  show a vehicle  900  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  902 , a passenger cabin  904 , wheels  906 , a front portion  908 , and a windshield  910 . The vehicle  900  includes, in various implementations, a deployable panel, which can be a sheet of material, such as netting, plastic, or fabric, that is stored around the windshield  910  and deploys in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. Deployment of the deployable panel can be driven by an inflatable pyrotechnic device, a linear pyrotechnic device, or a mechanical spring actuator. 
     The vehicle  900  includes a first panel housing  924  and a first panel  925 , which are the same as the first panel housing  824  and the first panel  825  of the vehicle  800 . The vehicle  900  also includes a second panel housing  926 , and a second panel  927 . The second panel housing  926  is located at a periphery of the windshield  910 , above the windshield  910  and at the lateral sides of the windshield  910 . The second panel  927  is deployable from the second panel housing  926  to cover a portion of the windshield  910  on the interior of the vehicle  900  to restrain intrusion of objects into the passenger cabin. The second panel  927  can extend, for example, across the lateral width of the windshield  910  and from a lower edge of the windshield  910  downward to or past an elevational midpoint of the windshield  910 . In one implementation, the first panel  925  and the second panel  927  meet near the elevational midpoint of the windshield  910  when deployed. In another implementation, the first panel  925  and the second panel  927  each extend past the elevational midpoint of the windshield  910  when deployed, and overlap each other. 
       FIGS. 10A-10B  show a vehicle  1000  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  1002 , a passenger cabin  1004 , wheels  1006 , a front portion  1008 , and a windshield  1010 .  FIG. 10A  shows the vehicle  1000  in an initial condition, and  FIG. 10B  shows the vehicle  1000  in a deformed condition. The vehicle  1000  includes, in various implementations, a fracturable feature  1030  that extends laterally across the width of the windshield  1010  and a stop structure  1032 , which is a structural member that extends laterally across the vehicle  1000  and limits deformation of the front portion  1008  of the vehicle  1000  (see  FIG. 10B ). The stop structure  1032  may be longitudinally aligned with the fracturable feature  1030  to limit deformation of the front portion  1008  rearward of the fracturable feature  1030 . As one example, the fracturable feature  1030  may be a defined notch to break during impact in order to interrupt the load path through the windshield  1010 . As another example, the fracturable feature  1030  of the windshield  1010  may be a wire that is embedded in the windshield  1010 . As another example, the fracturable feature  1030  may be a pyrotechnic wire that is embedded in the windshield  1010  to break the windshield along a laterally extending line upon activation, for example, in response to a detected impact or an imminent impact. As another example, the fracturable feature  1030  may be omitted in favor of a weakened portion that functions as a living hinge, such that the lower portion of the windshield  1010  rotates about it during an impact. 
       FIG. 11  shows a first example of a defined notch  1130  on an interior surface of a windshield  1110 , which may be used in the vehicle  1000  in place of the windshield  1010 . The defined notch  1130  extends inward relative to the windshield  1110  from the interior surface of the windshield  1110  toward the exterior surface of the windshield  1010 , and may extend across the windshield  1110  laterally in a generally horizontal line. Thus, the defined notch  1130  may define an elongate, linear, fracturable feature that provides a predetermined location for fracturing of the windshield  1010 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a second example of a defined notch  1230  on an exterior surface of a windshield  1210 , which may be used in place of the windshield  1010  in the vehicle  1000 . The defined notch  1230  extends inward relative to the windshield  1210  from the exterior surface of the windshield  1210  toward the interior surface of the windshield  1210 , and may extend across the windshield  1210  laterally in a generally horizontal line. Thus, the defined notch  1230  may define an elongate, linear, fracturable feature that provides a predetermined location for fracturing of the windshield  1210 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a vehicle  1300  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  1302 , a passenger cabin  1304 , wheels  1306 , a front portion  1308 , and a windshield  1310 . The vehicle  1300  also includes an instrument panel  1312 . 
     The instrument panel  1312  has a top surface that is positioned adjacent to the windshield  1310  at a location that is upward relative to a lower edge of the windshield  1310 . As an example, the top surface of the instrument panel  1312  may be located at a distance above the lower edge of the windshield  1310  that is equal to between 10 percent and 30 percent of the height of the windshield  1310  (as measured along the windshield from the lower edge to an upper edge). Thus, the position of the instrument panel  1312  relative to the windshield  1310  shortens the daylight view section of the windshield  1310 . 
     The instrument panel  1312 , in this implementation, is formed in part from a compressible structure that, during an impact, is engaged and compressed by the windshield  1310  in order to resist intrusion. However, the instrument panel  1312  does not provide substantial support for the windshield  1310  in an intrusion direction (i.e., toward the passenger cabin  1304 ). As an example, at least part of the instrument panel  1312  may be formed from a soft foam material. 
       FIGS. 14A-14B  show a vehicle  1400  that includes components that are analogous to those of the vehicle  100 , including a vehicle body  1402 , a passenger cabin  1404 , wheels  1406 , a front portion  1408 , and a windshield  1410 . The vehicle  1400  also includes an instrument panel  1412 . 
     The instrument panel  1412  is similar to in the instrument panel  1312  and is configured per the previous description except as otherwise described. Thus, the instrument panel  1412  is positioned relative to the windshield  1410  to shorten the daylight view section of the windshield  1410  and is formed in part from a compressible structure that, during an impact, is engaged and compressed by the windshield  1410  in order to resist intrusion but does not provide substantial support for the windshield  1410  in the intrusion direction. 
     An inflatable structure  1440  is disposed inside the instrument panel  1412 , adjacent or within compressible portions of the instrument panel  1412 . The inflatable structure  1440  is initially in a deflated condition ( FIG. 14A ). In response to a detected impact or an imminent impact, the inflatable structure  1440  can be inflated (e.g., by a pyrotechnic inflator as with airbags) to define an inflated condition ( FIG. 14B ) in which the inflatable structure  1440  stiffens the instrument panel  1412 . A controller (e.g., computing device provided with executable program instructions) can determine whether to inflate the inflatable structure  1440  when the detected impact or imminent impact occurs, for example, based on sensor information that describes the impact, such as a direction or intensity. Thus, in some situations, the inflatable structure  1440  is not inflated and the instrument panel  1412  remains compressible. In other situations, the inflatable structure  1440  is inflated and reduces the compressibility of the instrument panel  1412 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a windshield assembly  1511  that can be used with the vehicle  100  or other vehicles. The windshield assembly  1511  includes a windshield  1510  that can be similar to the windshield  110  and installed in a vehicle in the same manner. The windshield assembly  1511  also includes a film layer  1560  that is adhered to the interior surface of the windshield  1510  on the side of the windshield  1510  that faces a passenger cabin of the vehicle. Thus, the film layer  1560  is exposed to the passenger cabin of the vehicle, as opposed to being disposed between two layers of glass or plastic as part of a laminated structure. The film layer  1560  can be a thin, transparent cover sheet on the inside of the windshield  1510  to prevent intrusion of loose particles. As an example, the film layer  1560  may be formed from polyvinyl butyral (PVB). 
       FIGS. 16A-16B  show a windshield assembly  1611  that can be used with the vehicle  100  or other vehicles. The windshield assembly  1611  can be configured as described with respect to the windshield assembly  1511  except as noted, including a windshield  1610  and a film layer  1660  formed from, for example, PVB. A translucent inflatable structure  1662  is located between the windshield  1610  and the film layer  1660  and an inflator  1664  is configured to supply inflation gas to the translucent inflatable structure  1662 . As an example, the inflator  1664  can be a pyrotechnic inflator, as with airbags. The translucent inflatable structure  1662  is initially in a deflated condition ( FIG. 16A ). In response to a detected impact or an imminent impact, the translucent inflatable structure  1662  can be inflated by the inflator  1664 . This creates an inflated volume in contact with the windshield  1610  to restrain intrusion of loose particles. In addition, the film layer  1660  is separated from the windshield  1610 , such that cracking of the windshield  1610  does not cause corresponding tearing of the film layer  1660 . 
     In some implementations, a separate inflatable structure is omitted. Instead, the film layer  1660  is located adjacent to the windshield  1610 , but is not bonded to it, and the space between the windshield  1610  and the film layer  1660  is inflatable to separate the film layer  1660  from the windshield  1610 . 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram that shows an intrusion control system  1780  that includes active components that are actuated in response to a sensed impact or an imminent impact in order to prevent intrusion of objects into the passenger cabin of a vehicle through the windshield area. The intrusion control system  1780  includes a controller  1781 , sensors  1782 , and an intrusion control device  1783 . The controller  1781  is a device that is operable to determine whether to activate the intrusion control device  1783  in response to inputs, such as information received from the sensors  1782 . The controller  1781  may be, for example, a computing device provided with program instructions. The program instructions can cause the controller  1781  to activate the intrusion control device  1783  in response to a sensed impact or an imminent impact. As an example, the sensors  1783  may include contact sensors or accelerometers, and the outputs of these can be used to detect an impact, such as when the contact sensors indicate contact or when the accelerometers indicate an acceleration or differential acceleration (from two sensors) in excess or a threshold. An imminent impact can be determined, for example, by using the sensors  1783  to track objects, predicting likely future positions of the objects, and identifying an imminent impact based on the predicted future positions. The intrusion control devices  1783  is any type of controllable device that can be deployed to restrain entry of objects through the windshield area of a vehicle, such as the devices described in connection with  FIGS. 2-16B .

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180518
Publication Date: 20210601
Grant Date: 20210601
Priority Date: 20170630
Inventors: ZOELLNER, ALEXANDER M.
DOMPER, ARTURO LLAMAZARES
JONES, CHRISTOPHER D.
Kingman, David E.
Scott, Derek C.
BUEHLER, JESSE T.
FREDRIKSSON, RIKARD
LYNCH, STEPHEN B.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60R2021/23107", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/0004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/36", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/232", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/0004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2605/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/231", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/064", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/231", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/0004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2605/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 76094667