Claims:
1. An adjustable underrun protection device (100) for a vehicle (300), the device (100) comprising:
at least one first guard rail (1) connectable to a load body (6) of the vehicle (300);
at least one second guard rail (4) positioned below the at least one first guard rail (1) and extending parallel to the at least one first guard rail (1);
at least one actuation unit (5) coupled to the at least one second guard rail (4); and
a control unit (200) communicatively coupled to the at least one actuation unit (5), wherein, the control unit (200) is configured to:
determine, possible collision of the at least one second guard rail (4) with a surface based on input signal received from a detection unit (7); and
actuate the at least one actuation unit (5) to displace the at least one second guard rail (4) between a first position to a second position based on the determination.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one connecting members (3) for connecting the at least one first guard rail (1) to the load body (6) of the vehicle (200).

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation unit (5) is at least one of a hydraulic actuator and a pneumatic actuator.

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection unit (7) is associated with one or more sensors, and wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect undulations on a terrain being traversed by the vehicle (300).

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (200) operates the actuation unit (5) to vary the position of the second guard rail (4) between the first position (A) and the second position (B) based on the input signals received from the detection unit (7).

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more sensors (7) are positioned at a front end and a rear end of the vehicle (200).

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more sensor is at least one of a radar sensor, a laser height detection sensor and a load sensor configured to a suspension of the vehicle (300).

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position (A) of the at least one second guard rail (4) is proximal to a ground surface and away from the at least one first guard rail (1).

9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second position (B) of the at least one second guard rail (4) is proximal to the at least one first guard rail (1) and away from the ground surface.

10. A method of adjusting an underrun protection device (100) for a vehicle (300), the method comprising:
receiving by a control unit (200) of the vehicle (300), input signals from a detection unit (7) associated with the vehicle (300);
determining, by the control unit (200), possible collision of at least one second guard rail (4) with a surface based on the input signal received from a detection unit (7);
operating, by the control unit (200), at least one actuation unit (5) to vary a position of the second guard rail (4) between a first position (A) and a second position (B), based on the determination;
wherein, the at least one actuation unit (5) is coupled to the at least one second guard rail (4) and the at least one first guard rail (1) is connectable to a load body (6) of the vehicle (200).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprises determining by the control unit (200), a height of undulations on a terrain being traversed by the vehicle (300).

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprises operating by the control unit (200), the at least one actuation unit (5) to vary the position of the second guard rail (4) to the first position (A) when the determined height of the undulations is lesser than a pre-determined threshold limit.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprises operating by the control unit (200), the at least one actuation unit (5) to vary the position of the second guard rail (4) to the second position (B) when the determined height of the undulations is greater than the pre-determined threshold limit.

14. A vehicle comprising an adjustable underrun protection device (100) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to under-run protection devices for vehicles. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure, discloses a system and a method for adjusting the height of the side under-run protection devices of the vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles such as, but not limiting to, heavy duty and commercial vehicles including, trucks, trailers and lorries are generally designed with relatively high ground clearance. One of the reasons for this high ground clearance is for facilitating ambient driving conditions in a rough terrain. During a possible collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle or small vehicles such as, but not limiting to, compact vehicles and light commercial vehicles, bikes, mopeds etc., there is a risk that the small vehicle will intrude under the truck and thus be jammed between the road surface and the underside of the frame or load carrier of the vehicle. The result may be that the rear end of the truck entering the passenger compartment of the smaller vehicle with great force, which in turn may cause serious injuries to the passengers of the smaller vehicle. Also, high ground clearance of such vehicles makes it easy for the collided vehicle to go underneath the frame of the vehicle.

To prevent such situations generally an underrun protection device is provided in the locations such as, but not limiting to, rear end, sides, and front end of the heavy vehicle. The under-run protection equipment is generally provided along both sides of a vehicle body between front and rear axles or forward axles and rearward axles, the front axle, or forward axles in the case of semi-trailers being provided by the tractor. Typical under-run protection device may include a frame, or a pair of vertical members secured to the vehicle chassis and located above the ground level by a predetermined distance. The pillars are spaced horizontally along the vehicle side and are bridged by a pair of horizontal spaced beams. There may only be one beam and may be one or more beams. Under run protection device is provided along each side of the vehicle and is configured as a rigid barrier preventing other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from passing under the chassis between the wheel axles in the case of collision or other accident. Also, this rigid barrier protects components such as spare tyre or fuel tank or battery box which may be carried under-slung of the vehicle chassis.

Conventional under-run protection devices are often rigidly welded to the chassis of the vehicle. Generally, the under-run protection devices are manufactured with a set height and are fixedly connected to the chassis. Further, when the vehicle traverses through a rough terrain with extremely un-even undulations, the under-run protection device may come in contact with the ground surface. Also, when the vehicle traverses in urban areas, un-even bumps, or speed brakers on the path may often impact the under-run protection device. The possibilities of un-even impacting the under-run protection device increases drastically for lengthy transport trucks. The under-run protection device may undergo failure after several impacts with the ground surface and may not provide the required protections against vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians passing under the chassis in the case of collision or other accident. Also, the operational life of the under-run protection device reduces drastically upon constant impacts with the undulations on the road. Therefore, the under-run protection device may have to be replaced frequently at incredibly short intervals. Consequently, the overall operational and service costs of the vehicle increases considerably.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above, or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or method are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the method as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an adjustable underrun protection device for a vehicle is disclosed. The device includes at least one first guard rail connectable to a load body of the vehicle, and at least one second guard rail which is positioned below the at least one first guard rail and extends parallel to the at least one first guard rail. Further, at least one actuation unit is coupled to the at least one second guard rail and a control unit is communicatively coupled to the at least one actuation unit. The control unit is configured to determine a possible collision of the at least one second guard rail with a surface based on input signal received from a detection unit. The control unit subsequently, actuates the at least one actuation unit to displace the at least one second guard rail between a first position to a second position based on the determined possibility of collision.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the device includes at least one connecting members for connecting the at least one first guard rail to the chassis of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the actuation unit is at least one of a hydraulic actuator and a pneumatic actuator.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the detection unit is associated with one or more sensors, and the one or more sensors are configured to detect undulations on a terrain being traversed by the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit operates the actuation unit to vary the position of the second guard rail between the first position and the second position based on the input signals received from the detection unit.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more sensors are positioned at a front end and a rear end of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more sensor is at least one of a radar sensor, a laser height detection sensor and a load sensor configured to a suspension of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first position of the at least one second guard rail is proximal to a ground surface and away from the at least one first guard rail and, the second position of the at least one second guard rail is proximal to the at least one first guard rail and away from the ground surface.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method for adjusting an underrun protection device for a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving input signals from a detection unit associated with the vehicle by a control unit of the vehicle. Further, a possible collision of at least one second guard rail with a surface is determined by the control unit based on the input signal received from a detection unit. The next step involves operating at least one actuation unit to vary a position of the second guard rail between a first position and a second position based on the determined possibility of collision. The at least one actuation unit is coupled to the at least one second guard rail and the at least one first guard rail is connectable to a load body of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a height of undulations on a terrain being traversed by the vehicle is determined by the control unit.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one actuation unit is operated by the control unit to vary the position of the second guard rail to the first position when the determined height of the undulations is lesser than a pre-determined threshold limit. Further, the at least one actuation unit is operated by the control unit to vary the position of the second guard rail to the second position when the determined height of the undulations is greater than the pre-determined threshold limit.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle with an under-run protection device in a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle with the under-run protection device in a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the under-run protection device connectable to the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram indicating the operation of the under-run protection device of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a detailed block diagram indicating the working of the under-run protection device of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a front view of the under-run protection device in the first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a front view of the under-run protection device in the second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating method steps for adjusting under-run protection device of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the adjustable underrun protection device for the vehicle without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other system for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings 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.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses an adjustable underrun protection device for a vehicle. Conventional under run protection devices, are often rigidly welded to the chassis of the vehicle. Further, when the vehicle traverses through a rough terrain with extremely un-even undulations, the under-run protection device may come in contact with the ground surface. The under-run protection device may undergo failure after several impacts with the ground surface and may not provide the required protections against vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians passing under the chassis in the case of collision or other accident. Also, the operational life of the under-run protection device reduces drastically upon constant impacts with the undulations on the road. Therefore, the under-run protection device may have to be replaced frequently at incredibly short intervals. Consequently, the overall operational and service costs of the vehicle increases considerably.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses an adjustable underrun protection device for a vehicle. The device includes at least one first guard rail connectable to a load body of the vehicle. At least one connecting members are provided for connecting the at least one first guard rail to the chassis of the vehicle. At least one second guard rail is positioned below the at least one first guard rail and extends parallel to the at least one first guard rail. Further, at least one actuation unit is coupled to the at least one second guard rail and a control unit is communicatively coupled to the at least one actuation unit. The actuation unit is at least one of a linear actuator such as hydraulic actuator and a pneumatic actuator or a rotary linear actuator. The control unit is configured to determine a possible collision of the at least one second guard rail with a surface based on input signal received from a detection unit. The detection unit is associated with one or more sensors, and the one or more sensors are configured to detect undulations on a terrain being traversed by the vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are positioned at a front end and a rear end of the vehicle. The control unit actuates the at least one actuation unit to displace the at least one second guard rail between a first position to a second position based on the determined possibility of collision. The first position of the at least one second guard rail is proximal to a ground surface and away from the at least one first guard rail and the second position of the at least one second guard rail is proximal to the at least one first guard rail and away from the ground surface.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a vehicle (300) with an under-run protection device (100) oriented in a first position (A) and a second position (B) respectively. Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the under-run protection device (100). The under-run protection device (100) shown in the figures is a side under-run protection device and may be configured along both sides of the vehicle (300). Such configuration should not be considered as a limitation, as the same configuration may be provided at rear and front end of the vehicle. The under-run protection device (100) is often configured between wheels of the vehicle (300). With reference to Fig. 3, the under-run protection device (100) includes at least one first guard rail (1) rigidly connectable to a load body (6) of the vehicle (300). The at least one first guard rail (1) may be connectable to the load body (6) of the vehicle (300) by at least one first connecting member (3). The at least one first connecting member (3) may be connected to the load body (6) of the vehicle (300) by a bracket. The at least one first connecting member (3) may be connectable to the load body (6) of the vehicle (300) by means of fasteners, welding or any other method or assemblies known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated with reference to the Fig. 3, the under-run protection device (100) may include two first guard rails (1) positioned apart from each other and may extend in a direction parallel to each other. The two guard rails (1) may be interconnected by at least one second connecting member (8) to define a rectangular shaped frame. The rectangular shaped frame of the two first guard rails (1) and the second interconnecting member (8) may be fixedly connected to the load body (6) of the vehicle (300) by at least three number of the first connecting member (3) spaced equidistantly. The first connecting members (3) may extend in a direction including but not limited to the perpendicular direction of the first guard rails (1). Further, the under-run protection device (100) may also include at least one second guard rail (4) spaced apart from the at least one first guard rail (4). The at least one second guard rail (4) may extend in a direction including but not limited to a parallel direction with respect to the at least one first guard rail (1). Further, the second guard rail (4) may be configured along a same plane as the first guard rail (1) and may be vertically aligned above the first guard rail (1). The second guard rail (4) may be connectable to the at least one first guard rail (1) by at least one actuation unit (5) (further referred to as “the actuation unit”). The actuation unit (5) may be mounted to the first guard rail (1) and the actuation unit (5) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first guard rail (1). The actuation units (5) may be positioned apart from each other at equal distances. The actuation unit (5) may operate the second guard rails (4) between a first position (A) and a second position (B) relative to the at least one first guard rail (1). The actuation unit (5) may be mounted to the first guard rail (1) and may be connected to the second guard rail (4) such that the second guard rail (4) moves with an equal distance throughout with respect to the first guard rail (1). The second guard rail (4) traverses between the first position (A) and the second position (B) in a manner where the second guard rail (4) constantly remains parallel to the first guard rail (1). The actuation unit (5) may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, or any other actuators known in the art.

In an exemplary embodiment, the actuation unit (5) used herein is a pneumatic actuator. The actuation unit (5) may include a solenoid valve (5a), an air tank, pneumatic flow lines (2) and a piston with a cylinder (5b) arrangement for operating the second guard rail (4) between the first position (A) and the second position (B). The under-run protection device (100) may also include a detection unit (7). The detection unit (7) may be associated with one or more sensors (7a, 7b and 7c). The one or more sensors (7a, 7b and 7c) may be configured to detect any undulations or un-even surfaces on a terrain being traversed by the vehicle (200). The one or more sensors (7a, 7b and 7c) may be positioned at a front end and a rear end of the vehicle (300). The one or more sensors (7a, 7b and 7c) may be at least one of a radar sensor (7a), a laser height detection sensor (7b) and a load sensor (7c) configured to a suspension of the vehicle (200). The radar sensor (7a) and the laser height detection sensor (7b) may be configured to transmit a radar and a laser beam, respectively. A reflected beam may be received and the same may be analyzed for detecting any undulations on the terrain. Further, the signals from the load sensor (7c) configured to the suspension of the vehicle (200) may also be used to determine the undulations on the terrain. When a vehicle traverses over on un-even surface on a road or on the terrain, the load on the suspension of the vehicle may vary. This variation in load may be detected by the load sensor (7c) and the signals from the load sensor (7a) may be used to determine the undulations on the road. The undulations on the road or on the terrain may be potholes, speed breakers or any un-even surface.

Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram indicating the operation of the under-run protection device (100) of the vehicle (300) and Fig. 5 illustrates a detailed block diagram indicating the working of the under-run protection device (100) of the vehicle (300). The under-run protection device (300) includes a control unit (200). The control unit (200) may be configured to receive inputs signals from the detection unit (7) and the based on the received input signals, the control unit (200) may operate the solenoid valve (5a) of the actuation unit (5) for varying the position of the second guard rail (4). In an embodiment, the control unit (200) may include a receiving module (200a), a processing module (200b), a comparison module (200c) and an actuation module (200d). The receiving module (200a) may receive the inputs signals from the detection unit (7) and the processing module (200b) may process the received input signals to determine the height of the undulations on the terrain being traversed by the vehicle (300). Further, the comparison module (200c) may compare the determined height of the undulations on the terrain with a pre-determined threshold limit. The actuation unit (200d) may actuate the solenoid valve (5a) based on the comparison by the control unit (200). When the control unit (200) triggers the actuation unit (5), the solenoid valve (5a) may allow the flow of pressurized air form the air tank to the pneumatic piston and cylinder (5b). The pressurized air may thus be directed to the pneumatic piston and cylinder (5b) for operating the second guard rail (4) between the first position (A) and the second position (B). Further, a memory unit (204) may be provided to include the pre-determined threshold limit. The instructions may be fed into the memory unit (204) an Input/Output (I/O) interface. The control unit (200) may be associated with an Input/Output (I/O) interface and the memory unit (204). In some embodiments, the memory unit (204) may be present within the control unit (200).

Fig. 6 illustrate a front view of the under-run protection device (100) in the first position (A) and the Fig. 7 illustrate a front view of the under-run protection device (100) in the first position (A). The under-run protection device (100) is retained in the first position (A) in normal operating conditions or operation of vehicle in flat terrain, and when the detected height of the undulations on the terrain is found to be lesser than the pre-determined threshold limit. Further, the under-run protection device (100) is moved to the second position (B) [seen from Fig. 7] when the detected height of the undulations on the terrain is found to be greater than the pre-determined threshold limit. The threshold limit may be determined and fed to the memory unit (204) based on multiple factors including the dimensions of the under-run device (100) and ground clearance of the vehicle (300). The threshold limit may be set as a height equal to slightly lesser than the height of a lower surface of the second guard rail (4) form the ground surface. For instance, if the ground clearance or the distance between the lower surface of the second guard rail (4) and the ground is found to be around 200 mm, then the pre-determined threshold limit may be set as 100 mm. The threshold limit may vary for difference vehicles and under-run protection devices (100) of different dimensions.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart (400) illustrating method steps for adjusting under-run protection device (100) of the vehicle (300). The first step (401) involves receiving input signals from the detection unit (7) associated with one or more sensors (7a, 7b and 7c). The inputs signals received from the detection unit (7) may correspond to the height of the undulations or un-even surfaces on the terrain. For instance, the one or more sensors (7a, 7b and 7c) of the detection unit (7) may detect the un-even surfaces or undulations on the terrain being traversed by the vehicle (300) and the one or more sensors (7a, 7b and 7c) may accordingly transmit the signals corresponding to the height of the undulations to the control unit (200). The next step (402) involves determining a possible collision of the second guard rail (4) with the un-even surfaces of the terrain or basically calculation of height or ground clearance between the undulation and the underrun protection device (100). The received input signals may further be processed by the processing unit (200b) of the control unit (200). The processing unit (200b) may determine the height of the un-even surfaces or the undulations on the terrain. Further, the comparison module (200c) may compare the determined height of the un-even surface with the pre-determined threshold limit. The control unit (200) may procure data corresponding to the pre-determined threshold limit from the memory unit (204). The comparison module (200c) may further compare the determined height of the un-even surface with the pre-determined threshold limit. If the results obtained from the comparison are indicative that the determined height of the un-even surface is lesser than the pre-determined threshold limit, the control unit interprets that there is sufficient ground clearance and the un-even surface on the terrain will not come in contact with the second guard rail (4). Further, if results obtained from the comparison are indicative that the determined height of the un-even surface is greater than the pre-determined threshold limit, the control unit (200) interprets that the ground clearance is not sufficient for the vehicle to traverse over the un-even surface without any impact to the second guard rail (4). The control unit (200) determines from the above comparison that the un-even surface will come in contact with the second guard rail (4). Consequently, the actuation module (200d) of the control unit (200) may trigger the solenoid valve (5a) in the actuation system (5). The solenoid valve (5a) may allow the pressurized air from the air tank to flow into the pneumatic piston and cylinder (5d). The pressurized air may be directed from the air tank to the pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangement (5d) through the pneumatic air flow lines (2). Consequently, the piston may traverse within the cylinder and the second guard rail (4) connected to the piston may also traverse from the first position (A) to the second position (B). As seen from Fig. 7, the actuation unit (5) may be operated by the control unit (200) for traversing the second guard rail (4) upwards in a vertical direction to the second position (B). The second position (B) of the at least one second guard rail (4) is proximal to the at least one first guard rail (1) and away from the ground surface. The ground clearance for the under-run protection device (100) is thus increased significantly. Consequently, the un-even surface or undulations on the terrain will not impact or come in contact with the second guard rail (4) of the under-run protection device (100). Further, the control unit (200) may operate the actuation unit (5) to drop the second guard rail (4) back to the first position when there are no undulations or un-even surfaces on the terrain. In an embodiment, the under-run protection device (100) may be provided with a sensor positioned suitably to the load body (6). The sensor may detect and transmit signals to the control unit (200) when the vehicle (300) when the vehicle has crossed over or has traversed over the obstacles or undulations on the path being traversed by the vehicle. The control unit (200) may accordingly operate the actuation unit (5) to drop the second guard rail (4) back to the first position after the vehicle has traversed over the undulations and after receiving the input signal from the sensor. The first position of the at least one second guard rail (4) is proximal to a ground surface and away from the at least one first guard rail (1). Thus, the under-run protection device (100) may be protected from the undulations on the terrain and may also offer protection against vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians passing under the chassis in the case of collision or other accident.

In an exemplary embodiment with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the ground clearance, or the distance between the lower surface of the second guard rail (4) and the ground may be around 200 mm and the pre-determined threshold limit may be set as 150 mm. Further, if results obtained from the comparison module are indicative that the determined height of the un-even surface is greater than the pre-determined threshold limit of 150 mm, the control unit (200) interprets that the ground clearance is not sufficient for the vehicle to traverse over the un-even surface without any impact to the second guard rail (4). Consequently, the control unit (200) may trigger the actuation unit (5) to re-treat the second guard rail (4) to the second position (B) where, the ground clearance or the distance between the lower surface of the second guard rail (4) and the ground surface is increased to 500 mm. Thus, the under-run protection device (100) may be prevented from grazing over un-even surfaces or the undulations on the terrain. Once, the vehicle traverses over the un-even surfaces of the terrain, the control unit (200) may bring back the second guard rail (4) to the first position (A).

In an embodiment, the above-mentioned under-run protection device (100) for the vehicle (300) and the method of operating the under-run protection device (100), protects the under-run protection device (100) from the undulations or un-even surfaces on the terrain and may also offers protection against vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians passing under the chassis in the case of collision or other accident. In an embodiment, the above-mentioned under-run protection device (100) which enables the operation of the second guard rail (4) between different positions for offering varying ground clearances, prevents the under-run protection device (100) from frequent impacts to the ground surface. Consequently, the overall operational and service costs of the vehicle (300) are also reduced.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, 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 description 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, 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."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:

Referral numerals Description
1 First guard rail
2 Pneumatic air flow lines
3 First connecting members
4 Second guard rail
5 Actuation unit
5a Solenoid valve
5b Pneumatic piston and cylinder
6 load body
7 Detection unit
7a, 7b and 7c Sensors
8 Second connecting members
100 Under-run protection device
200 Control unit
200a Receiving module
200b Processing module
200c Comparison module
200d Actuation module
204 Memory unit
300 Vehicle