Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
39 OF 1970
&
THE PATENT RULES 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTIONS 10 & RULE 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A RETRACTABLE SYSTEM FOR PROTECTION OF BUMPER AREA OF A VEHICLE
2. APPLICANTS (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS

MARUTI SUZUKI INDIA LIMITED

Indian
1, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi - 110070
India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

A RETRACTABLE SYSTEM FOR PROTECTION OF BUMPER AREA OF A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for protection of bumper area of a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a retractable system, where the system is capable of forming a wall like structure over a bumper of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Due to the upsurge in population and easy affordability of private and commercial vehicles, the number of vehicles in roads have increased to an alarming rate. The abundance of vehicle plying on roads are also leading to frequent road accidents, involving vehicles colliding with stationary or moving objects. Consequently, such accidents are not only causing a considerable damage to property or vehicles, but also may prove to be a fatal one. Also, considering the driving behavior of people, and bumper to bumper driving in metro cities, there are higher chances of damage of the bumpers in case of collision of vehicles with moving or stationary objects.
[0003] In an existing arrangement, the vehicles are provided with an airbag system, where the air bag inflates during a collision thereby protecting passengers inside the vehicle from fatal accidents. However, such measures fail to protect the external body of the vehicle from any kind of damages. Moreover, such arrangement requires complete replacement of body of the vehicle post the accident and involve consumption of both time and money.
[0004] Towards this direction, in order to circumvent the above-mentioned limitations, automobile manufacturers are coming with an improved system that is able to protect the external body of the vehicle from colliding with external stationary or moving objects in a cost effective manner.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0006] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
[0007] It is a significant object of the present disclosure to design and develop a retractable system for protection of bumper area of a vehicle from collision with external objects.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to design and develop the retractable system that is capable to protect rear bumper area of the vehicle from collision with external objects.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to design and develop the retractable system such that the retractable system is capable of absorption of impact resulting due to collision.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to design and develop the retractable system such that the retractable system is actuated by an actuating mechanism.
[0011] It is even another object of the present disclosure to design and develop the retractable system such that the structure mounted behind the vehicle bumper area is replaceable.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to design and develop the retractable system such that the retractable system is cost effective.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to design and develop the retractable system such that the retractable system is simple and easy to implement.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter, will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description, taken into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a retractable system for protection of bumper area of a vehicle. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, there is provided a retractable system for protection of a rear bumper area of a vehicle from collision with one or more external objects.
[0017] In an embodiment, the retractable system comprises an upper hollow rod and a lower hollow rod positioned at rear end of the vehicle in width direction, a damper positioned in between an upper hollow rod and a rear bumper, a plurality of linear springs positioned between the upper hollow rod and the lower hollow rod to elastically join with each other, a hook positioned at center of the upper hollow rod and a mechanical linear actuator positioned at center of the lower hollow rod, where the mechanical linear actuator engages with the hook to achieve closed position between the upper hollow rod and the lower hollow rod.
[0018] In an aspect, the mechanical linear actuator upon receiving actuation signal from a sensing unit deploys along linear direction to disengage with the hook to achieve open position between the upper hollow rod and the lower hollow rod.
[0019] In another embodiment, the retractable system comprises a lower hollow rod positioned at rear end of the vehicle in width direction, a set of upper hollow rods vertically connected with the lower hollow rod, where bottom edge of each of the set of upper hollow rods movably connected with the lower hollow rod by means of hinge joint, a plurality of torsional springs provided in between the set of upper hollow rods and the lower hollow rod where one arm of each of the plurality of torsional springs is attached with a metallic rod from the set of metallic rods and other arm of each of the plurality of torsional springs is attached with the lower hollow rod, a damper positioned at top edge of each of the set of upper hollow rods, a hook positioned at each of the set of upper hollow rods at different locations and a mechanical linear actuator positioned at center of the lower hollow rod, the mechanical linear actuator engage with the hook of each of the set of upper hollow rods to achieve close position between the set of upper hollow rods and the lower hollow rod.
[0020] In an aspect, the mechanical linear actuator, upon receiving actuation signal from a sensing unit, deploys along linear direction to disengage with the hook of each of the set of upper hollow rods to achieve open position between the set of upper hollow rods and the lower hollow rod.
[0021] In an aspect, the damper positioned in between the set of upper hollow rods and the rear bumper absorbs impact resulting due to collision of the vehicle with one or more external objects.
[0022] In an aspect, the sensing unit is disposed in the rear bumper of the vehicle, the sensing unit comprising multiple proximity sensors to determine distance of the one or more external objects approaching the vehicle, a velocity sensor to determine velocity of the one or more external objects approaching the vehicle.
[0023] In an aspect, the sensing unit sends actuation signal to the mechanical linear actuator when distance between the one or more external objects approaching the vehicle is less than a predefined threshold distance value (Dth) and the determined velocity of the one or more external objects is more than a predefined threshold value (Vth).
[0024] In an aspect, the mechanical linear actuator is triggered by a controller upon receiving actuation signal from the sensing unit.
[0025] In an aspect, the plurality of torsional springs are in torsion when the set of upper hollow rods are in the close position with the lower hollow rod by engagement of the mechanical linear actuator with the hooks of each of the set of upper hollow rods.
[0026] In an aspect, each leg of the plurality of torsional springs are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the other leg, the plurality of torsional springs being expanded parabolically along outward direction upon actuation of the mechanical linear actuator.
[0027] In an aspect, the mechanical linear actuator forms a wall like structure over the bumper of the vehicle to protect the bumper of the vehicle from colliding with one or more external objects.
[0028] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0029] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)
[0030] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to refer like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
[0031] Figure 1 depicts a retracting system for a vehicle accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] Figure 2 (a-b) depicts a retracting system for the vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] Figure 3 provides a block diagram illustrating an exemplary overview of the retracting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0034] Figure 4 depicts an exemplary working of the invention in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] A few aspects of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Example implementations are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.
[0037] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0038] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0039] The present disclosure is related to a retracting system for protection of a bumper area, particularly rear bumper area of a vehicle from collision with stationary or moving objects. The retracting system as disclosed in the present disclosure comprises of a replaceable kit configured to be mounted behind bumper area of the vehicle. The replaceable kit subsequently forms a wall like structure to absorb the impact in case the vehicle encounters collision. The salient features of the present invention are detailed in subsequent sections in respect of two embodiments.
[0040] Figure 1 depicts the retracting system (100) for the vehicle accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the retractable system (100) comprises of an upper hollow rod (102-1) and a lower hollow rod (102-2) positioned at rear end of the vehicle along width of the vehicle.
[0041] In an aspect, there is further provided a damper (104) positioned in between the upper hollow rod (102-1) and a rear bumper (202). The damper (104) is configured to absorb impact resulting due to collision of the rear bumper (202) with one or more external objects. Furthermore, there is provided a plurality of linear springs (106) positioned between the upper hollow rod (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2) in order to elastically couple the upper hollow rod (102-1) with the lower hollow rod (102-2). Additionally, there is provided a hook (112) positioned at center of the upper hollow rod (102-1).
[0042] In an aspect, a mechanical linear actuator (110) is positioned at center of the lower hollow rod (102-2). The mechanical linear actuator (110) engages with the hook (112) to achieve close position between the upper hollow rod (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2).
[0043] In an aspect, the mechanical linear actuator (110) upon receiving actuation signal from a sensing unit (108) deploys along linear direction to disengage with the hook (112) to achieve an open position between the upper hollow rod (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2).
[0044] Figure 2 (a-b) depicts a retracting system (210) for the vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the retractable system (210) comprises of a lower hollow rod (102-2) positioned at rear end of the vehicle along width of the vehicle.
[0045] In an aspect, there is further provided a set of upper hollow rods (102-1) vertically connected with the lower hollow rod (102-2), with bottom edge of each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) being movably connected with the lower hollow rod (102-2) by means of hinge joint.
[0046] In an aspect, furthermore, there is provided a plurality of torsional springs (212) in between the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2). Herein, one arm of each of the plurality of torsional springs (212) is attached with a metallic rod (214) from the set of metallic rods and other arm of each of the plurality of torsional springs (212) is attached with the lower hollow rod (102-2).
[0047] In an aspect, there is also provided a damper (104) positioned at top edge of each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) and a hook (216) positioned at each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) at different locations. The damper (104) is configured to absorb impact resulting due to collision of the rear bumper (202) with one or more external objects.
[0048] In an aspect, each leg of the plurality of torsional springs (212) are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the other leg. The plurality of torsional springs (212) are in torsion, when the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) are in close position with the lower hollow rod (102-2) by engagement of the mechanical linear actuator (110) with the hooks (216) present across each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1).
[0049] In an aspect, herein a mechanical linear actuator (110) is positioned at center of the lower hollow rod (102-2) The mechanical actuator (110) engages with the hook (216) present across each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) to achieve close position between the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2).
[0050] In an aspect, the mechanical linear actuator (110) upon receiving actuation signal from a sensing unit (108) deploys along linear direction to disengage with the hook (112) of each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1), so as to achieve open position between the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2). Herein, the plurality of torsional springs (212) are expanded parabolically along outward direction upon actuation of the mechanical linear actuator (110).
[0051] Figure 3 provides a block diagram illustrating an exemplary overview of the retracting system (100, 210) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It may be observed from the figure that the retractable system (100, 210) comprises of the sensing unit (108), the sensing unit (108) being connected to the mechanical linear actuator (110) and a controller (114) by means of a wiring harness (304). The protection mechanism (302) as depicted in Figure 3 may comprise of any of the above mentioned embodiments (100, 210).
[0052] In an aspect, in both the embodiments, the sensing unit (108) is disposed in the rear bumper (202) of the vehicle. The sensing unit (108) may comprise multiple proximity sensors configured to determine distance of the one or more external objects in close vicinity of the vehicle or preferably approaching the vehicle. The sensing unit (108) may further comprise a velocity sensor to determine velocity of the one or more external objects approaching the vehicle.
[0053] In an aspect, in both the embodiments (100, 210), the sensing unit (108) sends actuation signals to the mechanical linear actuator (110) when distance between the one or more external objects and the vehicle is less than a predefined threshold value, say Dth, and the determined velocity of the one or more objects is more than a predefined threshold value, say Vth.
[0054] In an aspect, in both the embodiments (100, 210), the sensing unit (108) sends actuation signals to the controller (114), present in an engine control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, the controller (114) thereafter triggers the mechanical linear actuator (110) to disengage with the hook (112, 216). The sensing unit (108) may also be disposed along with the reverse positioning camera of the vehicle.
[0055] In an aspect, in both the embodiments (100, 210), the mechanical linear actuator (110) forms a wall like structure over a rear bumper (202) (as shown in Figure 4) of the vehicle to protect the rear bumper (202) of the vehicle from colliding with one or more external objects. Herein, the wall like structure may be formed both along vertical direction as well as along horizontal direction, and may also protect front bumper of the vehicle as well.
[0056] In an aspect, the retractable system (100, 210) can also be implemented for protection of front bumper as well subject to certain modifications in the system (100, 210).
[0057] In an aspect, the retractable system (100, 210) disclosed in both the embodiments is replaceable after being attaining opening condition, and therefore does not require repair/replacement of costly body parts of the vehicle.

[0058] Technical advantages
All in all, the invention disclosed in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:
i) The present invention protects bumper area of the vehicle by forming a wall like structure upon sensing approach of one or more external objects
ii) The present invention provides a cost effective alternative as it prevents the owner from repair/replacement of external body parts of the vehicle
iii) The present invention is simple and easy to implement
iv) The features disclosed in the present invention also saves time of the owner to a considerable extent, which would have been otherwise required for replacement of spare parts of the vehicle
v) The present arrangement (100, 210) is robust and rigid

[0059] Equivalents
[0060] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various systems that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the above-mentioned description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0061] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0062] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0063] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.

, C , Claims:We Claim:

1. A retractable system (100) for protection of a bumper area of a vehicle from collision with one or more external objects, the retractable system (100) comprising:
an upper hollow rod (102-1) and a lower hollow rod (102-2) positioned at rear end of the vehicle in width direction;
a damper (104) positioned in between an upper hollow rod (102-1) and a rear bumper (202);
a plurality of linear springs (106) positioned between the upper hollow rod (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2) to elastically join with each other;
a hook (112) positioned at center of the upper hollow rod (102-1); and
a mechanical linear actuator (110) positioned at center of the lower hollow rod (102-2), where the mechanical linear actuator (110) engages with the hook (112) to achieve closed position between the upper hollow rod (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2),
the mechanical linear actuator (110), upon receiving actuation signal from a sensing unit (108), deploys along linear direction to disengage with the hook (112) to achieve open position between the upper hollow rod (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2).

2. A retractable system (210) for protection of a bumper area of a vehicle from collision with one or more external objects, the retractable system (210) comprising:
a lower hollow rod (102-2) positioned at rear end of the vehicle in width direction;
a set of upper hollow rods (102-1) vertically connected with the lower hollow rod (102-2), where bottom edge of each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) movably connected with the lower hollow rod (102-2) by means of hinge joint;
a damper (104) positioned at top edge of each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1);
a plurality of torsional springs (212) provided in between the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2) where one arm of each of the plurality of torsional springs (212) is attached with a metallic rod (214) from the set of metallic rods and other arm of each of the plurality of torsional springs (212) is attached with the lower hollow rod (102-2);
a hook (216) positioned at each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) at different locations; and
a mechanical linear actuator (110) positioned at center of the lower hollow rod (102-2), the mechanical linear actuator (110) engage with the hook (112) of each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) to achieve close position between the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2),
the mechanical linear actuator (110), upon receiving actuation signal from a sensing unit (108), deploys along linear direction to disengage with the hook (112) of each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) to achieve open position between the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) and the lower hollow rod (102-2).

3. The retractable system (100, 210) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the damper (104) positioned in between the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) and the rear bumper (202) absorbs impact resulting due to collision of the vehicle with one or more external objects.
4. The retractable system (100, 210) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the sensing unit (108) is disposed in the rear bumper (202) of the vehicle, the sensing unit (108) comprises:
a multiple proximity sensor to determine distance of the one or more external objects approaching the vehicle,
a velocity sensor to determine velocity of the one or more external objects approaching the vehicle.

5. The retractable system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sensing unit (108) sends actuation signal to the mechanical linear actuator (110) when:
distance between the one or more external objects approaching the vehicle is less than a predefined threshold distance value (Dth) and the determined velocity of the one or more external objects is more than a predefined threshold value (Vth).

6. The retractable system (100, 210) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the mechanical linear actuator (110) is triggered by a controller (114) upon receiving actuation signal from the sensing unit (108).

7. The retractable system (210) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of torsional springs (212) are in torsion when the set of upper hollow rods (102-1) are in the close position with the lower hollow rod (102-2) by engagement of the mechanical linear actuator (110) with the hooks (216) of each of the set of upper hollow rods (102-1).

8. The retractable system (210) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each leg of the plurality of torsional springs (212) are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the other leg, and wherein the plurality of torsional springs (212) are expanded parabolically along outward direction upon actuation of the mechanical linear actuator (110).

9. The retractable system (100, 210) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the mechanical linear actuator (110) forms a wall like structure over the bumper of the vehicle to protect the bumper of the vehicle from colliding with one or more external objects.

Dated this 16th day of October, 2023

AMIT JAIN
PATENT AGENT
IN/PA – 2189
OF L. S. DAVAR & CO.