PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12145519-B2
Application Number: US-202318138534-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Controlled panel deformation

Abstract:
An object includes an internal support and an exterior portion coupled to the internal support. A deformation portion includes a top portion and a bottom portion, and a force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes the bottom portion of the deformation portion to contact the exterior portion. The contact causes a deformation of the exterior portion that moves a second location of the exterior portion downward relative to the first location.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 an internal support; 
 an exterior portion coupled to the internal support; and 
 a deformation portion that includes a top portion coupled to a bottom portion at an apex, wherein a force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes the bottom portion of the deformation portion to angularly move about the apex relative to the top portion to contact the exterior portion and cause a deformation of the exterior portion that moves a second location of the exterior portion away from the internal support. 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the top portion of the deformation portion includes a distal end positioned distant from the bottom portion, an area of the top portion adjacent to the distal end is fixedly connected to the internal support. 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein the deformation portion comprises a unitary component. 
     
     
       4. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom portion of the deformation portion is configured to contact the internal support to be directed to contact the second location of the exterior portion. 
     
     
       5. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising a restraint that physically contacts the deformation portion in a manner that resists movement of the deformation portion toward the second location of the exterior portion. 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the force imparted to the first location of the exterior portion causes the restraint to move out of physical contact with the deformation portion and causes the deformation portion to deform in response to the force. 
     
     
       7. The vehicle of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a controller; 
 a sensor in electronic communication with the controller; and 
 an actuator in electronic communication with the controller, the actuator is coupled to the restraint and is configured to move the restraint to release the restraint from the physical contact with the deformation portion allowing the deformation portion to contact the exterior portion to move the second location of the exterior portion away from the internal support on receipt of a signal by the controller from the sensor of contact between the object and the exterior portion or a prediction that contact between the exterior portion and the object will occur. 
 
     
     
       8. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the top portion is generally straight, the bottom portion is generally curved, and a hinge couples the top portion to the bottom portion to allow the bottom portion to angularly move relative to the top portion, wherein the hinge is positioned at the apex. 
     
     
       9. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the deformation portion further comprises a hinge positioned at the apex, wherein the bottom portion of the deformation portion angularly moves relative to the top portion about the hinge on the force imparted to the first location of the exterior portion. 
     
     
       10. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the hinge comprises a living hinge, the defamation portion including at least one of a reduced material thickness along the apex, through holes positioned along the apex, or geometric discontinuities positioned along the apex. 
     
     
       11. A vehicle, comprising:
 an internal support; 
 an exterior portion coupled to the internal support; 
 a deformation portion that is located between the exterior portion and the internal support including a top portion and a bottom portion that is angularly movable relative to the top portion; and 
 a restraint in physical contact with the bottom portion of the deformation portion configured to resist movement of the deformation portion, wherein based on a prediction that contact will occur between the exterior portion and an object, the restraint is configured to be released from the physical contact with the bottom portion of the deformation portion, the deformation portion is configured to deform on release of the restraint by the bottom portion angularly moving relative to the top portion to engage the exterior portion to move the exterior portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the exterior portion is configured to move downward before the contact between the exterior portion and the object occurs in response to deformation of the deformation portion. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 11 , further comprising a sensor configured to provide an indication that the predicted contact between the exterior portion and the object occurred, and the deformation portion is configured to deform based on the indication that the contact occurred. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle of  claim 13 , wherein the restraint secures a portion of the deformation portion to the internal support in a manner that resists movement of the deformation portion, and the restraint is configured to be released after the contact between the exterior portion and the object occurs. 
     
     
       15. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the top portion of the deformation portion includes a distal end positioned distant from the bottom portion, and wherein an area of the top portion adjacent to the distal end is fixedly connected to the internal support. 
     
     
       16. A vehicle, comprising:
 an internal support; 
 an exterior portion of the vehicle coupled to the internal support; and 
 a fluid movement component that includes a first reservoir fluidly coupled to a second reservoir, wherein a first force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes a fluid located in the first reservoir to at least partially exit from the first reservoir and to be transferred into the second reservoir, causing the second reservoir to expand and impart a second force at a second location of the exterior portion of the vehicle different than the first location in a manner that causes deformation of the exterior portion of the vehicle at the second location. 
 
     
     
       17. The vehicle of  claim 16 , wherein the fluid is air. 
     
     
       18. The vehicle of  claim 16 , wherein the deformation of the exterior portion of the vehicle at the second location is in a downward direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
     
     
       19. A vehicle, comprising:
 an internal support; 
 an exterior portion coupled to the internal support; and 
 a fluid movement component that includes a first reservoir fluidly coupled to a second reservoir, wherein a first force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes a fluid located in the first reservoir to move to the second reservoir, causing the second reservoir to expand and impart a second force at a second location of the exterior portion in a manner that causes or controls deformation of the exterior portion, wherein the second location of the exterior portion is configured to move downward relative to the first location of the exterior portion when the second reservoir is expanded. 
 
     
     
       20. A vehicle, comprising:
 an internal support; 
 an exterior portion coupled to the internal support; and 
 a fluid movement component that includes a first reservoir fluidly coupled to a second reservoir by a conduit between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, the conduit includes a valve configured to allow a fluid to flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir, wherein a first force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes the fluid located in the first reservoir to move to the second reservoir through the conduit and the valve, causing the second reservoir to expand and impart a second force at a second location of the exterior portion in a manner that causes or controls deformation of the exterior portion. 
 
     
     
       21. The vehicle of  claim 20 , wherein the valve is configured to prevent the fluid from flowing from the second reservoir to the first reservoir. 
     
     
       22. A vehicle, comprising:
 an internal support; 
 an exterior portion coupled to the internal support; and 
 a fluid movement component that includes a first reservoir located between the exterior portion and the internal support and fluidly coupled to a second reservoir, wherein a first force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes the first reservoir to be compressed between the exterior portion and the internal support which causes a pressure of a fluid to increase above a threshold value, wherein the fluid located in the first reservoir moves to the second reservoir, causing the second reservoir to expand and impart a second force at a second location of the exterior portion in a manner that causes or controls deformation of the exterior portion. 
 
     
     
       23. The vehicle of  claim 22 , wherein the fluid movement component includes a valve between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, and the valve is configured to allow the fluid to flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold pressure value.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/342,946 filed on May 17, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of moving an exterior portion of an object. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An exterior portion of a first object may contact a second object. In some instances, the second object or a portion thereof may be caught under the exterior portion of the first object. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes an internal support and an exterior portion coupled to the internal support. A deformation portion includes a top portion and a bottom portion, and a force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes the bottom portion of the deformation portion to contact the exterior portion. The contact causes a deformation of the exterior portion that moves a second location of the exterior portion downward relative to the first location. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes an internal support and an exterior portion coupled to the internal support. A deformation portion is located between the exterior portion and the internal support and is configured to engage the exterior portion to move the exterior portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the vehicle. A controller is configured to predict that contact between the exterior portion and an object will occur and take an action based on the prediction. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes an internal support and an exterior portion coupled to the internal support. A fluid movement component includes a first reservoir coupled to a second reservoir, and a force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes a fluid located in the first reservoir to move to the second reservoir. The bottom reservoir expands and imparts a second force at a second location of the exterior portion in a manner that causes or controls deformation of the exterior portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an illustration of a cross-section of a portion of a vehicle with a deformation portion in a first configuration. 
         FIG.  2    is an illustration of a cross-section of the portion of the vehicle of  FIG.  1    taken across A-A. 
         FIGS.  3 A-B  are illustrations of the cross-section of the portion of the vehicle of  FIG.  1    with the deformation portion in a second configuration. 
         FIG.  4    is an illustration of a cross-section of a portion of the vehicle with another deformation portion in a first configuration. 
         FIG.  5    is an illustration of the cross-section of the portion of the vehicle of  FIG.  4    with the deformation portion in a second configuration. 
         FIG.  6    is an illustration of a cross-section of a portion of the vehicle with a hydraulic component in a first configuration. 
         FIG.  7    is an illustration of the cross-section of the portion of the vehicle of  FIG.  6    with the hydraulic component in a second configuration. 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic illustration of a controller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure herein relates to structures configured to cause controlled deformation of an exterior portion of a vehicle. An exterior portion of a vehicle (e.g., a portion of a front bumper, a portion of a rear bumper, etc.) may be positioned such that, if the exterior portion of the vehicle contacts an object external to the vehicle, a portion of the object may extend under or be caught under a bottom portion of the exterior portion. Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a deformation portion that changes its shape when the exterior portion contacts the object or before the exterior portion contacts the object, and the change in shape causes the bottom portion of the exterior portion to move downward. Other embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a hydraulic control component that is configured to move a fluid from a first reservoir to a second reservoir when the exterior portion contacts the object or before the exterior portion contacts the object, and the fluid movement causes the bottom portion of the exterior portion to move downward. 
     In some arrangements, a restraint prevents the deformation portion from causing the exterior portion to move downward. The restraint can be removed, for example, by the force of the contact between the object and the exterior portion. The restraint can also be removed, for example, by a controller that is configured to predict the contact between the object and the exterior portion. 
       FIG.  1    is an illustration of a cross-section of a portion of a vehicle  100  with a deformation portion  106  in a first configuration. The vehicle  100  can be any type of vehicle including, but not limited to, gas or diesel-powered vehicles, electric vehicles, boats or other marine vehicles, aircraft (e.g., airplanes, helicopters, etc.), remote-controlled vehicles, etc. 
     The vehicle  100  includes an exterior portion  102 . The exterior portion  102  is an outermost portion of the vehicle  100  and may be positioned in any location around the vehicle  100 . For example, the exterior portion  102  may be an exterior panel of the vehicle  100 . In some embodiments, the exterior portion  102  may be a front bumper. The exterior portion  102  may also be a rear bumper and/or extend around one or more sides of the vehicle  100 . The exterior portion  102  may also include surfaces that extend from a front bumper, a rear bumper, or sides of the vehicle  100  (e.g., illumination structures, grills, running boards, towing hitches, etc.). The exterior portion  102  is configured to define and at least partially enclose various operational systems of the vehicle  100 . For example, the exterior portion  102  may define and at least partially enclose structural components, engine components, battery components, suspension components, heating and cooling components, etc., of the vehicle  100 . 
     As shown, the vehicle  100  also includes an internal support  104 . The internal support  104  is part of the structure of the vehicle  100 . Generally, the internal support  104  may be any member configured to provide support to the vehicle  100  (e.g., torsional support, weight-bearing support, etc.) as part of the structure of the vehicle  100 . In some embodiments, the exterior portion  102  is coupled to the internal support  104  and the internal support  104  supports the exterior portion  102 . The internal support  104  may be configured in various orientations with respect to the vehicle  100  that can provide support. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the internal support  104  is oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis  103  of the vehicle  100 . The internal support  104  may also be oriented along the longitudinal axis  103  of the vehicle  100  or in a generally vertical orientation (e.g., a vertical structural member). Other configurations in addition to those described may be implemented. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the vehicle also includes the deformation portion  106 . The deformation portion  106  includes a top portion  108  coupled to a bottom portion  110  at an apex  109  and is configured to engage the exterior portion  102  to move the exterior portion  102  downward. For example, the exterior portion  102  may move in a direction toward a road surface on which the vehicle  100  is traveling, which includes a direction generally perpendicular to a force F imparted to the exterior portion  102  at a first location  118  and/or a direction generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the vehicle  100 . In some embodiments, the deformation portion  106  causes the exterior portion  102  to move in response to the force F. In some implementations, the force F imparted at the first location  118  causes the bottom portion  110  to contact the exterior portion  102  at a second location  120 , causing a deformation of the exterior portion  102  that moves the second location  120  downward relative to the first location  118 . Accordingly, the deformation portion  106  operates to redirect the force F from the first location  118  to the second location  120 . The deformation portion  106  may therefore be referred to as a force redirector. 
     For example, the deformation portion  106  may be a structure (e.g., manufactured from sheet metal, molded plastic, etc.) that has a geometric configuration that is defined to control deformation of an adjacent component upon contact. The structure may include reinforced portions and relatively weaker portions (e.g., as compared to the reinforced portions) so that the shape, manner, and/or sequence of deformation of the adjacent component occurs in a predetermined manner. In some implementations, the bottom portion  110  may be a reinforced portion and the top portion  108  may be a relatively weaker portion. Upon contact, the top portion  108  may change shape, orientation, or otherwise move to cause the bottom portion  110  to contact the exterior portion  102  at the second location  120 . 
     In addition to, or instead of, the structure of the deformation portion  106  including reinforced portions and relatively weaker portions, the structure may also include portions that are coupled by a relatively flexible structure. In some implementations, the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  are coupled by a relatively flexible structure (e.g., the relatively flexible structure is flexible relative to the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110 ). Upon contact, the relatively flexible structure may allow the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  to rotate, translate, slide, or otherwise move relative to each other to cause the bottom portion  110  to contact the exterior portion  102  at the second location  120 . 
     In some embodiments, the deformation portion  106  is located between the exterior portion  102  and the internal support  104 . The deformation portion  106  may also be positioned in other locations. In some implementations, the top portion  108  is coupled to the internal support  104 . The top portion  108  may be fixedly coupled to the internal support  104  such that the part of the top portion  108  fixedly coupled to the internal support  104  is fixed relative to the internal support  104 . The top portion  108  may also be movably coupled to the internal support  104  such that the top portion  108  can move (e.g., rotate, translate, etc.) relative to the internal support  104 . 
     The deformation portion  106  may be a unitary component (e.g., the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  are a single component). As a unitary component, the deformation portion  106  may include a hinge that couples the top portion  108  to the bottom portion  110  and allows the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  to move relative to each other. In some implementations, the hinge is a living hinge. For example, a living hinge may be a portion of a structure that extends laterally across the structure and is configured to bend more readily than other portions of the structure. Accordingly, a force applied to the structure may induce rotation of a first part of the structure (e.g., the top portion  108 ) relative to a second part of the structure (e.g., the bottom portion  110 ) around an axis defined by the living hinge. As some examples, the living hinge may be defined by a portion of the structure that includes a thin portion, holes, geometric discontinuities, or any other structure that makes the living hinge more susceptible to bending than surrounding parts of the structure. 
     The top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  may also be separate components that are joined together. In implementations where the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  are separate components, the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  may be joined together by a mechanical method (e.g., using fasteners), a chemical method (e.g., using adhesives), or a material-altering method (e.g., welding, soldering, brazing, etc.). Furthermore, in implementations where the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  are separate components, the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  may include the same material (e.g., both the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  are manufactured from stainless steel, aluminum, nitinol, polymers, etc.). The top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  may also include different materials. 
     In some embodiments, the deformation portion  106  is configured to deform in response to being contacted by the exterior portion  102  (e.g., when the force F is imparted to the exterior portion  102  by an object at the first location  118 ). The deformation portion  106  may be configured as an elastic component that can return to its original shape when not in contact with the exterior portion  102 . The deformation portion  106  may also be configured to plastically deform in response to being contacted by the exterior portion  102  so that it cannot return to its original shape when not in contact with the exterior portion  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the top portion  108  is generally straight and the bottom portion  110  is generally curved. In some implementations, the bottom portion  110  is generally concave relative to the internal support  104 . However, various shapes and configurations of the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  may be implemented. For example, the top portion  108  may be generally curved and the bottom portion  110  may be generally straight. As another example, both the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  may be generally straight or generally curved. As yet another example, both the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  may include combinations of generally straight and generally curved sections, where the curved sections may be generally concave and/or convex relative to the internal support  104 . Furthermore, both the top portion  108  and the bottom portion  110  may include multiple generally straight sections that are oriented at various angles to each other. Other configurations in addition to those described may be implemented. 
     The vehicle  100  is further shown to include a restraint  112 . In some embodiments, the restraint  112  is removably coupled to the deformation portion  106  and/or the internal support  104 . In some implementations, the restraint  112  may be a clamp that extends at least partially around the deformation portion  106  and the internal support  104 . The clamp may be curved (e.g., shaped like the letter “C”) such that one end of the clamp physically contacts the deformation portion  106  and the other end of the clamp contacts the internal support  104  to secure the deformation portion  106  and the internal support  104  together. Other shapes of the clamp may also be used. The restraint  112  may also include a rigid bar (e.g., rigid relative to the deformation portion  106 ) movably coupled to the internal support  104  and located between the bottom portion  110  and the exterior portion  102 . In some implementations, the rigid bar physically contacts the bottom portion  110 . The rigid bar may be manufactured from metals, plastics, composites, or any combination thereof, and may include various geometries (e.g., round bar, rectangular bar, etc.) Accordingly, the restraint  112  is configured to secure a portion of the deformation portion  106  to the internal support  104  in a manner that resists movement of the deformation portion  106 . The restraint  112  may also physically contact the deformation portion  106  in a manner that resists movement of the deformation portion  106 . 
     In embodiments where the restraint  112  is used, the restraint  112  must be released to allow the deformation portion  106  to deform and contact the second location  120 . In some implementations, the force F imparted to the first location  118  of the exterior portion  102  causes the restraint  112  to be released from the deformation portion  106  and/or the internal support  104  and then causes the deformation portion  106  to deform in response to the force F. In some embodiments, a controller  116  may cause the restraint  112  to be released. The controller  116  may cause the restraint  112  to be released before the force F is imparted to the first location  118  (e.g., before contact occurs). The controller  116  may also cause the restraint to be released after the force F is imparted to the first location  118  (e.g., after contact occurs). 
     A sensor  114  may be coupled to the vehicle  100 . As shown, the sensor  114  is coupled to the exterior portion  102 , however the sensor  114  can be positioned in various locations of the vehicle  100 . The sensor  114  is configured to generate a signal based on a distance between an object and the exterior portion  102  and/or contact between an object and the exterior portion  102 . The sensor  114  is further configured to provide the signal to the controller  116 . Though one sensor  114  is shown in  FIG.  1   , more than one of the sensor  114  can be used in various implementations. In embodiments where the sensor  114  generates a signal based on distance, the sensor  114  may include one or more of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a light detection and ranging (“LiDAR”) sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or any other type of sensor configured to generate a signal based on a distance between two objects. In embodiments where the sensor  114  generates a signal based on contact, the sensor  114  may include one or more of an accelerometer, a force sensor, or any other type of sensor configured to generate a signal based on a sudden change in motion of the vehicle  100  and/or a structural change to the vehicle  100  from contact. Therefore, the sensor  114  is configured to provide an indication (e.g., a signal) to the controller  116  that contact occurred and/or that the vehicle  100  is approaching an object and that contact will occur between the vehicle  100  and the object. 
     The controller  116  may be located on or in the vehicle  100  and may be in communication with the sensor  114 . The controller  116  may also be in communication with the restraint  112  and/or one or more actuators (not shown) that may be coupled to the restraint  112 . The controller  116  is configured to receive the signal from the sensor  114  and make a determination and/or a prediction based on the signal. In some implementations, the controller  116  is configured to predict that contact will occur between the exterior portion  102  and an object and take an action based on the prediction. The action may include directing the actuator to cause the deformation portion  106  to deform and direct the exterior portion  102  downward before the contact occurs. The action may also include monitoring the sensor  114  for an indication that the contact occurred, and the controller  116  may be configured to take an additional action based on the indication that the contact occurred. The additional action may include directing the actuator to cause the deformation portion  106  to deform and direct the exterior portion  102  downward after the contact occurs. 
       FIG.  2    is an illustration of a cross-section of the portion of the vehicle  100  of  FIG.  1    taken across A-A. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the internal support  104  extends across an internal portion of the exterior portion  102  to support the exterior portion  102 . The vehicle  100  is shown to include three of the deformation portion  106  and three of the restraint  112 . More or fewer of the deformation portion  106  and the restraint  112  can be used in different implementations. In some embodiments, each deformation portion  106  is configured to deform independently based on the location of the force F (e.g., the first location  118 ). For example, the first location  118  may be positioned approximately in a central portion of the exterior portion  102 . Accordingly, the sensor  114  may provide a signal to the controller  116  that indicates contact will occur or has occurred at the first location  118 , and the controller  116  may cause the deformation portion  106  closest to the first location  118  to deform to cause the second location  120  to move downward relative to the first location  118 . In some implementations, each deformation portion  106  is configured to deform as a group regardless of the location of the force F. For example, the controller  116  may cause all three of the deformation portion  106  to deform regardless of the location of the force F. 
       FIGS.  3 A-B  are illustrations of the cross-section of the portion of the vehicle  100  of  FIG.  1    with the deformation portion  106  in a second configuration. The second configuration shows the relative positions of the components after contact between the vehicle  100  and an object. Portions shown in dotted lines refer to positions of the deformation portion  106  and the exterior portion  102  prior to contact. As described with reference to  FIG.  1   , either prior to or after the contact, the restraint  112  is released to allow the deformation portion  106  to deform in response to being contacted by the exterior portion  102 . In some implementations, the controller  116  causes an actuator to release the restraint  112 . The restraint  112  may also be released when the contact occurs without involvement of the controller  116  (e.g., the force F causes the restraint  112  to be released). The restraint  112  is shown as moving in the direction of the arrow  222  to indicate that the restraint  112  is released, however the restraint  112  may move in various directions and/or orientations to be released, and the movement indicated by the arrow  222  is shown as an example only. 
     After the exterior portion  102  collides with the object, the exterior portion  102  may move toward the deformation portion  106  and contact the apex  109 . The force of the exterior portion  102  on the apex  109  may cause the top portion  108  to move toward the internal support  104 . The movement of the top portion  108  may cause the bottom portion  110  to contact the internal support  104  and be directed downward by the internal support  104  to cause the bottom portion  110  to contact the second location  120  of the exterior portion  102 . Therefore, the bottom portion  110  of the deformation portion  106  is configured to contact the internal support  104  to be directed to contact the second location  120  of the exterior portion  102 . The second location  120  may then move downward (e.g., in the direction of the arrow  224 ) relative to the first location  118  and/or away from (e.g., in the direction of the arrow  224 ) the internal support  104 . As shown in  FIG.  3 A , a bottom surface  326  of the exterior portion  102  may be uncoupled to another surface of the vehicle  100 . Accordingly, the bottom surface  326  may be configured to move downward as the second location  120  moves downward. In some implementations, the bottom surface  326  is coupled to another surface of the vehicle  100 , as shown in  FIG.  3 B . In such implementations, the bottom surface  326  remains coupled (e.g., the bottom surface does not move) as the second location  120  moves downward. 
       FIG.  4    is an illustration of a cross-section of a portion of the vehicle  100  with another deformation portion  430  in a first configuration. The vehicle  100  includes all the components described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3    with the exception that the deformation portion  430  replaces the deformation portion  106 . As shown, the deformation portion  430  includes a first portion  432  coupled to a second portion  434 . The first portion  432  may also be coupled to the internal support  104 . In some implementations, the second portion  434  is movable relative to the first portion  432 . For example, the second portion  434  may be sized to and configured to be slidably received within the first portion  432 . The second portion  434  may also be prevented from sliding downward relative to the first portion  432  by the restraint  112 . The deformation portion  430  may also include an extendable and/or an expandable component (not shown) positioned between the first portion  432  and the second portion  434  and configured to move the second portion  434  relative to the first portion  432 . For example, the extendable component may be a spring positioned between the first portion  432  and the second portion  434 . The spring may be compressed between the first portion  432  and the second portion  434  and may be configured to extend when the restraint  112  is released, thereby causing the second portion  434  to move downward relative to the first portion  432 . Accordingly, the deformation portion  430  may include a compressed spring. 
     The expandable component may include a compressed gas that is configured to expand when the restraint  112  is released, thereby causing the second portion  434  to move downward relative to the first portion  432 . The expandable component may also include multiple reactants that, when mixed together, undergo a chemical reaction that causes expansion. Accordingly, the restraint  112  may include a barrier that prevents the reactants from mixing. 
       FIG.  5    is an illustration of the cross-section of the portion of the vehicle  100  of  FIG.  4    with the deformation portion  430  in a second configuration. The second configuration shows the relative positions of the components after contact between the vehicle  100  and an object. As described with reference to  FIG.  1   , either prior to or after the contact, the restraint  112  is released to allow the deformation portion  430  to deform (e.g., expand, extend, or otherwise change shape). In some implementations, the controller  116  causes an actuator to release the restraint  112 . The restraint  112  may also be released when the contact occurs without involvement of the controller  116  (e.g., the force F causes the restraint  112  to be released). The restraint  112  is shown as moving in the direction of the arrow  222  to indicate that the restraint  112  is released, however the restraint  112  may move in various directions and/or orientations to be released, and the movement indicated by the arrow  222  is shown as an example only. 
     After the restraint  112  is released, the second portion  434  moves downward relative to the first portion  432  and contacts the second location  120 . The second location  120  may then move downward relative to the first location  118 . As described with reference to  FIGS.  3 A-B , in some embodiments the bottom surface  326  is uncoupled and moves freely as the second location  120  moves. The bottom surface  326  may also be coupled to another surface of the vehicle  100  and therefore does not move as the second location  120  moves. 
       FIG.  6    is an illustration of a cross-section of a portion the vehicle  100  with a fluid movement component  650  in a first configuration. The vehicle  100  includes all the components described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3    with the exception that the fluid movement component  650  replaces the deformation portion  106 . The fluid movement component  650  is shown to include a first reservoir  652 , a second reservoir  654 , a conduit  656 , and a flow control device  658 . 
     As shown, the first reservoir  652  is located between the exterior portion  102  and the internal support  104  and is configured to hold a fluid. In some implementations, the fluid may include a gas such as air, nitrogen, or any other suitable gas or suitable combination of gases. The fluid may also include liquids such as water, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, methanol, or any other suitable liquid or combinations of suitable liquids. The first reservoir  652  is generally flexible and is configured to deform in response to a force applied (e.g., the force F). For example, the first reservoir  652  may deform when contacted by the exterior portion  102 . The first reservoir  652  may also increase or decrease in size based on an amount of the fluid located in the first reservoir  652 . The first reservoir  652  may be manufactured from any flexible material suitable to hold the fluid. 
     The second reservoir  654  may also be located between the exterior portion  102  and the internal support  104  and is configured to hold the fluid. The second reservoir  654  is generally flexible and is configured to deform in response to a force applied (e.g., a force applied externally to the second reservoir  654  and/or a force of the fluid entering the second reservoir  654 ). The second reservoir  654  may increase or decrease in size based on an amount of the fluid located in the second reservoir  654 . The second reservoir  654  may be manufactured from any flexible material suitable to hold the fluid. In some implementations, the material of the first reservoir  652  and the second reservoir  654  is the same material. However, the material of the first reservoir  652  may be different than the material of the second reservoir  654 . 
     In some implementations, the second reservoir  654  may be configured to expand asymmetrically such that, when the fluid enters the second reservoir  654 , the second reservoir  654  is configured to expand toward the second location  120  (e.g., away from the first location  118 ). Accordingly, the second reservoir  654  may include a material that resists expansion located nearer to the first reservoir  652  and a material that is expandable located further from the first reservoir  652  (e.g., nearer to the second location  120 ). 
     The fluid movement component  650  includes the conduit  656  that extends between the first reservoir  652  and second reservoir  654  and is configured to direct the fluid between the first reservoir  652  and the second reservoir  654 . The conduit  656  may be generally not expandable such that when the fluid moves between the first reservoir  652  and the second reservoir  654 , the conduit  656  does not expand. In some implementations, the conduit  656  is generally flexible relative to the internal support  104 . The conduit  656  may also be generally inflexible (e.g., rigid). Accordingly, the fluid movement component  650  includes the first reservoir  652  fluidly coupled to the second reservoir  654  via the conduit  656 . 
     In some implementations, the conduit  656  includes the flow control device  658  that is configured to control a flow of the fluid between the first reservoir  652  and the second reservoir  654 . The flow control device  658  may include a valve, a regulator, a pump, or any other type of flow control system or device. In some embodiments, the flow control device  658  allows the fluid to flow from the first reservoir  652  to the second reservoir  654  and prevents the fluid from flowing from the second reservoir  654  to the first reservoir  652 . Therefore, in some implementations the conduit  656  includes a valve between the first reservoir  652  and the second reservoir  654  that allows the fluid to flow from the first reservoir  652  to the second reservoir  654  and prevents the fluid from flowing from the second reservoir  654  to the first reservoir  652 . 
     As described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the restraint  112  may be removably or slidably coupled to the internal support  104 . In some implementations, the flow control device  658  may be implemented in addition to, or instead of, the restraint  112 , and therefore the flow control device  658  may also be part of the restraint  112 . Accordingly, the controller  116  may direct the flow control device  658  to operate to prevent or allow the fluid to flow from the first reservoir  652  to the second reservoir  654  based on a signal received from the sensor  114 . In some implementations, the signal from the sensor  114  may include a signal that indicates the pressure of the fluid within the first reservoir  652 . The controller  116  may direct the flow control device  658  to allow the fluid to flow from the first reservoir  652  to the second reservoir  654  when the signal from the sensor  114  indicates that the pressure of the fluid within the first reservoir  652  is greater than a threshold pressure value. In some implementations, the flow control device  658  is configured to operate without intervention of the controller  116 . For example, the flow control device  658  may be configured to allow the fluid to flow between the first reservoir  652  and the second reservoir  654  when the pressure of the fluid within the first reservoir  652  (and therefore, the pressure of the fluid against the flow control device  658 ) is greater than the threshold pressure value. Accordingly, the valve is configured to allow the fluid to flow from the first reservoir  652  to the second reservoir  654  when the pressure of the fluid within the first reservoir  652  is above the threshold pressure value. 
       FIG.  7    is an illustration of the cross-section of the portion of the vehicle  100  of  FIG.  6    with the fluid movement component  650  in a second configuration. The second configuration shows the relative positions of the components after contact between the vehicle  100  and an object. As described with reference to  FIG.  1   , either prior to or after the contact, the restraint  112  is released, which allows the fluid movement component  650  to operate in response to being contacted by the exterior portion  102 . As described above, releasing the restraint  112  may also include the flow control device  658  allowing the fluid to flow from the first reservoir  652  to the second reservoir  654 . 
     After the exterior portion  102  collides with the object, the exterior portion  102  may move toward the fluid movement component  650  and contact the first reservoir  652 . The force imparted to the first location  118  of the exterior portion  102  may cause the first reservoir  652  to move toward the internal support  104  and therefore be compressed between the exterior portion  102  and the internal support  104 . The compression of the first reservoir  652  may cause the pressure of the fluid within the first reservoir  652  to increase to a value above the threshold pressure value. As described, after the pressure of the fluid within the first reservoir  652  increases above the threshold pressure value, the flow control device  658  may allow the fluid to flow from the first reservoir  652  to the second reservoir  654  (e.g., either via direction from the controller  116  or the pressure of the fluid against the flow control device  658  may cause the flow control device  658  to allow the fluid to flow). 
     As the fluid flows from the first reservoir  652  to the second reservoir  654 , the second reservoir  654  expands and is configured to contact both the internal support  104  and the exterior portion  102  at the second location  120 . When the second reservoir  654  is expanded, the second reservoir  654  exerts an additional force on the second location  120  and causes the second location  120  to move downward relative to the first location  118 . Accordingly, a first force (e.g., the force F) imparted to the first location  118  of the exterior portion  102  causes the fluid located in the first reservoir  652  to move to the second reservoir  654 , causing the second reservoir  654  to expand and impart a second force (e.g., the additional force) at the second location  120  of the exterior portion  102  in a manner that causes or controls deformation of the exterior portion  102 . As described with reference to  FIGS.  3 A-B , in some embodiments the bottom surface  326  is uncoupled and moves freely as the second location  120  moves. The bottom surface  326  may also be coupled to another surface of the vehicle  100  and therefore does not move as the second location  120  moves. 
       FIG.  8    is a schematic illustration of the controller  116 . The controller  116  may be used to implement the systems and methods disclosed herein. For example, the controller  116  may receive data from the sensor  114  related to the future contact between the vehicle  100  and an object and/or contact that has already occurred and control operation of the restraint  112  and/or the deformation portion  106 . In an example hardware configuration, the controller  116  generally includes a processor  870 , a memory  872 , a storage  874 , and a communications interface  876 . Data received from the sensor  114  related to a future contact may include data related to a distance between the vehicle  100  and an object (e.g., an initial distance between the vehicle  100  and the object, speed of the vehicle  100 , acceleration of the vehicle  100 ) Data received from the sensor  114  related to contact that has already occurred may include data related to acceleration of the vehicle  100  and/or a force on the exterior portion  102 . The processor  870  may be any suitable processor, such as a central processing unit, for executing computer instructions and performing operations described thereby. The memory  872  may be a volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The storage  874  may be a non-volatile storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage  874  may form a computer readable medium that stores instructions (e.g., code) executed by the processor  870  for operating external devices  878 , for example, in the manners described above and below. The communications interface  876  is in communication with, for example, the external devices  878 , for sending to and receiving from various signals (e.g., control signals and/or notifications). The external devices  878  may include, for example, the restraint  112 , the deformation portion  106 , and various other systems or devices through which the controller  116  may provide information to an occupant of the vehicle  100  or other parties/entities. For example, the external devices  878  may include a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc.) associated with one or more occupants of the vehicle  100 , a display system within the vehicle  100 , a server associated with an insurance company (e.g., the insurance company that insures the vehicle  100 ), a server associated with the manufacturer of the vehicle  100 , etc. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources for use during operation and control of the deformation portion  106 , the deformation portion  430 , and the fluid movement component  650 . As an example, such data may identify the user and include user-specific settings or preferences. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, a user profile may be established that stores user preference related information that allows for changes to user notification settings according to the user preferences. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enhances the user&#39;s experience. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of storing a user profile for display and communication preferences, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide data regarding usage of specific applications. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time that application usage data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of an application usage profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, user display preferences may be determined each time the system is used, such as by manually entering and/or obtaining needed information in real time, and without subsequently storing the information or associating with the particular user.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230424
Publication Date: 20241119
Grant Date: 20241119
Priority Date: 20220517
Inventors: GROSS, MARTIN
Llamazares Domper, Arturo
UPRETI, YOGESH
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60R19/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/0004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/40", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/56", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/56", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 86387168