Lucianus Lagiewka --- automobile bumper

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**Lucjan
LAGIEWKA, *et al.***

**EPAR Shock Absorber**

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[**J. ZAGORSKI :
RIDDLES OF THE MECHANICS**](#zagorski)[**Videos**](#vid)[**Euroinfrastructure : We had
Lagiewkas bumper, will we see Ladiewkas barrier?**](#euroinfra)[**Boleslaw Tabor : The Truth Like A Poke
In The Eye**](#tabor)[**US20070007780**](#US20070007780) **--
Kinetic energy absorber, particularly for large mobile
objects****[US20130033047](#US20130033047) --** **Collision
energy dissipating bum****[WO2005121593](#WO2005121593) --** **DEVICE
FOR TRANSFORMING KINETIC ENERGY****[WO2014005656](#WO2014005656) --** **Kinetic
stabilizer, in particular to compensate for changes in the
rotational speed of the driven equipment****[WO2004028864](#WO2004028864) --** **Method
& device for Vehicle Protection****[WO2014005656](#WO2014005656_) --** **AN
ARRANGEMENT FOR PROTECTION OF HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS OF
UNDERGROUND SHIELD FROM DYNAMIC OVERLOAD...****[WO2014009790](#WO2014009790) --** **SUPPORT
UNIT OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE** [**US2013284994**](#US2013284994) **--** **Road
Barrier And A Method For Manufacturing Thereof****[WO2014006477](#WO2014006477) --** **SHOCK
ABSORBING PLATFORM FOR UNLOADING CONTAINERS AT PORTS**

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From: "Henryk Mongia"
<heniumon@poczta.fm>   
Subject: New Revolutionary Car Buffer patent

**RIDDLES OF THE MECHANICS**

**JANUSZ ZAGORSKI**

In November 1998 in the local stadium, in the
presence of hundreds of people including representatives of
media from the all country, together with his
collaborators,  Przemyslaw Lagiewka demonstrated the
prototype of an unusual bumper. This showed what, was so
unusual that continually acknowledged as impossible.

A small Fiat 126p, going 45 km per hour, was
driven into a concrete wall. The bumper was not damaged. The
driver wore no seatbelts. The inertial reaction, which should
have thrown him onto the hood, did not ocur. The stopping
distance was only 16 centimetres. Impossible? Yet hundreds of
people in, and  the stadium, and millions more on
television. The use in all vehicles of the absorber of the
energy, "Ecollision", can radically improve automobile safety.

Lagiewka says, "The technical idea behind my
buffer can be used in very many practical solutions. Another
invention which I showed experimentally, is the brake.
Connected to the axis on a Mercedes, the car stopped in
one-quarter of the distance usually required".

I had a short conversation with the manager of
the Chair of the Mechanics and Energy-Devices AGH in Cracow,
with the professor with Stanislaus Gumu??.:

- What you feels about the Lagiewka buffer ?

- This is a very original solution transforming
the rectilinear motion into rotatory, thanks to which it
succeeded to limit radically results of the collision of two
bodies. This experiment recommends however to us, to research
workers, many practical and theoretical problems.

- This means that one cannot give the binding
scientific opinion?

- Unfortunately, not yet. We have from several
months the small model of the vehicle Lagiewki with installed
absorber of the energy, but are problems with an execution of
measurement of physical parameters of this event. We want to
make this with several methods. The thing is that the event
lasts several milliseconds, and devices which we have at our
disposal, are not disposed on such small times. Filming of the
event little gives, because the alloy {stop}-the cage lasts
too long [?]. Diodes, what we assemble on the model, to
measure accelerations, do not light with such frequency, to
catch sensitively the moment of the collision. We seek also
suitable sensors of the power.

- Whether solution Lagiewki surrenders
unsophisticatedly to explain aground well-known laws of
physics?

- Some elements of this occurrence can not be
situated in hitherto existing well-known interpretations of
the laws of physics. As far as more easily one can to himself
explain the lack of the damage of the car at the collision
shown in the stadium in Kovars, insomuch more with difficulty
interpret the fact that the driver, not having buttoned belts,
did not fly through the windowpane. Doubtless this matter
demands serious research. Lagiewki's inventions can find wide
use in the future.

Lagiewski offers examples of uses for the
invention. Thanks properly to constructed absorbers of the
energy large ships can stop, not in 2-3 kilometres, as now,
but in 100-200 metres. One can also build rescue-landings for
people jumping during fires from high buildings. In Kovars, at
the local firestation, on a 6-metre tower, tests were made by
jumping onto the buffer...

All mechanics is based on occurrences happening
in collisions only two bodies and from such experiments are
derived mathematical calculations. One did not trace, what
happens, when three bodies simultaneously crash. Lagiewska
tested 3-boy collisions for 20 years. The results of his
research and experiments are shocking. And so at collisions of
three bodies one can control the situation, so that the energy
two crashing masses of greater bodies almost en bloc swim to
the third smaller mass. I had personally a possibility to
observe an experiment erected in the local House of the
Culture. The arrangement of three situated vehicles on tracks
provides a completely surprising occurrence. The small
vehicle, striking simultaneously into 3 the bodies, the most
of the energy gave back this to two standing from one side to
movement. Into the third place of the shock, lying on the line
of the movement of the vehicle, went least the energy. The
kinetic energy of the vehicle chose another way than standing
straight on the object. Basing on such among other things
experiments, Lagiewka builds on the new mechanics. She throws
rejects many hitherto existing notions and uses new
mathematical levellings. Polish scientific-technical certers
are examining Lagiewki's inventions.

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![](epar1.jpg) ![](epar2.jpeg)  
  
![](epargeneralidea.jpg)
![](Lagiewkabumper1.jpg)  
  
![](SchemeLagiewkabumper.png)

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**VIDEOS**

[**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4\_5oseSVUc4**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_5oseSVUc4)**Project EPAR Lagiewka Bumper small test**[**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Xy\_Nnq1gE**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Xy_Nnq1gE)**Lucjan Lagiewka Geniusz z Kowar material archiwalny
czesc 1/2** [**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-h56N\_A3rY**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-h56N_A3rY)**Lucjan Lagiewka walczy o patent - Cambridge kontra
polski wynalazca**[**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaFBXzrcPsM**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaFBXzrcPsM)  
**Lucjan Lagiewka part** **1**[**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvEb9DndrKI**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvEb9DndrKI)**Lucjan Lagiewka part 2**[**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea\_F0GEx4GY**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea_F0GEx4GY)**Lucjan Lagiewka part 3** [**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLp1SPH1OUY**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLp1SPH1OUY)**Lucjan Lagiewka part 4** [**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-45k7TCIvg**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-45k7TCIvg)**Lucjan Lagiewka part 5**   


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[**http://www.euroinfrastructure.eu/en/safety/byl-zderzak-lagiewki-bedzie-bariera-lagiewki/**](http://www.euroinfrastructure.eu/en/safety/byl-zderzak-lagiewki-bedzie-bariera-lagiewki/)

**We had Lagiewkas bumper, will
we see Ladiewkas barrier?**

  
Lagiewskas bumper, a device that was supposed to disperse
kinetic force of the impact was a phenomenon in the 90s.
But only a media phenomenon. However today, Lucjan Lagiewka
is working on a road barrier. And he has almost 3mln PLN to
use.  
  
The case of Lagiewkas bumper up to now evokes emotions.
In the 90s inventor  Lucjan Lagiewka  show a bumper that
survived an impact with a Fiat 126p speeding 40km/h. The
rule of its work is supposed to be based on taking over the
kinetic energy impact and passing it on a circular movement
special mechanism of rotors.  
  
Up to today no car company hadnt bought or used such
bumper. Why? According to conspiracy theories  the project
was blocked, because it would decrease the companies income.
The inventor after years told the media that Military Intel
was looking very closely into his project. According to
others  because Lagiewska wasnt completely able to
scientifically explain what he has constructed. Its
confirmed by professor Stanislaw Gumula, ex science employee
in AGH, according to who the process of work of this device
cannot be explained with any known today physics laws.  
  
**The barrier will save and flash**  
  
Today Gumula is working with Lagiewka on EPAR project.
Within it there are new unexplained techniques of kinetic
energy dispersing designed. One of them is a road barrier
which absorbs the impacts energy. As we can read on the
projects website, its based on using a system of
mechanized rotor accumulators, intercepting and dispersing
the impact energy. According to the inventors such barrier
not only will cause less damages of the car but also will
reduce ostensible forces. She will also produce electricity
thanks to the impact. Thanks to using the intercepted
impact energy in every barrier a self supplying light
warning system will be possible to implement and an
automatic alarm call to rescue forces  praise the
constructors.  
  
**EU project worth almost 3mln PLN**  
  
It sound a little bit like fantasy? It does. But the project
received real cash. EPAR SP. z o. o. (place in Lodz)
received support for research and development works
regarding the barrier. 2 960 787 PLN was given from the
Operational Programme  Innovative Economy for the project
called Safety road barriers a dynamic solution for
absorbing the kinetic energy of an impact.  
  
The project is supported from EU funds since 2011 and those
funds will end in December 2013. Will we see crash tests
with the full scale barrier and a real life car accelerating
to for example 80 kilometres per hour after that deadline?
Not one knows. For now inventors convince, that their theory
works by showing us a model with a ball...  
  
EPAR project isnt the only innovative project regarding
road barriers. The Institute for examining roads and bridges
has constructed an Active Intelligent Road and Bridge
Barrier. Thanks to electronic structures equipped and modern
construction solutions the level of impact absorption can be
adjustet to vehicles of various mass ( a motorcar, a bus
car, a lorry). The barrier is equipped in a system of video
cameras, that registers incoming vehicles and is capable of
forecasting the trajectory   so it can earlier assume
whether the car will hit the barrier and measure their size.
Electronic modules are, during that time, able to switch the
construction on to receiving a particular type of energy.
Thanks to it the barrier before the actual hit is prepared
to get hit by a truck or a motorcar. The point of the
solution is in fluid containers and hoses regulating
pressure in them. Thanks to them the flexibility of the
construction can be changed.  
  
**These devices work**  
  
Meantime there are projects already existing, that
significantly reduce the danger for road users. During a hit
with a car speeding 100 kilometres per hour you cant avoid
for example dents in the car. However, the driver has a big
chance, that instead of a normal concrete lighting pillar,
he will run into a pillar made out of a technology not
absorbing the impact energy. Such crash tests took place
this summer in Inowroclaw   
  
Video :  
[**http://www.euroinfrastructure.eu/bezpieczenstwo/komunikacja-spoleczna/co-zabija-co-ratuje-zobacz-zderzenia-z-urzadzeniami-na-drogach/**](http://www.euroinfrastructure.eu/bezpieczenstwo/komunikacja-spoleczna/co-zabija-co-ratuje-zobacz-zderzenia-z-urzadzeniami-na-drogach/)  


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[**https://books.google.com/books?id=zaiJAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=lagiewka+bumper&source=bl&ots=pzOtsx4YYh&sig=9H7uhE\_p8ofA6PclonPSNrQqXwM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CD8Q6AEwBjgKahUKEwiYq-mxx-3HAhWF04AKHYSTCiI#v=onepage&q=lagiewka%20bumper&f=false**](https://books.google.com/books?id=zaiJAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=lagiewka+bumper&source=bl&ots=pzOtsx4YYh&sig=9H7uhE_p8ofA6PclonPSNrQqXwM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CD8Q6AEwBjgKahUKEwiYq-mxx-3HAhWF04AKHYSTCiI#v=onepage&q=lagiewka%20bumper&f=false)

**The Truth Like A Poke In The Eye**  
  
**by**  
  
**Boleslaw Tabor**

  

![](tabor1.jpg)

![](tabor2.jpg)

![](tabor3.jpg)

![](tabor4.jpg)

  


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**Kinetic energy absorber,
particularly for large mobile objects**  
**US20070007780**

  
**Abstract** -- The invention is related to a kinetic
energy absorber, particularly useful for large mobile
objects, applicable as a bumper in cars, elevators,
rail-cars, quays and other objects susceptible to the
effects of sudden collisions. It is characterized by the use
of a rotor (4) connected to a bumper (6) through a
multiplying gear (2).  
  
**Description**  
The invention is a kinetic energy absorber, particularly for
large mobile objects, applicable as a bumper in cars,
elevators, rail cars, quays and other objects susceptible to
the effects of sudden collisions.  
  
Kinetic energy absorbers known so far, which are used to
protect cars against the effects of a potential collision
with a fixed obstruction, are bumpers with a controlled
crushing zone. In such cases, the absorbed kinetic energy is
converted into energy required to deform car's structure.  
  
Kinetic energy absorbers used in rail cars are helical
dumper springs or elastomer filler inside the bumpers. In
this solution, the absorbed energy is gradually transformed
during a collision into potential energy of absorbers'
elasticity and released afterwards leading to the rebound.  
  
The primary feature of the invention (the kinetic energy
absorber, applicable particularly to large mobile objects)
is that it comprises a rotor connected to a bumper via
multiplying gear.  
  
The efficiency is increased when the multiplying gear is
connected to the bumper by means of a toothed bar.  
  
The effect is also intensified if the toothed bar and the
bumper are separated with an elastic element.  
  
Another advantage is achieved when the multiplying gear has
the form of a toothed gear.  
  
Thanks to the solutions proposed in this invention, it is
possible to achieve almost total conversion of objects'
translational energy into rotor's rotational energy.  
  
When applied to various mobile objects the solution protects
them from damage and keeps the passengers safe from injuries
or, in extreme cases, even save lives. Items located inside
the object are secured as well. Rebound from an obstruction
has also been eliminated.  
  
**FIG. 1 represents a side view of the invention's sample
embodiment and   
  
FIG. 2 is a top view of the same.**  

![](us2007a.jpg)  ![](us2007ab.jpg)

  
The multiplying gear (2) meshed with the gear wheel (3)
propelling the rotor (4) is installed on a frame (1) which
is fixed to the potentially colliding object.  
  
The multiplying gear (2) is meshed with the toothed bar (5)
fixed to the frame in such a way that it is free to slide
along (1). The toothed bar (5) is equipped with a bumper at
least from one side.  
  
In some variations of the invention, the toothed bar (5) is
connected to a bumper through an elastic element (7). In
other variations the toothed bar is equipped with a bumper
(6) on both sides.  
  
Yet in other variations, the multiplying gear (2) is
propelled by a system of pulling rods.  
  
An object in a translational motion has kinetic energy which
is used for deformation of the object during a collision
with a fixed rigid obstacle.  
  
In the case of the presented solution, during obstacle's
(not shown in the figure) interaction with the bumper (6),
object's kinetic energy is transmitted to the toothed bar
(5) and then through the multiplying gear (2) to the rotor
(4) which makes it rotate.  
  
In the course of this process, the kinetic energy of
object's translational motion is converted into the
rotational energy of the rotor.  
  
In order to avoid damaging the multiplying gear (2), an
elastic element (7) should be mounted between the bumper and
the toothed bar (5).  
  
During tests, the presented absorber was used as a car
bumper. Normally in the case of a collision with another car
or a fixed; rigid obstacle, such as a tree or a wall, the
kinetic energy of a car is converted into deformation energy
of the car's crashing zone.  
  
The absorber used makes it possible to slow the vehicle down
to zero without any structural deformation due to its quick
energy conversion rate.  
  
The vehicle alone contributes only partially to the total
kinetic energy before the collision as the rest of it comes
from the passengers and their luggage.  
  
In another application, the absorber can be installed under
elevator's floor or at the bottom of the shaft. In the case
of emergency, such as snapped lifting rope, the kinetic
energy of the falling cabin and its passengers, should be
transformed into rotational energy of the rotor (4) without
exerting any substantial force on the falling object.  
  
The absorber can also be installed in rail cars' bumpers.
When rail cars collide, being linked to the train, their
kinetic energy is transformed into rotational energy of a
rotor (4). It protects the cars and their load form damage.
The protection works with a traveling train as well,
eliminating all negative effects of kinetic forces.  
  
Yet another possible application is to install the absorbers
in the quays. It should eliminate the excessive forces that
ships' sides exert on quay's walls, protecting thus the
cargo from moving inside the hold.  
  


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**US20130033047****Collision energy dissipating bumper**

**Abstract** -- A bumper has a ram (1) cooperating by a
pressure fluid chamber (5) with a collision energy
dissipating unit (11), in which kinetic energy of
progressive motion is converted into kinetic energy of
rotary motion. The pressure fluid chamber (5) is made as an
angle fluid splitter (4) comprising an input cylinder (3)
co-operating with a piston (2) of the ram (1) and at least
two output cylinders (6, 7) angularly deviated from an axis
(20) of the input cylinder (3), said output cylinders
co-operating with pistons (9), the piston rods (10) of which
are linked with the energy dissipating units (11) driving
spinning masses (15).  
  
**Description**  
  
This invention concerns a collision energy dissipating
bumper in which kinetic energy of progressive motion is
converted into kinetic energy of rotary motion. This
solution is to be used especially in motorized vehicles as
well as in other objects exposed to unexpected collisions.  
  
From patent application WO2004028864 a device for protecting
vehicles against collision effects is known in which kinetic
energy suddenly created by a collision is converted into
kinetic energy of spinning masses.  
  
According to this known solution vehicles are protected
against collision effects by a bumper comprising a toothed
bar co-operating with transmissions driving spinning masses.
An elastic element is situated between a ram and the toothed
bar in order to decrease an impact during an early phase of
a collision.  
  
A device for converting kinetic energy is also known from
specification WO2005121593, said device comprising a ram
co-operating by a pressure fluid chamber with a unit
dissipating energy created by a collision. This unit is
formed as a rack forcing the rotary motion of spinning
masses so as to smoothly change kinetic energy of
progressive motion created as a result of the collision into
kinetic energy of rotary motion.  
  
The object of this invention is to increase the
effectiveness of impact energy dissipation.  
  
A bumper according to the invention comprises a ram
co-operating through a pressure fluid chamber with an impact
energy dissipating unit, in which kinetic energy of
progressive motion is converted into kinetic energy of
rotary motion. This solution is characterized in that the
pressure fluid chamber is made as an angle fluid splitter
comprising an input cylinder co-operating with a piston of
the ram and at least two output cylinders directed at an
angle from an axis of the input cylinder, the said output
cylinders co-operating with pistons whose rods are connected
with the energy dissipating units driving spinning masses.  
  
In an advantageous solution axes of the output cylinders are
deviated at an angle of 90 deg in relation to the axis of the
input cylinder.  
  
In another advantageous solution the angle fluid splitter
comprises three output cylinders, two outermost of which are
deviated at an angle of 90 deg in relation to an axis of the
input cylinder, and the middle output cylinder is situated
along the axis of the input cylinder.  
  
In a further advantageous solution the angle fluid splitter
comprises four output cylinders. Two outermost output
cylinders are deviated at an angle of 90 deg from the axis of
the input cylinder, and two longitudinal output cylinders
are parallel to the axis of the input cylinder.  
  
In an advantageous solution the energy dissipating unit
driving the spinning masses is made as a rack transmission
in which a rack drives a spinning mass by means of a
transmission increasing the rotational speed.  
  
By using the pressure fluid chamber made as an angle fluid
splitter with its input cylinder co-operating with a piston
of the ram, and with at least two output cylinders angularly
deviated from the axis of the input cylinder, a greater
collision energy dissipation is achieved, that means a
greater part of a vehicle energy is taken over by the
bumper.  
  
A particularly advantageous effect of a mutual elimination
of collision forces is achieved when using the angle
splitter in which axes of output cylinders are deviated at
an angle of 90 deg in relation to the axis of the input
cylinder.  
  
An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing in
which  
  
**FIG. 1 is an axial section of the bumper having two
output cylinders,****FIG. 2 is an axial section of the bumper having three
output cylinders,****FIG. 3 is an axial section of the bumper having three
output cylinders during a collision, and****FIG. 4 is an axial section of the bumper having four
output cylinders.**  
  

**![](us2013aa.jpg)** 
![](us2013bb.jpg) ![](us2013cc.jpg)![](us2013dd.jpg)

  
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 a ram 1 is connected
with a piston 2 located in an input cylinder 3 of an angle
fluid splitter 4 in the form of a three-way pipe creating a
pressure fluid chamber 5. The angle fluid splitter 4 has
moreover two output cylinders 6, 7 with their axes 8
deviated from an axis of the input cylinder 3 at an angle of
90 deg. A piston 9 connected to a push rod 10 is located in
each of the output cylinders 6, 7, the said push rods 10 of
each piston located in the output cylinders 6, 7 are coupled
with an energy dissipating unit 11. The energy dissipating
unit 11 used in this embodiment during a collision changes
kinetic energy of progressive motion into kinetic energy of
rotary motion. The energy dissipating unit 11 consists of a
rack 12 co-operating with a gear 13 connected with a
transmission 14 increasing the rotation speed, the said
transmission 14 driving spinning masses 15 having a
determined moment of inertia.  
  
Cooperating parts of the bumper are fastened inside the
vehicle construction or inside the vehicle bumper in such a
way that the ram 1 is located in an area of the greatest
risk of a collision, and parts participating in energy
taking over are located in an area protected against an
excessive deformation. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
1 the bumper is fastened on a body plate 16, and bumper
parts involved in energy takeover are fastened to said plate
in such a way as to provide their proper co-operation during
a collision. The angle fluid splitter 4, sliding guides 18
for the racks 12 and axles of the transmissions 14
increasing the rotation speed are fastened to the body plate
16.  
  
FIG. 2 shows a bumper comprising an angle fluid splitter in
which the piston 2 of the ram 1 is located in the input
cylinder 3, and three output cylinders 6, 7, 19 are arranged
in equal angle intervals, whereas axes of two outermost
output cylinders 6, 7 are deviated from an axis 20 of the
input cylinder 3 at an angle of 90 deg, and a single middle
output cylinder 19 is situated along the axis 20 of the
input cylinder 3. While the device is acting, the pistons 9
sliding in the output cylinders 6, 7, 19 are driving the
spinning masses 15 in the energy dissipating units 11.  
  
FIG. 3 shows a bumper comprising an angle fluid splitter
with three output cylinders 6, 7, 19 while working as a
result of a collision. While this device is working, the
pistons 9 sliding in the output cylinders 6, 7, 19 drive the
spinning masses 15 in the energy dissipating units 11. The
arrows near the moving elements show the direction of their
shift or rotation.  
  
In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 the angle fluid
splitter has four output cylinders 6, 7, 21, 22. The two
outermost output cylinders 6, 7 are deviated from the axis
20 of the input cylinder 3 at an angle of 90 deg, and two
longitudinal output cylinders 21, 22 are located on both
sides of the axis 20 of the input cylinder 3 parallel to
said axis. The spinning masses 15 of each of the said four
energy dissipating units 11 are driven in the same way as in
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.  
  
According to the invention and as it is illustrated in FIG.
1 collision energy received by the ram 1 of the bumper as
kinetic energy of progressive motion is transmitted by a
fluid shock absorber, made as a pressure fluid chamber 5, to
the collision energy dissipating unit 11, in which kinetic
energy of progressive motion is converted into kinetic
energy of rotation motion by driving the spinning masses 15.  
  
Kinetic energy of progressive motion received by the ram 1
is divided in the pressure fluid chamber 5 of the fluid
shock absorber into at least two directions. In the
embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1-FIG. 4 collision energy by
a thrust of a pressured agent inside the pressure fluid
chamber is divided respectively into two, three and four
directions. The fluid moving under the pressure is forced
into the output cylinders in which moving pistons drive
spinning masses. In the embodiments the spinning masses 15
are driven by means of a rack transmission coupled with the
transmission 14 increasing the rotation speed.  
  
Each kind of a transmission may be used as the transmission
14 increasing the rotation speed. Especially one may use
belt transmissions, chain transmissions as well as all kinds
of toothed transmissions.  
  
The strength of parts participating in receiving and
transmitting collision energy is selected depending on a
mass of a vehicle in which the bumper according to the
invention is to be used and depending on a speed reached by
that vehicle, thus depending on parameters characteristic
for kinetic energy of progressive motion reached by that
vehicle. In a case the bumper is used for protecting objects
exposed to the impact of outer forces, strength parameters
of bumper parts are selected based on the most probable
values of energy received by the protected object.  
  
The cushion ability of the fluid splitter 4 is selected
depending on the use of the bumper according to the
invention. To achieve this aim, an inner space of the fluid
splitter 4 closed between its pistons is filled with fluid
of suitable compressibility and being under a suitable
initial pressure. When using a gas, the maximum protection
of mechanical transmissions driving spinning masses against
an impact load is achieved, whereas when using a liquid
characterized by a low compressibility, an initial load of
mechanical transmissions is greater, but at the same time
the efficiency of converting kinetic energy of progressive
motion into kinetic energy of rotation motion is better. A
suitable compromise between minimizing the impact load of
parts in mechanical transmissions and obtaining suitable
effectiveness of energy conversion is achieved by filling
the space inside the fluid splitter 4 with a liquid-gas
mixture or with a suitably chosen material undergoing the
plastic deformation, for example an elastomer.  
  
In order to obtain the correct bumper activity, the spinning
masses 15 after achieving the maximum rotation speed during
collision are disengaged from co-operation with driving
elements transmitting energy to them

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**WO2005121593  
DEVICE FOR TRANSFORMING KINETIC ENERGY**

**Abstract ---** The invention relates to a
device for transforming kinetic energy, comprising a first
body (2), which may be displaced from a starting position to
an end position as a result of an external force (F) and at
least one second body (7) mounted such as to rotate, coupled
to the first body (2), whereby a longitudinal displacement
of the first body (2) drives the second body (7) in
rotation, such that the first body is braked.

Linear moving bodies such as vehicles,
vessels, aircraft, boats, or the like have, in particular at
high speeds on a high degree of kinetic energy, which is
mostly converted in an impact on stationary objects into
deformation energy.

In vehicles, for example, selective
deformation areas are provided in the front section of the
vehicle to initiate an impact energy without damage to the
passenger compartment in the chassis.

However, the conversion of kinetic energy into
deformation energy has the decisive disadvantage that the
vehicle or the like is sustainably destroyed.

Furthermore, there is at said deformation
energy conversion in most cases is a disadvantage that it is
only a limited deformation distance is available.

For braking particular linearly moving bodies
conventionally numerous devices are known, which are called
Viskosebremse.

A linear movement of the body is transferred
to a rotating in a viscose pinion via a rack or the like.

An increasing rotational speed of the pinion
is reflected in a greater braking torque, whereby the body
is slowed down accordingly.

Such Viskosebremsen are known for example from
DE 197 29 900 C1, DE 28 11 020, DE 296 21 043 or DE 295 18
173 is known.

However, these conventional Viskosebremsen
subject to the disadvantage that they are only suitable for
braking at low speeds.

WO 03/005142 A1 describes an apparatus for
controlling mechanical forces, in which the relative
acceleration between two connection points is determined
either by a flywheel gear or a differential piston
mechanism.

The invention is based on the object to
provide a device for transforming kinetic energy, which is
suitable with simple means for braking high linear
velocities.

This object is achieved by a device having the
features of claim 1 and by an apparatus having the features
of claim 19.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a
system having the features of claim 31.

Advantageous developments of the invention are
defined in the dependent claims.

An inventive device for transforming kinetic
energy comprises a first body to a final position can be
moved longitudinally in a row of an external force from a
starting position, and at least a second body, which is
mounted rotatably mounted on the device.

The second body is coupled to the first body,
wherein a longitudinal displacement of the first body leads
to a rotation of the second body, so that the longitudinal
movement of the first body is braked.

The kinetic energy, which is associated with
the movement of the first body is thus converted by means of
said coupling advantageous in a rotational energy of the
second body.

In an advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the coupling between the first body and the
second body in a transmission ratio takes place.

A longitudinal displacement of the first body
thus leads to a relatively high rotational speed of the
second body.

According to the invention can be ratios of
1:50 achieve, without causing damage to the bearings or the
like in the apparatus.

In an advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the first body is connected to a rack member.

The rack member is expediently, in mesh with a
transmission gear, which may comprise a plurality of gear
stages.

The second body is driven by the reduction
gear suitable excess.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention
the second body is formed as a rod element which is mounted
in rotation around its center.

Thus rotate two approximately equal to long
leg of the rod member to the rotational axis of the rod
member.

At the opposite ends of the rod member each
mass body can be fixed, the increase in the offset rotary
mass advantageous.

To count the response of the rod element to
facilitate from a standstill, a centrifugal weight can be
provided, which is arranged longitudinally displaceable
manner along the rod member.

During a rotation of the rod member along the
flyweight of the rod member is radially outward, that is,
moved away from the axis of rotation.

Thus arises with increasing speed of the rod
elements or for further outward moving flyweight
advantageously a greater moment of inertia of the rod
element.

Here, the centrifugal weight can
advantageously be biased by a spring device in the direction
of the rotation axis of the rod member, whereby the
Fliehelement is held in a preset position.

With increasing angular velocity of the rod
member the flyweight against the spring force is outward, ie
away down from the axis of rotation, which has an
advantageous moment of inertia is reflected in the greater
inertia.

To avoid adverse imbalances or like two
centrifugal can at the bar element on both sides of the axis
of rotation to provide weights that longitudinal and
explained along the rod member are slidably received.

In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling
between the first body and the second body by a strap means
done.

The strap means may be attached by means of a
tangent cam on the second body.

If a tensile force is applied to the strap
means in consequence of the shift of the first body, the
tangent cam and thus the second body is in a Rotation
offset.

Advantageously, the second body at the tangent
cam is secured by means of a freewheel, so that the second
body to an initial driving by the tangent cam further can
rotate freely.

In order to exert a tensile force upon
movement of the first body to the strap means, a so-called
finger device is fitted with finger members to the first
body.

In the initial position of the first body, the
finger means is opposite to a recording block to which are
complementary to the finger elements of the finger means web
elements.

The strap means extending between the finger
means and the receiving block.

If the first body enters into its final
position, the finger elements engage with the web members
and assume the strap means with.

As a result, a tensile force is exerted on the
tangent cam and thereby enables the second body to rotate
about the strap means.

For a particularly simple mounting of the
strap means between the finger means and the receiving block
on both sides of the receiving block two second bodies are
arranged, wherein the strap means is stretched between the
cams of the respective tangent second body.

Thus, in one engaging-Get the finger means are
synchronously displaced with the receiving block both second
body through the strap means in rotation and braked the
linear movement of the first body accordingly.

In an advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the rack member, which is connected to the first
body in engagement with a gear on which another tangent cam
is mounted.

The strap means is properly tensioned between
the two tangent cam, so that rotation of the gear wheel
applies a tensile force as a result of longitudinal
displacement of the rack member to the strap means and
enables the second body to rotate.

Such an embodiment, in which only a second
body is driven by the belt means, characterized by smaller
installation dimensions.

The second body is advantageously designed as
a flywheel, which supports converting the kinetic energy
into rotational energy.

In addition, brake elements can be provided
which can be brought into contact with the centrifugal mass,
so that the rotating flywheel can be braked by suitable
pitching of braking elements on the flywheel.

In an advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the coupling between the first body and the
second body is lifted at the end position of the first body.

This results in that the second body is able
to rotate after the conversion of kinetic energy into
rotational energy more freely without a coupling to the
first body restricts the rotation of the second body.

In an advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the coupling between the first body and the
second body is subdued.

This can be, for example, a gas compression
spring means or the like reach, wherein the rack member
having a free end which can serve as a piston rod which is
slidably guided within a gas-filled container.

For transforming kinetic energy of the other
an inventive device is provided, comprising a body which can
be moved longitudinally in a row of an external force, a
filled with a fluid container and a body connected to the
piston.

The piston is guided displaceably inside the
container between an initial position and a final position,
wherein the container has a maximum fluid filling in the
starting position of the piston.

During a longitudinal displacement of the
body, the fluid is displaced by the pistons and discharged
from the container, so that the longitudinal movement of the
body is suitably braked.

In an advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the container has at least one opening for
discharging the fluid.

To ensure a uniform discharge of the fluid
from the container out, a plurality of openings practical,
which may be mutually provided evenly spaced in the
enclosure.

A piston surface of the piston acting on the
fluid, a gear ratio determined in relation to an opening
cross section of the opening i.

By analogy with a gear ratio of a mechanical
gear determines the gear ratio i in the fluid solution, the
extent to which the kinetic energy of linear motion of the
body is transformed or braked.

An essential aspect of the inventive device is
that the energy transformation takes place via a so-called
energy transferring mass in the fluid solution that is
determined by dividing the mass of the device to the square
of the product of the transmission ratio i.

Accordingly, the energy transformation per
length displacement of the piston takes place via a
so-called energy-transmitting volume which is determined by
dividing the energy transfer through the mass density of the
fluid.

It follows that the inventive energy
transformation takes place exclusively on the mass of the
body, wherein a speed of the device remains at a stationary
obstacle out of consideration during an impact.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention
is an end of the container, opposite the movable piston,
substantially parallel to the piston surface, wherein the at
least one opening formed in the container adjacent to the
end face.

In this way a uniform escape of fluid from the
container at the maximum displacement of the fluid is
ensured by the piston in the container.

In particular for the transformation of very
high kinetic energies, ie with very fast moving body, it is
advantageous if the front side of the container, which is
opposed to the movable piston having a wedge shape.

Here, the opening in the container, from which
the fluid in the sequence

Piston movement is removed, is formed as an
annular gap extending between the wedge shape and a
container wall.

The wedge shape of the end face advantageously
prevents leakage of turbulent flows of fluids and ensures a
removal from the container with the desired damping
ungswirkung.

In the latter embodiment are certi- ficate to
the inner surface of the containers in a plane in front of
the wedge tip and orthogonal to the intended direction of
movement of the piston stop elements that define the end
position of the piston.

If the piston is in its final position comes
into contact with the stop elements, impingement of the
piston at the wedge tip is not possible to give an adverse
destruction of the wedge tip can be prevented.

Wherein said fluid may be a gas, a liquid, or
solid particles of microscopic dimensions.

If the gas is placed inside the container
under pressure, or alternatively, when using a liquid, the
opening in the container is expediently closed by a
diaphragm, a valve or the like to an output force of the
pressurized gas or liquid To prevent the initial position of
the piston.

In a piston displacement and a corresponding
displacement of the fluid in the container, the membrane,
the valve, or the like is opened in order to ensure the said
discharge of the fluid from the container out.

In an advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the device with the rotating body and the second
device may be combined with the fluid container to one
system, the respective devices are arranged in series and
connected to each other.

In this case, preferably a longitudinal
displacement of the body due to the external force begins
sequentially.

Through such a series connection of individual
devices can be advantageously a very large transmission
ratio and thus an extremely high dissipation of kinetic
energy to achieve.

Further advantages and embodiments of the
invention will be apparent from the description and the
accompanying drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned
above and those yet to be explained not only in the
respectively specified function, but also in other
combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of
the present invention.

The invention is diagrammatically illustrated
by way of example in the drawings and will be described
below with reference to the drawings.

**In the drawings: Figure 1 is a simplified
illustration of a principle according to the invention.**

**Device, Fig. 1a shows a simplified
illustration of the inventive principle**

**Device in a further embodiment, Fig. 1 b is
a modification of the apparatus of Fig. 1a, Figure 2 is a
simplified illustration of the principle according to the
invention**

**Device in a further embodiment, Fig. 3
shows a schematic representation of the inventive device
in a further embodiment,**

**Fig. 4a shows a schematic representation of
the inventive device in a further embodiment,**

**Fig. 4b is a plan view of the embodiment of
Fig. 4a,**

**Fig. 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of
the inventive advantages direction in a further
embodiment, Fig. 5a, the operating principle of the
apparatus of**

**Fig.  6 shows a schematic
cross-sectional view of the inventive advantages direction
in a further embodiment,****Fig. 7 is a vehicle, at the front, the device of the
invention in** **Region is attached,**

**Fig. 8 is a time-distance diagram for the
inventive apparatus in a frontal impact of the vehicle
shown in Fig. 7,**

**Fig. 9 shows a speed-time diagram for a
front impact in the** **Shown Fig. 7 the vehicle,**

**Figure 10, an acceleration-time diagram,**

**Fig. 11, an acceleration-time diagram,**

**Fig.12 is a graph of impact force versus
time,**

**Fig. 13 is a speed-time diagram for a
rotary the flywheel after impact,**

**Fig. 14 is a power-time diagram,**

**Fig. 15 is a diagram for the impact force
as a function of time,**

**Fig. 16, an acceleration-time diagram,**

**Fig. 17 is a diagram of accelerations as a
function of time for one** **Impact with / without the
inventive device,**

**Fig. 18 is a diagram for the impact force
as a function of time for a** **Impact with / without
the inventive device,**

**Fig. 19 is a diagram for the impact force
as a function of time with a variable transmission ratio
for a device according to Fig. 5 and 6, and**

**Fig. 20 is a diagram for the impact force
as a function of time with a variable transmission ratio
for a device according to Fig. 5 and 6.**

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  ![](wo2005121a.jpg) ![](wo2005121ab.jpg) ![](wo2005121abc.jpg) ![](wo2005121abcd.jpg) 
![](wo2005121abcdef.jpg)

In Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the inventive
device is illustrated in principle simplified.

The device comprises a base plate 1.

A first body 2 in the form of a cylinder is
arranged longitudinally displaceably with respect to the
base plate 1.

The cylinder 2 is filled with air 3, and
closed at its open end by a piston rod 4, which has a rack
4a.

On the piston rod 4 are provided sealing
elements in the form of 0Ringen 4b which are in contact with
an inner wall of the cylinder 2, and prevent leakage of air
3 from the cylinder 2.

On the base plate 1, a gear wheel segment 5 is
rotatably mounted, which is attached thereto via a gear 6
with the rack gear 4a engage.

Adjacent to the gear segment 6, a second body
7 is rotatably mounted in the form of a flywheel.

Another gear 8 is fixed to the flywheel 7 and
meshes with the gear segment. 5

A translational displacement of the first body
2 is realized by the gears 6,8 and the gear segment 5 in a
rotation of the flywheel. 7

The device shown in Fig. 1 can be used
advantageously in a vehicle shown in Fig. 7.

The attachment of the device to the vehicle is
carried out such that the base plate is fastened via
fastening means 1a to the vehicle chassis, wherein the
cylinder 2 is connected to a front bumper of the vehicle.

Thus, a force acting in a frontal impact of
the vehicle on the front bumper, passed down through the
cylinder 2 to the piston rod 4 and as explained converted
into a rotation of the flywheel. 7

The gear stage consisting of the gears 6 and 8
and the gear segment 5 is such that the meshing elements are
separated from each other when the flywheel is 7 to rotate.

Thus, another free rotation of the flywheel 7
is ensured if the linear impact energy is converted into
rotational energy.

With the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, ratios of
up to 1:50 can be obtained.

Thus, in a usable rack length of 20 cm, for
example, occurs in the same flow power that would otherwise
be achieved with a linear braking distance of 10 m.

Overloading of the components is suitably
achieved by the pneumatic damping, which is given by the
air-filled cylinder 2 and 3, the piston rod 4.

In Fig. 1a, the inventive device, in which a
flywheel driven by a translatory displacement in a further
agreed simplified embodiment shown.

The gear stage consists essentially of the
rack 4a, a meshing with the rack 4a gear 6 'which is hollow,
and the flywheel 7 positioned within the gear 6' is arranged
to rotate.

The gear stage according to the embodiment of
FIG. 1 is designed as a planetary gear, the gear ratio
determined by the respective diameters of the gear 6 'and
the flywheel 7 positioned within the gear 6' is provided
with an internal toothing of the gear 6 'is engaged rotates
and ,

The cross-sectional view of Fig. 1b shows the
embodiment of FIG. 1a in a further development, in which the
flywheel 7 can be braked by braking body 9.

The brake body 9 are arranged on opposite
sides of the flywheel 7 and can be by means of a press
contact force respectively against the rotating flywheel 7
so that the rotational energy is converted into frictional
heat.

In FIG. 2, the inventive device is shown in a
further embodiment.

The same components as compared to the Fig. 1
herein are provided with the same reference numerals.

On the base plate 1, a gear 11 is rotatably
mounted, on the toothed wheel 11, a rod member 12 is
attached.

The gear 11 meshes with the attached to the
piston rod 4 the rack 4a.

Accordingly, a translational displacement of
the first body 2 via the piston rod 4, the rack 4a and the
gear 11 to a rotation of the rod member 12.

At the opposite ends of the rod member 12
additional mass body 13 are attached, the 12 about its
rotational axis 12a increase the moment of inertia of the
rod member is advantageous.

Further centrifugal weights 14 are provided on
the rod element 12 which are slidable along the rod member
12.

The flyweights 14 may be designed as a solid
ball having a through-hole whose inner diameter is suitably
adapted to the outer diameter of the rod member 12 to
provide a low-friction sliding along the rod member 12.

In the shown on the right portion of the rod
member 12 is indicated by reference numeral 15 is a spiral
spring, with the flyweight 13 can be biased to an initial
position.

If the rod member 12 is rotated, the
centrifugal weight 14 moves radially against the force of
the coil spring 15 to the outside.

By means of the flyweights 14 in a biased
position, which is located near an axis of rotation 12a of
the rod element results, a favorable response of the rod
member 12, its moment of inertia with increasing angular
velocity increases by the wandering outwards flyweights 14th

By a suitable selection of the diameter of the
gear 11 and optionally further gear stages between the rack
4 and the rod member 12 can be achieved ratios of up to 1:50
and in the device shown in Fig. 2.

In Fig. 3 a further embodiment of the
inventive device is shown.

Here, on the base plate 1, two second body 20
are rotatably mounted in the form of rotating masses.

At the respective inertias so-called tangent
cam 21 are mounted, between which a strap means 22 is
tensioned.

The strap means 22 is wound on an outer
periphery of the respective tangent cam 21st

The strap means 22 extends between a finger 23
and a receiving block 24th

The finger means 23 is connected via a piston
rod 4 with the first body 2, and the receiving block 24 is
fixedly mounted to the base plate 1.

The finger means 23 has a plurality of finger
members 23a.

Complementary to these finger elements 23a
includes the mounting block 24a 24 web elements.

At the free ends of the finger elements of the
web elements 23a and 24a each roller elements 25 are
provided, which have a freely rotatable roller.

The finger means 23 and the receiving block 24
serve to exert a pulling force to the strap means 22, when
the first body 2 is moved due to an external force F in the
direction of the base plate. 1

In the case of a displacement of the finger
means 23 in the direction of the receiving block 24, the
finger members 23a enter into engagement with the web
elements 24a, wherein the strap means 22 is thereby
stretched over the respective roller elements 25.

As a result, the two tangent cam 21 and thus
the centrifugal masses 20 are rotated.

The characteristic shape of the outer
circumference of the tangent cam 21, a large gear ratio is
advantageously achieved, ie a large rotational speed of the
flywheel masses 20, when the strap means 22 is engaging Get
the finger means 23 is pulled by the the receiving block 24
respectively inward.

A suitable dimension of the tangent cam 21
also in the embodiment of FIG. 3, a desired transmission
ratio safely.

Since the strap means in the tensioned initial
state (shown in Fig. 3) initially represents a resistance
for the moving in the direction of the receiving block 24
finger means 22, 23 allows the translational motion of the
body 2 on which the finger means 23 is mounted, brake as
desired ,

The further embodiment shown in Figs. 4a and
4b the inventive device also comprises a belt device with
which a flywheel is driven.

To the body 2 is a damping device, as
explained, a piston rod 4 is attached, which has a rack 4a.

4a with the rack meshes with a rotatably
mounted to the base plate 1 gear 30, to which a tangent cam
31 is fixed.

Opposite to the gear 30, a second body 32 is
rotatably mounted in the form of a flywheel on the base
plate 1, on which in turn a tangent cam 33 is fixed.

Between the tangent cam 31 and the tangent cam
33 a strap means 34 is tensioned.

If a translational movement of the second body
or the piston rod 4, the gear 30 is set in rotation, the
strap means 34 is wound 31 tennocke on the tangent, wherein
the strap means 34 applies a tensile force to the fixed to
the flywheel 32 tangent cam 33rd

As a result, by the flywheel 32 is rotated by
movement of the second body in the direction of the base
plate as a result of an external force in rotation, which
produces 1 analogous to the embodiment of FIG. Explained the
energy transformation.

In the embodiments of Figs. 3 and 4 the
tangent cam 21,33 are conveniently attached via a freewheel
to the flywheel masses 20,32, such that rotation of the
tangent cam coupled only in one direction at the flywheel
masses.

Consequently, the centrifugal masses 20, 32
are free, that is rotate independently of the corresponding
tangent cam on, after they have been displaced by the
tangent cam in rotation.

In FIGS. 5,5a and 6, the inventive device is
shown in a fundamentally different embodiment, namely using
a fluid to transform the kinetic energy.

On the base plate 1 a receptacle 40, for
example. mounted in the form of a cylinder.

The base plate 1 itself is fixed in the same
manner as in Fig. 1 to 4 by fastening means 1a to the
vehicle chassis (or the like).

The cylinder 40 is filled with a fluid 41,
wherein within the cylinder 40 a piston 42 is longitudinally
displaceably guided.

On the piston 42 has a piston rod 43 is fixed,
at its free end a body 44 is fixed.

Thus, the body 44 and the piston 42 are moved
synchronously with one another.

Adjacent to an end face 47 of the cylinder 40,
which is opposite to the piston 42, are formed a plurality
of openings 45 along the circumference of the cylinder,
through which the fluid from the cylinder 40 out can be
removed.

When the body 44 due to an external force F is
moved together with the piston 42 in FIG. 5 from right to
left, displacing the piston 42 by means of its piston
surface, the fluid from the cylinder 40 out to the outside.

Analogous to a device with a mechanical
flywheel is in the apparatus of FIG. 5, a transmission ratio
determined i by the ratio of the piston surface acting on
the fluid, the entire opening cross-section of the openings
45, and a single opening 45.

The energy transformation takes place in the
apparatus of FIG. 5 solely on the ground of the device.

Approximately energy transformation takes
place via a so-called energy-transmitting material which is
determined by  
Me = M / I where Me energy transferring mass, M mass of the
device, and i ratio.

Similar to the energy transferring mass can be
the energy transformation by means of an energy transfer
volume so-called determine which is calculated according to:  
Ve = Me / PF where: Ve energy transmitting volume, Me energy
transferred mass, and #F: density of the fluid.

If the density of the fluid is determined in
cm, can be determined with the energy transferred volume,
the volume that is displaced per cm piston by the piston
42nd

To achieve even greater transmission ratios,
the device can be coupled similarly to the Fig. 1 of FIG. 5
with a device.

For this purpose, the cylinder 40 is mounted
by means of guiding devices 46 displaceable on the base
plate. 1

Furthermore, the piston rod 4 attached to the
front side 47 of the cylinder 40, the 1 the flywheel 7 is
set according to the explanation of Fig. In rotation.

When an external force F on the body 44 of the
piston 42 is first moved into the cylinder 40, the kinetic
energy is reduced by said ratio.

Compensation openings 55 which are provided in
the cylinder 40 adjacent to a piston head 42b, causing a
pressure equalization, so that no negative pressure can
build up behind the piston 42nd

If the piston 42 reaches its end position in
which it abuts against the end face 47 of the cylinder 40,
the cylinder 40 is moved by means of the guide means 46
relative to the base plate 1, whereby the piston rod 4 is
also shifted and 4a on the transmission stage, 5.6, 8, the
flywheel 7 to rotate.

With regard to the functioning of the gear
stage is referred to the explanation of FIG. 1.

So according to the invention is readily a
series connection of two or more devices possible to achieve
an even greater ratio for greater energy dissipation.

FIG. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of the
fluid cylinder 40 in order to illustrate the energy
dissipation means of the fluid principle again.

The plurality of openings 45 of FIG. 5 is
simplified in FIG. 5 as a single aperture 45 'is shown.

With a displacement of the second body 44 and
thus of the piston 42 as a result of an external force F,
the fluid 41 is displaced from the cylinder 40 out.

The transmission ratio, which is the energy
transformation with this device is based, determined from
the ratio of the piston surface 42a to the outlet cross
section of the opening 45 '.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 corresponds
substantially to the embodiment of FIG. 5.

In contrast to the Fig. 5, the end face 47 'of
the cylinder 40 is wedge-shaped in the embodiment of Fig. 6.

Between the wedge shape 48 and an inner wall
49 of the cylinder 40, an annular gap 50 is formed, through
which the fluid 41 may escape to the outside at a piston
displacement.

On the inner wall 49 of the cylinder 40, 48
the stop members 51 are mounted in a plane in front of the
tip of the wedge shape, which define an end position of the
piston 42.

In other words, prevent the stop elements 51,
the piston 42 abuts against the conical tip at its end
position.

The embodiment of Fig. 6 is due to conical
shape of the end face 49 'in particular for very high speeds
and kinetic energies, because the conical shape of a
discharge of the fluid from the cylinder 40 out is ensured
by means of a substantially laminar flow, whereby disturbing
turbulences be avoided.

For use as a fluid, in particular air or water
are suitable.

If air in the cylinder 40 is at ambient
pressure, the openings 45 may be configured as simple
through holes, and do not require additional closing means.

When water is used, or at a positive air
pressure within the cylinder 40, the apertures 45 are closed
by diaphragms, valves or the like, which prevent in the
initial position of the piston 42, a leakage of compressed
air or of the water.

In a displacement of fluid in the cylinder 40
as a result of piston displacement the diaphragm to be
broken or opened, the valves, so that a controlled leakage
of compressed air or of the water is ensured.

Without further explanation can be the
embodiment of FIG. 6 optional pair with a device according
to the embodiment shown in Fig.1.

With appropriate adjustment can be the
embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 in accordance with the principle
of fluid also with one of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 4b
couple.

It is also possible that several Embodiments
are coupled to each other after the fluid principle, to
achieve a correspondingly large ratio.

With the device according to the fluid in
accordance with the principle of FIGS. 5 and 6 can be
achieved by gear ratios to exit cross-section of the
openings up to 1000 by suitable choice of piston area.

Experimental tests have shown that a minimum
impact force for the value i = 500 sets, wherein the
transmission ratio determined from the ratio of the piston
surface area to the outlet cross section.

Corresponding experimental values ??are shown
in the diagrams of Figs. 19 and 20.

In Fig. 7, an experimental setup is sketched,
measured values ??are determined experimentally for a
frontal impact with a vehicle.

A subject vehicle 70 has a front bumper system
71, in which an inventive apparatus 72 is integrated.

In the apparatus 72, it may be a device of the
invention which is shown and discussed in Figs. 1-6.

To the bumper system 71 includes a measurement
circuit 73 is mounted, which determines the distance
traveled, the speed and the acceleration respectively, as a
function of time.

These parameters are recorded before and after
impact.

Inside the vehicle, an accelerometer 74 is
disposed to measure the inertial force and recorded.

At the end of the test track an obstacle 75 is
arranged on the impacts the test vehicle 70th

At the obstacle 75, a load cell 76 is mounted,
with the impact force can be determined.

Furthermore, the second rotary bearing body of
the device 72 is equipped with a compensating displacement
sensor, with which the rotational speed of the second body
can be determined, wherein the non-linear characteristics of
the displacement sensor is less than 1%.

Now, the other experimental conditions for
recording the measured values ??are explained briefly.

The mass of the test vehicle 70 including the
driver, is m = 1100 kg.

The vehicle collides at a speed of v = 7.2 m /
sec (25,9 km / h, see FIG.Fig. 9) to the fixed barrier 75,
where its kinetic energy E = 28512 J is.

The moment of inertia of rotationally mounted
second body of the device 72 is I = 0.0125 kg m.

The rate measurements were made using a
CT-anemometer, which has a three-wire sensor.

The velocity measurements are made by means of
a PC-LAB-814 card with a maximum sampling frequency of 33.3
kHz / manager.

The sensor is arranged at a distance of 620 mm
from the side of the vehicle and of 560 mm of the substrate.

The power measurements are carried out with a
strain gauge, which with a total dissolution time of less
than 1 ms and by a force sensor to a charge amplifier type
PCB 483 B08, whose range extends to 90 kn, supported by an
amplifier ADAM 3016th

The so-called gravitational load (when
multiplied by m \* g follows the inertial force) is measured
by an accelerometer of type Piezotronics PCB 353 B01 with a
charge amplifier with a measurement range from # 250 g, the
transmission band ranges from 0.7 to 10 kHz.

The aforementioned physical quantities are
recorded using digital oscilloscopes.

The oscilloscope is in detail a Croy 9310C and
a Tektronics 210, in conjunction with a multi-channel
recorder ESAM. The accelerations are generally referred to
as size without unity expressed in the acceleration of
gravity, hence the term "gravitational load" results.

The recorded measurement values ??are shown in
the following figures 8 to 15 below.

The changes in the physical parameters were
determined in intervals of t = 100 ms.

The time axis is such selected such that the
time At = 0 attached to the test vehicle 70 displacement
sensor or the measuring circuit 73 impinges on the obstacle
75.

Exactly at this time starts the recording of
all measured variables.

The test vehicle 70 moves at a constant speed
up to the time t = 20 ms on.

At this moment, the collision begins, ie, the
bumper system 71 impinges on the obstacle 75.

From this moment takes place between the
bumper system 71 and the obstacle 75 takes no more relative
movement, even though the test vehicle 70 still is in
motion.

The motion of the subject vehicle 70 with
respect to the bumper system 71 instead activates the device
72, so that thereby the kinetic energy of the test vehicle
on the storage carousel, that is rotationally mounted to the
second body of the device 72 is transferred.

In the diagram of Fig. 8, the displacement
distance of the measurement circuit 73 is plotted as a
function of time.

The diagram clearly shows that over a period
of 20 ms, ie, for a shift distance of x = 15 cm, the graph
is linear and used in accordance with no delay.

Only after t = 20 ms, if the measuring circuit
has already 73 = shifted x 15 cm against the vehicle,
reaches the bumper system 71 also. In contact with the
obstacle 75, thereby activating the inventive apparatus 72

The following explanation refers to an example
of the apparatus of FIG. 1,.

Similarly, it may be in the apparatus 72,
however, be a device shown in Figs. 5,5a and 6 after the
fluid principle.

By activating the device 72 20ms occurs from t
= a displacement of the piston rod 4, so that the
translational movement is converted into a rotation of the
flywheel. 7

The distance by which the piston rod 4 is
displaced in the direction of the base plate 1 is
approximately 20 cm.

Accordingly, the shift distance 8 such that
after about 80 to 90 ms reached in Fig. 35 at x = a plateau
value, the delay  
is finished and the translational kinetic energy completely
transformed into rotational energy or converted.

The distance at which the vehicle brakes, ie,
without activation of the device 72 collides with the
obstacle 75, can be slightly by the output pressure in the
pneumatic spring (cylinder 2, air 3 and the piston rod 4 of
Fig. 1) to adjust.

In the diagram of Fig. 9, the speed of the
subject vehicle 70 is plotted as a function of time, wherein
the speed is measured by a hot-wire anemometer.

The graph of Fig. 9 clearly shows that the
vehicle speed (v = 7.2 m / s) up to the time in which the
device 72 is activated (t = 20 ms), remains constant.

Only when t> 20 ms, that is, after
activation of the device 72, the velocity of the vehicle
from sliding scale such that the delay or the braking of the
vehicle is finished after approximately 80 to 90 ms.

In the diagram of Fig. 10, the acceleration is
shown (in this case delay) serving as the derivation of the
speed V (t) is defined according to time.

In this acceleration is a kinematic size,
which is denoted by a and is expressed without a unit, based
on the gravitational acceleration (a / g).

The change in the acceleration as a function
of time could be also based on the recorded track, as shown
in Fig. 8, determined.

The graph of Fig. 10 shows the negative
acceleration (deceleration in this case), which would be
subject to the vehicle 70, if it was not provided with the
inventive device 72.

In the said impact velocity of 7.2 m / s
resulting values ??of up to 25 for the quotient a1 / g.

In other words, this delay acting on an area
of ??the bumper system 71, which is located in the direction
of the obstacle 75 in front of the device 72nd

The Fig. 10 thus describes the deceleration of
the vehicle 70 on the basis of an absolute reference system.

In the diagram of Fig. 11, the changes in the
gravitational load are shown, which are measured by an
accelerometer 74.

Under "gravitational load" is a dynamic
variable to understand, which is expressed thus related
items in the acceleration of gravity and referred to as (A2
/ g).

The accelerometer 74 (FIG. 7) is disposed
within a passenger compartment of the vehicle 70.

Accordingly, measured starting from a relative
reference system with the accelerometer 74 accelerations,
which moves with the vehicle 70th

Up to the crash of the vehicle, or up to the
time (t = 20 ms), in which the device 72 is activated, the
accelerometer 74 (relatively considered) at rest and does
not provide a measured value (a2 / g = 0).

Only from t = 20 ms learns the accelerometer
74, an acceleration, which is reflected by an increase of
the graph in Fig. 11 to a value of +5.

A comparison of the graphs of FIGS. 10 and 11
shows very clearly the core of the present invention.

During the acceleration quotient a1 / g
increases (for a vehicle without the apparatus 72) according
to a frontal impact, except for an amount of 25, the
acceleration ratio a2 / g (for a vehicle having the
inventive device 72) is five times lower than the quotient
a1 / g.

The ratio a2 / g decreases as shown in Fig. 11
only a maximum amount of 5.

A vehicle occupant, which is subjected to the
same acceleration as the accelerometer 74, undergoes, thanks
to the inventive device 72 has a five times as low
acceleration, as when the vehicle is not provided with the
device 72.

The graph of Fig. 11 therefore represents the
effect of the actually measured inertia force acting on a
vehicle occupant in an impact on the standing obstacle 75.

In the illustration of Fig. 12, the impact
force is shown as a function of time which occurs impact
force in the collision of the subject vehicle 70 with the
obstacle 75.

The diagram of FIG. 13 shows the change in
speed of a mechanical rotating flywheel, ie the rotationally
mounted second body of the device 72, as a function of time.

The flywheel absorbs the kinetic energy of the
test vehicle during a collision.

The graph of Fig. 14 shows the dissipation or
loss of the kinetic energy as a function of time when
provided with the inventive device 72 subject vehicle 70
strikes the barrier 75.

Now, the test results in detail are discussed.

An inertial force, which acts on a mass in a
non-initial system of coordinates associated with a vehicle,
is determined by the general equation:  
B = -m \* a (1) measured values ??of the acceleration shown
in the graph of Fig. 10.

A thus defined measured variable is called
theoretical / predetermined inertial force, as it is
determined on the basis of the measured accelerations.

The configuration of the measuring system
makes it possible to determine the inertial force of dynamic
measurements with an accelerometer.

Accordingly, it follows: Br = m \* b (2) It is
therefore certain inertial force is referred to as "real" as
it is obtained directly from the force measurements.

The inertial force acts opposite to the
direction of the acceleration (or deceleration), so that in
a 1D

Coordinate system, as shown in Fig. 7, a
positive sign is take other.

As explained above, the impact force F is
plotted as a function of time, when the subject vehicle 70
strikes the obstacle 75 in the diagram of Fig. 12.

In the here underlying coordinate system, the
impact force also has a positive sign.

In a reversal of the sign, the force F is to
the force R exerted by the obstacle 75 on the test vehicle
70th

Therefore Such sign-reversal satisfies the
general relation action = reaction.

During a collision, shown in Fig. 7, the two
forces F and R act only along the x-axis.

A comparison of the two forces B (the
gravitational load shown in Fig. 11, multiplied by the
product m \* g) and R (shown in Fig.12 illustrated force F,
resulting after a sign-reversal) that although these forces
of opposite signs are approximately equal.

In large approximation following equation is
satisfied:

Br + R = 0 (3) when no external forces acting
on the subject vehicle 70, the equation (3) expresses the
d'Alembert's principle.

D'Alembert's principle, the corresponding is
true for a vehicle, which is considered as an integral body.

The experimental data shown in FIGS. 13 and 14
shows that at the end of the collision process, when the
test vehicle 70 has reached a speed of 0, the speed of the
second body, that is, the flywheel, reaches a value of n =
18800 min-1 , said an energy E = 24200 J is stored, which
corresponds to 85% of the energy of the test vehicle prior
to impact.

The braking process, which includes a
translation of the kinetic energy in the flywheel storage,
takes about 80 ms, although 30 ms after the beginning of the
collision the vehicle  
has already lost approximately 88% of its energy, which it
had before the impact.

Hereinafter, the flow of energy that had the
vehicle before the impact, and considered it established the
energy balance.

Assuming a continued movement, the test
vehicle 70 prior to impact to an energy of Ek = 28512 J.

For this purpose, it is assumed that it is the
entire energy of the system under consideration at this
value.

As a result of the collision, the energy is
converted into other forms of energy and labor.

A rotating storage, mostly in the form of
rotationally mounted second body can absorb a kinetic energy
of Eka = 24200 J and store this energy in the form of
kinetic energy of a rotational movement.  
The energy that is converted into the pneumatic springs as a
result of a thermodynamic process is in progress, Et = 1000
J. With regard to the very short period of time, this
process is considered to be adiabatic.

In the assumption that the converted into
thermal energy and the deformation of the vehicle components
approximated to Ed = 3300 J, the energy balance can be
formulated to:  
<img class = "EMIRef" id = "013638479-00250001" />

where Ek: kinetic energy of the vehicle in
motion,  
Eka: kinetic energy of the rotational motion of a mechanical

Memory, determined based on the measured
Revolutions per minute,  
Et: energy that due to the compression of the pneumatic
Springs is converted into thermodynamic work, obtained by
the variations in pressure and volume of gas in the Feather,

Ed: estimated energy that is dissipated due to
friction and deformation of vehicles.

With respect to the equation (4), the
assumption is made here that the principle of conservation
of energy is satisfied.

A further evaluation of the experimental data
leads to a result that is essential to the present
invention.

The recorded values ??for Gravittionslast
(see.

Fig. 11) are substantially less than the
recorded values ??of the unitless accelerations (see FIG.

Fig. 10).

The measured absolute values ??(regardless of
sign) of unitless acceleration  
<img class = "EMIRef" id = "013638479-00260001" />

(a kinematic size determined based on the
speed) and the so-called gravitational load  
<img class = "EMIRef" id = "013638479-00260002" />

(a dynamic force, which is measured by a force
sensor).

According to equations (1) and (2) should give
the inertial forces multiplying by the mass and
gravitational acceleration.

In the present case however, this is not so.

The inertial forces, which are measured by an
accelerometer (on the basis of values ??read out of a force
sensor), ie the real forces of inertia are several hundred
percent lower than that based on the accelerations
predetermined values.

For the application of an energy flow at high
speed and low forces of a colliding body in the inventive
device, therefore, by the principle shown in equation (1) is
deviated.

With regard to possible applications of the
inventive device, the problem of a varying impact force is
considered in the following, which is generated during an
impact of a vehicle with an obstacle.

The reduction in the inertial force must be
accompanied by a reduction in the Impact force and vice
versa.

This aspect is considered below in connection
with the pulse / moment principle.

The momentum of the impact force, which is
present in an impact of the test vehicle with the obstacle
is equal to the change in the moment of inertia of the
vehicle, which is reflected in the following equation:  
<img class = "EMIRef" id = "013638479-00270001" />

The equation (5) can be rewritten as:  
<img class = "EMIRef" id = "013638479-00270002" />

Before the crash is the moment of inertia of
the test vehicle 70 p = 7.9 KNS, the moment of inertia after
impact to zero.

Accordingly, the first value to a change in
the moment of inertia.

The pulse which is determined from
measurements of the temporal variations of the impact force
during the collision, is p = 4 KNS. Therefore, the equation
(5) is not satisfied.

The pulse of the impact force is considerably
smaller than the variation of the moment of inertia due to
the effect of this force.

If in the test vehicle 70, the inventive
device 72 is provided, this results in the change in the
moment of inertia of the colliding vehicle, by the momentum
of the reaction force acting on the vehicle, and by the
dissipation of energy of the vehicle.

In other words, causes a flow of energy during
a collision of the vehicle, a deviation of the physical
parameters of these processes by the said pulse / moment
principle.

The aforementioned measurement data, however,
can determine not only with a device that has a mechanical
rotary inertia, but shown in the same way by a in Figs. 5,5a
and 6

Device based on the fluid principle.

Liquids or gases are in the same way as
rotating flywheels for absorbing and dissipating energy.

Such fluid solutions are cheaper, quieter and
more reliable than those with staggered momentum flywheel
masses generally.

In particular, can be achieved very high
transmission ratios in comparison to the purely mechanical
solutions.

The test rates found that the transformation
or conversion of the kinetic energy of a moving object in
other forms of energy pulses of the impact forces generated
during a collision and the forces of inertia due to a
deceleration in the collision reduce to a great extent at
present experiments carried out was a reduction of the
maximum inertial force and the momentum of the impact force
respectively by almost fivefold be found.

This is one indication of a deviation from the
principle with respect to the inertial force and the
acceleration and in the same way a departure from the pulse
/ torque principle.

In a conventional shock process, there are
problems due to a very short time and a shock usually very
short deformation distance over which the energy can be
absorbed or discharged.

If the energy of a fast-moving vehicle can not
be removed under controlled conditions, this leads to a
destruction work which harms both the vehicle and the
obstacle sustainably.

Therefore, an essential requirement of the
inventive device is that the time which is required for
energy absorption is shorter than the time that occur within
the irreversible bumps between the vehicle and an obstacle.

Within this period, the total kinetic energy
of the moving vehicle, or at least a substantial part of it
should be absorbed, so that the kinetic energy of the
vehicle even when the impact is substantially equal to zero.  
The force for activation of the inventive device is
necessary, should be as low as possible.

Possible applications of the inventive device
are: - protecting vehicles against collisions, - protection
of ropeway installations (elevators, ropeways or the like)
against failures due to cable breakage, - the mortar or the
like in terms of absorption Recoil force - in the landing of
aircraft on aircraft carriers to the To reduce braking
distance.

The measurement data shown in the graphs of
Figs. 17 and 18 with respect to the acceleration or the
impact force clearly show that the stresses upon vehicle
impact with use of the inventive device (curve 2) when
compared to a vehicle without the device of the invention
(curve 1 ) can significantly reduce.

---

   

**WO2014005656**  
**Kinetic stabilizer, in particular to
compensate for changes in the rotational speed of the
driven equipment**

 **DESCRIPTION  
  
TECHNICAL FIELD**The object of the present invention is an arrangement
for protection of hydraulic actuators of underground shield
from dynamic overload with a mechanical rotary absorber.  
 **BACKGROUND ART**Underground vehicles are prone to falling rocks from the
top parts of the heading. In order to effectively protect
the personnel or equipment moving by the underground
vehicle, the vehicle should have a robust hood. The hoods
are usually mounted on stiff arms or arms with hydraulic
actuators.  
  
There are known powered underground shields protecting from
fall of rock having a hood supported by means of a
telescopic support on a base. Typical powered underground
shields are disclosed in WO201 1/039693 or US7377727. These
vehicles have telescopic supports configured to dampen the
fall by hydraulic actuators, such as gas or oil dampers
mounted within the supports. In order to effectively dampen
the fall, the actuators must keep high efficiency. Keeping
the efficiency and leakproofness of the actuators in the
hard working conditions of the underground shields may cause
problems.  
  
It would be advantageous to provide an alternative mechanism
for protecting the actuators of the underground shield from
dynamic load.  
  
WO2004028864 discloses a rotor device for taking over and
dissipating impact energy, in which kinetic energy suddenly
created by a collision is converted into kinetic energy of
rotating masses. In this known solution a ram element is
connected with two racks which drive by means of gears the
rotors shaped as rods with movable weights sliding on them.
Minimizing of percussive load of cooperating elements in the
preliminary phase of the energy transfer is realized in the
known solution by using movable weights situated possibly
near a rotation axis of a bar-rotor so as to achieve a
minimum moment of inertia of the rotor in this initial
phase. In the further stage of this motion, when the rotor
begins its rotation, these weights are moved by the
centrifugal force increasing their distance from the
rotation axis along the bar axis till reaching the extreme
position near the end limiters. In this position the highest
moment of inertia of the rotor is achieved, enabling the
takeover of increased kinetic energy.  
A rotor device for taking over and dissipating kinetic
impact energy is also known from patent application
WO2005121593, said device comprising a ram element
cooperating with a rack making, by means of a toothed wheel,
a kinetic energy rotary accumulator to rotate in order to
convert impact energy into kinetic energy of rotary motion
of the rotary accumulator. In one of embodiments of the
known rotor device for taking over an impact energy a
kinetic energy rotary accumulator cooperates with movable
weights maintained in a suitable distance from a rotation
axis by means of springs. Such a solution provides gradual
increment of the ability of the device to take over kinetic
energy during an impact.  
  
WO2004053352 discloses a device for absorbing kinetic
energy, comprising a rotor coupled with a bumper via a
multiplying gear.  
  
DE3141024 discloses a device for converting energy generated
by an oscillating mass to an energy for driving a rotatable
element by means of a rotatable shaft coupled with a
hydraulic system.  
  
The solutions described above do not provide efficient
conversion of energy for various impact speeds and various
masses of the impacting objects.  
  
PCT/PL201 1/050060 (known to the inventors and not published
before the priority date of the present application)
discloses a rotary device for absorbing and dissipating
energy of impact, used to convert kinetic energy of
translational movement to kinetic energy of rotational
movement. A ram element cooperates with at least two
serially connected racks slidably mounted on a runner and
driving the toothed wheels of the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators. Distances are created between the ram element
and the first rack and moreover distances are created
between the racks to ensure the action of cushioning
elements and to enable shifting of the ram element in
relation to the racks, as well as shifting of these racks in
relation to one another.  
  
The invention presented in PCT/PL201 1/050060 is new and
inventive over the solutions described before, as it allows
gradual damping with increasing efficiency of energy
dissipation in relation to the speed and mass of the objects
under impact. By providing cushioning elements between the
rotary absorbers, the load can be transferred gradually to
successive absorbers and the moment of inertia can be
gradually increased, thereby gradually adapting to the
energy of impact. Such solution was neither known nor
suggested by any of the previous publications.  
  
The object of the invention is a new use of the rotary
device for absorbing and dissipating energy of impact known
from PCT/PL201 1/050060, in particular the use for absorbing
impacts imparted to hydraulic actuators of an underground
shield.  
  
**DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION**The object of the invention is a protective arrangement
for hydraulic actuators of an underground shield from
dynamic overload with a mechanical rotary absorber,
characterized in that it comprises a hydraulic actuator
mountable to the base of the underground shield, to which
there is connected a rotary device for taking over and
dissipating the energy of rocks falling on the hood, wherein
the device for taking over and dissipating energy comprises
a ram element mounted to the actuator, slidably coupled by
means of ram guides with side walls of a base plate
mountable to the hood, which cooperates with at least two
serially connected racks mounted slidably on a runner and
driving toothed wheels of the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators, wherein distances are created between the ram
element and the first rack, as well as between the
particular racks, said distances enabling the displacement
of the ram element in relation to racks, as well as the
displacement of these racks in relation to one another, such
as to enable the moving ram element to pass the kinetic
energy of the translational movement to the kinetic energy
rotary accumulators in order to transform it to the kinetic
energy of rotational movement.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulators have
different energy accumulating abilities.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulators have
different moments of inertia.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulator driven by
the first rack has a smaller moment of inertia than the
kinetic energy rotary accumulator driven by the second rack.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulators are
driven by transmissions increasing angular speed, which have
different transmission ratios.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulator has a
one-way clutch. The protective arrangement according to the
invention comprises a device for absorbing and dissipating
energy of impact, wherein as a result of serial connection
of the ram element with at least two serially connected
racks which drive toothed wheels of kinetic energy rotary
accumulators, with distances provided between the said
racks, it is assured gradual driving in rotation of the
subsequent kinetic energy rotary accumulators, what enables
an abrupt increase of energy taking over ability of the
device according to the invention. Cushioning elements
fastened in the front of the racks in series decrease the
percussive load of elements cooperating when starting the
subsequent kinetic energy accumulators. The device according
to the invention is suitable both for taking over small as
well as great impact energy. In the first case the device
ensures the effective and very gentle takeover of the impact
energy because kinetic energy of progressive motion is
carried out by kinetic energy rotary accumulators having the
least moment of inertia. In the second case the device
according to the invention provides also effective and
uniform dissipation of the impact energy because taking over
of kinetic energy of progressive motion is carried out by
several kinetic energy rotary accumulators having ever
greater energy taking over ability.  
  
In a case of collisions of greater energy, in the device
according to the invention there appears also an additional
beneficial effect consisting in that kinetic impact energy,
before being taken over by the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators having the greater moment of inertia, is
accumulated in its substantial part by kinetic energy rotary
accumulators having the smaller moment of inertia. Such an
order of taking over the energy provides the gentler
operation of the device according to the invention during
starting of next kinetic energy rotary accumulators, even
those having the greatest moment of inertia.  
  
By using a one-way clutch, the free rotation of the kinetic
energy rotary accumulator is provided after taking over the
impact energy until the energy accumulated in it is
dissipated.  
  
Therefore, it is possible to absorb impacts on the hood from
rocks of different masses, falling from different heights.
This allows to make the hood 101 from lighter materials than
in case of hoods that are not so effectively dampened.  
 **BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS   
  
The object of the invention is shown by means of exemplary
embodiments on a drawing, in which:  
  
Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an underground
shield,  
  
Fig. 2 shows schematically the protective arrangement
according to the invention,  
  
Fig. 3 shows the first embodiment of the rotor device for
taking over and dissipating impact energy in a top view,  
  
Fig. 4 presents the device from Fig. 3 in the side view,  
  
Fig. 5 presents a cross section through the axis of the
kinetic energy rotary accumulator along the line A-A
marked in Fig. 4,  
  
Fig. 6 presents the second embodiment of the device in a
top view, having kinetic energy rotary accumulators of the
differentiated moment of inertia, in which the rack
transmissions with different gear ratios are used,  
  
Fig. 7 presents an enlarged cross section of the rotary
kinetic energy accumulator, and  
  
Fig. 8 presents the device in its first embodiment during
receiving impact energy where a rotation direction as well
as shifting direction of particular parts of the device in
action are marked. MODES FOR**

**![](wo2014005a.jpg) ![](wo2014005ab.jpg) ![](wo2014005abc.jpg) ![](wo2014005abcd.jpg) ![](wo2014005e.jpg) ![](wo2014005ef.jpg) ![](wo2014005efg.jpg) ![](wo2014005efgh.jpg)**

**CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION**  
Fig. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of an underground
shield with a hood 101 protected by hydraulic actuators,
wherein protective arrangements, shown in details in Fig. 2,
are used. The hood 101 is supported on the base 102 of the
vehicle by means of hydraulic actuators 103, at the ends of
which there is mounted a rotary device 1 10 for taking over
and dissipating energy of impact of rocks to the hood 101 ,
described in details with reference to Figs. 3-8. The ram
element 1 of the device 1 10 is mounted to the actuator 103
and the base plate 13 is mounted to the hood 101 .  
  
As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 3, the rotor device for
taking over and dissipating impact energy has a ram element
1 made as a beam and coupled with three racks 2, 3, 4
connected in series. Between the racks 2, 3, 4, as well as
between the ram element 1 and the first rack 2 distances 5,
6, 7 are formed which enable an action of cushioning
elements 8 and cause that the racks 2, 3, 4 shift in
relation to one another, as well as in relation to the ram
element 1 . Each of the racks 2, 3, 4 meshes with a toothed
wheel 9 driving a kinetic energy rotary accumulator 10, 1 1
, 12, whereas in order to achieve greater effectiveness of
impact energy receiving and dissipating, the first kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 10 driven by the first rack 2 has
the least inertia moment, the second kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 1 1 driven by the second rack 3 has an average
inertia moment, and the third kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 12 driven by the third rack 4 has the greatest
inertia moment.  
  
The ram element 1 is slidably engaged with side walls of a
body plate 13 by means of ram runners 14, whereas these ram
runners 14 are fastened perpendicularly to the ram element 1
. Moreover, a runner 15 is fastened to the body plate 13,
said guide ensuring shifting of the racks 2, 3, 4 in a
suitable distance from the toothed wheels 9.  
  
As it is shown in Fig. 4, the cushioning elements 8 are
located in cylindrical openings 16 made in the racks 2, 3,
4. These openings cooperate with pressing mandrels 17
carrying impact energy from the ram element 1 onto the
consecutive racks 2, 3, 4. In embodiments illustrated in the
figure the cushioning elements 8 have a form of helical
springs, however this solution does not limit the
possibility of using other cushioning elements such as, in
particular, fluid or elastomer absorbers.  
  
As it is schematically shown in the cross section in Fig. 5,
in an opening 18 formed in the body plate 13 there is an
axle 19 tightly fastened, with the rotatably mounted toothed
wheel 9 combined with an internal bush 20 of the kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 12. The kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 12 has furthermore a one-way clutch 21 of the
known construction situated in the annular space around the
internal bush 20.  
  
In the second embodiment of the device according to the
invention presented in Fig. 6, there are used the kinetic
energy rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12 having different
moments of inertia and rack transmissions having different
transmission ratios as the result of different pitch
diameters of the used toothed wheels 9a, 9b, 9c. The kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 10 having the least moment of
inertia is driven by means of the toothed wheel 9a having
the greatest pitch diameter, and the kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 12 having the greatest moment of inertia is
driven by means of the toothed wheel 9c having the least
pitch diameter. This construction according to the invention
makes it possible to obtain increased progressiveness of
taking over the impact energy by successively started
kinetic energy rotary accumulators. The characteristic of
the progressiveness of taking over the impact energy by the
consecutive kinetic energy rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12
in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 can be therefore shaped
across by selecting pitch diameters of the driving toothed
wheels 9a, 9b, 9c and by selecting moments of inertia of the
consecutive kinetic energy rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12.  
  
The arrow which is perpendicular to the external surface of
the ram element drawn in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 shows the
expected direction of an impact load. Every angular
deflection of the impact load from the expected direction
increases the probability of the damage of the device and
causes the reduction of the efficiency of taking over and
dispersing impact energy. Therefore, the device according to
the invention should be mounted in objects exposed to
results of the unexpected collision in such a way that the
expected impact load is substantially perpendicular to the
external surface of the ram element 1 .  
  
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 the ram element 1 is
connected slidably with the body plate 13 by means of ram
runners 14a which are mounted slidably in openings 22 made
in the body plate 13 parallel to the runner 15 of the racks
2, 3, 4. Such a solution provides the increased shape
rigidity of the whole device and can be used also in case of
larger angular deviations of the impact load from the
direction perpendicular to the external surface of the ram
element 1 .  
  
As it is shown in Fig. 7, one-way clutch 21 of the known
construction is situated between the inner bush 20 and an
inner surface of the kinetic energy rotary accumulator 1 1 .  
  
The one-way clutch 21 is used to transmit the torque from
the internal bush 20 to the kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 10, 1 1 , 12. After taking over the impact
energy, when the angular speed of the internal bush 20 is
smaller than the angular speed of the suitable kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 10, 1 1 , 12, the one-way clutch
21 is disconnected to enable free rotation of the kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 10, 1 1 , 12.  
  
Thanks to enabling the free rotation of the kinetic energy
rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12 the kinetic energy stored
in a short time of an impact can be dissipated in a
significantly longer time.  
  
In Fig. 8 the device according to the invention is shown
during taking over the impact energy. Sliding linear motions
and rotary motions of particular parts of the device
respectively are shown in this figure with arrow lines. To
enable taking over of the impact energy by the device
according to the invention, the body plate 13 is fastened to
the hood 101 (not shown in the drawing) by fastening
elements 23. Depending on energy taking over capacity of the
device according to the invention, fastening elements 23 can
be realized by welding, riveting, gluing, screwing and any
other possible connections which can be used in a
construction of an object protected against results of a
collision.  
  
The energy acting during the impact on the ram element 1 ,
transferred by racks 2, 3, 4 to the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12, is initially absorbed by the
cushioning elements 8. Because of a serial connection of
racks 2, 3, 4, the kinetic energy rotary accumulators 10, 1
1 , 12 begin their work one after another starting from the
kinetic energy rotary accumulator 10 having the least moment
of inertia, and finishing with the kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 12 having the greatest moment of inertia. In the
solution according to the invention the maximum idle stroke
of the ram element 1 in relation to the last rack 4 which
drives the kinetic energy rotary accumulator 12 having the
greatest moment of inertia is equal to the sum of distances
5, 6, 7 between the ram element 1 and the first rack 2, as
well as among particular racks 2, 3, 4.  
  
In the device according to the invention, in the working
position illustrated in Fig. 8 during taking over of the
impact energy, the distances 5, 6, 7 existing in the rest
state are decreased to the size 5a, 6a, 7a. At such position
of the racks 2, 3, 4 all of the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12 are driven, whereas in this
position the kinetic energy accumulator 10 having the least
moment of inertia has the greatest angular speed, the
kinetic energy accumulator 1 1 having the average moment of
inertia has the average angular speed, and the kinetic
energy accumulator 12 having the greatest moment of inertia
has the least angular speed.  
  
In case of taking over greater impact energies by the rotor
device according to the invention, the distances 5a, 6a, 7a
can reach the zero value and in this case linear speeds of
the moving racks 2, 3, 4 are equal, and at equal ratios of
the rack transmissions, the angle velocities of the kinetic
energy rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12 are also equal.  
  



---

**WO2004028864**  
 **Method & Device for Vehicle Protection**

  
The method of vehicle protection against a crash and/or
sudden braking and/or vibrations caused by road unevenness
and/or other bodies with high kinetic energy such as stones
or bullets impacting on the vehicle consists in that
suddenly produced kinetic energy is immediately converted
and stored in an energetic accumulating converter (6), in
particular, the kinetic energy produced by a force acting on
the vehicle's bumper is converted into rotational energy,
which set impeller(s) in motion. The device as above
includes a system, which converts straight-line motion
energy into rotational energy.  
  
 The method of vehicle protection against a crash
and/or sudden braking and/or vibrations caused by road
unevenness and/or other bodies with high kinetic energy such
as stones or bullets impacting on the vehicle  
This invention set forth the method of vehicle protection
against a crash and/or sudden braking and/of vibrations
caused by road unevenness and/or other bodies with high
kinetic energy such as stones or bullets impacting on the
vehicle and the related device.  
  
According to the solutions known, vehicles are protected by
means of elements absorbing energy, which is produced during
a crash in large quantities in very short time intervals
measured in milliseconds. Usually, such elements include
bumpers with a variety of constructions that absorb crash
energy, however a very small portion of that produced. As a
result, the whole vehicle is subject to deformation until it
is crushed and huge force (inertia, overloads) that act on
passengers and luggage make them move and even throw them
away from the vehicle. So, passengers are subject to not
only bodily injury caused by the car body being crushed but
also by the car components such as engine, gear box and
steering system that move inwards the body.  
  
In order to counteract these ufavourable effect,s in some
vehicles shock absorbers have been used in classic bumper
constructions specific to solutions that damp sudden forces.  
  
However, the results obtained have been unsatisfactory.  
  
The proposed method allows the above described dangers to be
avoided or limited to a great extent.  
  
The method under consideration consists in that suddenly
produced kinetic energy is immediately converted and stored
in an accumulating converter.  
  
In particular, the kinetic energy produced by the force
acting on the vehicle's bumper is converted into rotational
energy which set impellers) in motion.  
  
The device invented has a bumper and energy absorbing
system, which converts straight-line motion energy into
rotational energy.  
  
The first implementation option of the system, which
converts straight-line motion energy into rotational energy,
includes a guide mating with the bumper and equipped with a
toothed bar. The guide is connected with a toothed wheel of
a gear and the toothed bar has, on a part of its
circumference, a toothed wheel mating with a disc with a
rack, which is significantly lower in diameter than the part
of circumference. (see Figure 1).  
  
The second implementation option includes a converter mating
with the bumper. The converter consists of a block with
U-shaped cutting,s another similar block also with U- shaped
cuttings with different width that are displaced against the
cuttings of the first Mock, rollers located at the ends of
protrusions formed by cuttings, and a string spanning the
two blocks and wound on accumulating discs.  
  
The device invented is shown as some implementation examples
on the following   
  
**Figure 1 presents the first implementation option of the
invention.** **Figure 2 presents the second implementation option of
the invention, and   
  
Figure 3 presents another implementation option.**  
  

![](2004a.jpg) ![](2004b.jpg)![](2004c.jpg)

  
The device shown in Figure 1 has a guide equipped with a
toothed bar. The toothed bar mates with a pinion of a gear
with a large toothed wheel on a part of its circumference,
whereas the latter Slates with a pinion of rotary disc,
which forms a kinetic energy accumulator. Upon impact on the
bumper the pinion of the gear is set in motion thereby
actuating the large toothed wheel of the gear on a part of
its circumference. At the same time, the pinion of the
rotary accumulating disc is set in motion to take energy
from the bumper. The pinion will immediately be disconnected
after it has mated with the large toothed wheel of the gear
on a part of its circumference.  
  
Figure 2 presents the second implementation option of the
invention. Upon action of a force on the bumper, the
protrusions of one block ended with rollers move and come
into the cuttings of the other Mock. At the same time, the
string is deformed from a straight-line form into a wave
form, so the string is pulled out from the accumulating
discs thereby setting them in rotation result iii the
transfer of the bumper's energy to the accumulating discs
and its its conversion into energy needed to rotate the
discs. So straight-line motion energy is converted into
rotational energy. The harmful bumper's energy acting along
a saint line is neutralised.  
  
Figure 3 presents another implementation option.  
  
As previously mentioned, the invention allows a motor
vehicle to be protected by means of energetic bumper,
energetic brake, energetic vibration dampers and energetic
armour against a crash and/of sudden braking and/or
vibrations caused by unevenness and/or other bodies with
high kinetic energy such as stones or bullets impacting on
the vehicle and energy to be accumulated. It will be the
vehicle's energy in the event of crashing into an obstacle,
the total energy of two vehicles in the event of two
vehicles crashing into each other (if the other vehicle has
no device according to the invention installed), the energy
of stone/bullet in the event of its impact, the vehicle's
energy in the event of braking and finally, the vehicle's
mechanical vibraiton energy in the event of vibrations.  
  
The Energy Converter and Accumulator (ECA) takes the kinetic
energy from a vehicle when crashing or braking ad converts
it into the kinetic energy of a rotary element (mechanical
accumulator). The rotary element is a component of the ECA
and accumulates a significant part or almost the whole
energy of a vehicle in motion. The ECA must convert energy
within such a time interval that is shorter than that
causing irreversible crash effects, i. e. shall be measured
in milliseconds. The ECA accumulates the vehicle's kinetic
energy in an impeller whose mass is as little as about one
per cent (10/o) of the vehicle ! s mass. Such a high kinetic
energy is accumulated by the ECA m such a small mass by
rotating the impeller at very high speed amounting to tenths
of nds rpm or even more. The vehcile's energy flows to the
ECA through mechanical transmissions : gear., string ones,
magnetic or hybrid transmissions with fixed or variable
transmission ratios. Energy is accumulated in the form of
rotational energy of impellers with a fixed or variable
moment of inertia during the process.  
  
The ECA operation, and thereby the protection method, is
based on the energy conservation law. The vehicle in motion,
from which energy is taken, transferred and converted into
the energy of a different object (in this case ECA) becomes
safe.  
  
The energy of any object being in rotary motion is
determined by the following formulae: Ekrm=I0#02 where: Ekm
= kinetic energy being in rotary motion of the object whose
energy is to be absorbed, I0-the object's moment of inertia,
@0-the objects angular velocity.  
  
The energy of any object being in translatory motion is
determined by the following formulae : E = m0V02 where :
Ektm = kinetic energy int ranslatory motion of the object
whose energy is to be absorbed, mo-the object's mass, Vo-the
object's linear velocity.  
  
The kinetic energy of the ECA's accumulator being in rotary
motion is determined by the following formulae : Ekrma=Ia#a2
where : Ekm = =kinetic energy of the accumulator absorbing
and accumulating the object's energy,  
Ia - the accumulator's moment of inertia, #a - the
accumulator's angular velocity.  
  
Any vehicle will be protected effectively against any crash
effects when the ECA takes as much as possible kinetic
energy of the vehicle in motion (boejct) and accumulates it
as rotational energy, i.e. Ekrma as determined by formulae
(3) is close to the objects energy as determined by formula
(2) or (1). The time limits as mentioned above must be
observed in the process of energy flow from the object to
the ECA.  
  
Figure 1 presents the first implementation option of the ECA
device, which converts translatory motion energy of a moving
object into rotatioaai energy-The system consists of base 1
immovaly fixed to the protected vehicle, element, movable
against the base, taking impact force and transferring
energy 2, flexible element 3 attached to the movable element
2, gear 4 converting translatory motion into rotary motion,
multiplying gear 5, which transfers kinetic energy to energy
accumulator 6 Once a force has acted on element (2) and
energy flowed to accumulator 6, both gears 5 and 6 will
disconnect thus enabling the accumulator to store for a
longer time the energy taken. The ECA system shown in Figure
1 is designed as a twin version, i.e. there are two
symmetrically located gears and accumulators.  
  
Figure 2 presents the other implementation option of the ECA
system, which consists of base 1 immovably fixed to the
protected vehicle, fixed part 22 of the string transmission  
  
connected immovably with the base, movable part 23 of the
string transmission, rollers 24 guiding the string in both
the fixed and movable part, string 25, parts on which the
string is wound 26 (the cross section of elements can be a
circle, scroll, cam to enable torque's arm to be changed),
energy accumulators 27, element to take impact force and
transfer energy 28, connected immovably with the movable
part of the roller trnasmission. Upon crash, the movable
part of the roller transmission slides along the guides into
the fixed part and tightens the string guided by the
rollers. The tightened string is unwound from part 26 and
sets the accumulators in rotation as parts 26 are immovably
connected with the accumulators. By setting the energy
accumulators in rotation they take and accumulate energy of
the protected vehicle. This ECA design option of the system
consists of one string transmission, which transfers energy
to two energy accumulators.  
  
Figure 3 shows another implementation option of the
invention. Here, the ECA device consists of base @ 1
immovably fixed to the protected vehicle, part taking force
and transferring crash energy 32, toothed bar 33, toothed
gear 34 to convert translatory motion into rotation,
mechanical accumulators 35 to take and store the vehicle's
kinetic energy to be converted into rotational energy. Set
into rotation, the energy accumulators are immovably
connected with the toothed wheels of gear 34 The
accumulators have movable parts 36, which after actuating an
accumulator move outwards of the rotation axis due to
centrifugal force thus increasing the accumulator's moment
of inertia. It is easier to start up the accumulator with
variable moment of inertia as it starts to move at a lower
moment of inertia. The ECA system shown in Figure 3 is a
twin version including two gears and two accumulators. In
case of a crash, energy is trnasferred to the gears and then
converted into kinetic rotational energy. which is stored in
the accumulator. Once part 32 has been moved due to a crash
and the related energy transferred to the accumulator by
gear 34 the gear is disconnected.  
  
Thanks to the invention, in addition to the vehicle's
protection, inertia forces acting on masses in the vehicle
(people, luggage) are reduced. Such reduction may exceed 90%
as compared with those ose values when the invention is not
used.  
  
The invention can replace the action of bumpers, crumple
zones, shields and armours with separate devices, with
different performance and accumulated energy, to be used for
each of the above mentioned tasks-  
  
Use of energy conversion and accumualtion to repalce crumple
zones, friction brakes, shock absorbers, stiff shields and
armours.  
  
It should be stressed that the invention can be used to
eliminate inertia forces, i.e. when braking aeroplanes at
short runways such as on aircraft carriers, touching an
aeroplane with the ground (absorbing inertia forces), as
well as, to brake ships or generally speaking - to liquidate
inertia forces acting on any object by converting the
object's kinetic energy into the kinetic energy of devices
purposely built according to this invention.  
  
The use of the ECA system as an energetic brake is similar
to that as a bumper but much simpler, since there is no need
to convert translatory motion into rotation.  
  


---

  

**WO2014005656**   
**AN ARRANGEMENT FOR PROTECTION OF HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS OF
UNDERGROUND SHIELD  
 FROM DYNAMIC OVERLOAD...**

**TECHNICAL FIELD**  
  
The object of the present invention is an arrangement for
protection of hydraulic actuators of underground shield from
dynamic overload with a mechanical rotary absorber.  
  
**BACKGROUND ART**  
  
Underground vehicles are prone to falling rocks from the top
parts of the heading. In order to effectively protect the
personnel or equipment moving by the underground vehicle,
the vehicle should have a robust hood. The hoods are usually
mounted on stiff arms or arms with hydraulic actuators.  
  
There are known powered underground shields protecting from
fall of rock having a hood supported by means of a
telescopic support on a base. Typical powered underground
shields are disclosed in **WO201 1/039693** or **US7377727.**
These vehicles have telescopic supports configured to dampen
the fall by hydraulic actuators, such as gas or oil dampers
mounted within the supports. In order to effectively dampen
the fall, the actuators must keep high efficiency. Keeping
the efficiency and leakproofness of the actuators in the
hard working conditions of the underground shields may cause
problems.  
  
It would be advantageous to provide an alternative mechanism
for protecting the actuators of the underground shield from
dynamic load.  
  
**WO2004028864** discloses a rotor device for taking over
and dissipating impact energy, in which kinetic energy
suddenly created by a collision is converted into kinetic
energy of rotating masses. In this known solution a ram
element is connected with two racks which drive by means of
gears the rotors shaped as rods with movable weights sliding
on them. Minimizing of percussive load of cooperating
elements in the preliminary phase of the energy transfer is
realized in the known solution by using movable weights
situated possibly near a rotation axis of a bar-rotor so as
to achieve a minimum moment of inertia of the rotor in this
initial phase. In the further stage of this motion, when the
rotor begins its rotation, these weights are moved by the
centrifugal force increasing their distance from the
rotation axis along the bar axis till reaching the extreme
position near the end limiters. In this position the highest
moment of inertia of the rotor is achieved, enabling the
takeover of increased kinetic energy.  
  
A rotor device for taking over and dissipating kinetic
impact energy is also known from patent application **WO2005121593**,
said device comprising a ram element cooperating with a rack
making, by means of a toothed wheel, a kinetic energy rotary
accumulator to rotate in order to convert impact energy into
kinetic energy of rotary motion of the rotary accumulator.
In one of embodiments of the known rotor device for taking
over an impact energy a kinetic energy rotary accumulator
cooperates with movable weights maintained in a suitable
distance from a rotation axis by means of springs. Such a
solution provides gradual increment of the ability of the
device to take over kinetic energy during an impact.  
  
**WO2004053352** discloses a device for absorbing kinetic
energy, comprising a rotor coupled with a bumper via a
multiplying gear.  
  
**DE3141024** discloses a device for converting energy
generated by an oscillating mass to an energy for driving a
rotatable element by means of a rotatable shaft coupled with
a hydraulic system.  
  
The solutions described above do not provide efficient
conversion of energy for various impact speeds and various
masses of the impacting objects.  
  
PCT/PL201 1/050060 (known to the inventors and not published
before the priority date of the present application)
discloses a rotary device for absorbing and dissipating
energy of impact, used to convert kinetic energy of
translational movement to kinetic energy of rotational
movement. A ram element cooperates with at least two
serially connected racks slidably mounted on a runner and
driving the toothed wheels of the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators. Distances are created between the ram element
and the first rack and moreover distances are created
between the racks to ensure the action of cushioning
elements and to enable shifting of the ram element in
relation to the racks, as well as shifting of these racks in
relation to one another.  
  
The invention presented in PCT/PL201 1/050060 is new and
inventive over the solutions described before, as it allows
gradual damping with increasing efficiency of energy
dissipation in relation to the speed and mass of the objects
under impact. By providing cushioning elements between the
rotary absorbers, the load can be transferred gradually to
successive absorbers and the moment of inertia can be
gradually increased, thereby gradually adapting to the
energy of impact. Such solution was neither known nor
suggested by any of the previous publications.  
  
The object of the invention is a new use of the rotary
device for absorbing and dissipating energy of impact known
from PCT/PL201 1/050060, in particular the use for absorbing
impacts imparted to hydraulic actuators of an underground
shield.  
  
**DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION**  
  
The object of the invention is a protective arrangement for
hydraulic actuators of an underground shield from dynamic
overload with a mechanical rotary absorber, characterized in
that it comprises a hydraulic actuator mountable to the base
of the underground shield, to which there is connected a
rotary device for taking over and dissipating the energy of
rocks falling on the hood, wherein the device for taking
over and dissipating energy comprises a ram element mounted
to the actuator, slidably coupled by means of ram guides
with side walls of a base plate mountable to the hood, which
cooperates with at least two serially connected racks
mounted slidably on a runner and driving toothed wheels of
the kinetic energy rotary accumulators, wherein distances
are created between the ram element and the first rack, as
well as between the particular racks, said distances
enabling the displacement of the ram element in relation to
racks, as well as the displacement of these racks in
relation to one another, such as to enable the moving ram
element to pass the kinetic energy of the translational
movement to the kinetic energy rotary accumulators in order
to transform it to the kinetic energy of rotational
movement.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulators have
different energy accumulating abilities.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulators have
different moments of inertia.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulator driven by
the first rack has a smaller moment of inertia than the
kinetic energy rotary accumulator driven by the second rack.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulators are
driven by transmissions increasing angular speed, which have
different transmission ratios.  
  
Preferably, the kinetic energy rotary accumulator has a
one-way clutch. The protective arrangement according to the
invention comprises a device for absorbing and dissipating
energy of impact, wherein as a result of serial connection
of the ram element with at least two serially connected
racks which drive toothed wheels of kinetic energy rotary
accumulators, with distances provided between the said
racks, it is assured gradual driving in rotation of the
subsequent kinetic energy rotary accumulators, what enables
an abrupt increase of energy taking over ability of the
device according to the invention. Cushioning elements
fastened in the front of the racks in series decrease the
percussive load of elements cooperating when starting the
subsequent kinetic energy accumulators. The device according
to the invention is suitable both for taking over small as
well as great impact energy. In the first case the device
ensures the effective and very gentle takeover of the impact
energy because kinetic energy of progressive motion is
carried out by kinetic energy rotary accumulators having the
least moment of inertia. In the second case the device
according to the invention provides also effective and
uniform dissipation of the impact energy because taking over
of kinetic energy of progressive motion is carried out by
several kinetic energy rotary accumulators having ever
greater energy taking over ability.  
  
In a case of collisions of greater energy, in the device
according to the invention there appears also an additional
beneficial effect consisting in that kinetic impact energy,
before being taken over by the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators having the greater moment of inertia, is
accumulated in its substantial part by kinetic energy rotary
accumulators having the smaller moment of inertia. Such an
order of taking over the energy provides the gentler
operation of the device according to the invention during
starting of next kinetic energy rotary accumulators, even
those having the greatest moment of inertia.  
  
By using a one-way clutch, the free rotation of the kinetic
energy rotary accumulator is provided after taking over the
impact energy until the energy accumulated in it is
dissipated.  
  
Therefore, it is possible to absorb impacts on the hood from
rocks of different masses, falling from different heights.
This allows to make the hood 101 from lighter materials than
in case of hoods that are not so effectively dampened.  
  
**BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS   
  
The object of the invention is shown by means of exemplary
embodiments on a drawing, in which:****Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an
underground shield,****Fig. 2 shows schematically the protective arrangement
according to the invention,****Fig. 3 shows the first embodiment of the rotor device
for taking over and dissipating impact energy in a top
view,****Fig. 4 presents the device from Fig. 3 in the side
view,****Fig. 5 presents a cross section through the axis of
the kinetic energy rotary accumulator along the line A-A
marked in Fig. 4,****Fig. 6 presents the second embodiment of the device
in a top view, having kinetic energy rotary accumulators
of the differentiated moment of inertia, in which the rack
transmissions with different gear ratios are used,****Fig. 7 presents an enlarged cross section of the
rotary kinetic energy accumulator, and****Fig. 8 presents the device in its first embodiment
during receiving impact energy where a rotation direction
as well as shifting direction of particular parts of the
device in action are marked.** 

**![](wo2014005a.jpg) ![](wo2014005ab.jpg)
![](wo2014005abc.jpg) ![](wo2014005abcd.jpg) ![](wo2014005e.jpg) ![](wo2014005ef.jpg)
![](wo2014005efg.jpg) ![](wo2014005efgh.jpg)**

**MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION**  
  
Fig. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of an underground
shield with a hood 101 protected by hydraulic actuators,
wherein protective arrangements, shown in details in Fig. 2,
are used. The hood 101 is supported on the base 102 of the
vehicle by means of hydraulic actuators 103, at the ends of
which there is mounted a rotary device 1 10 for taking over
and dissipating energy of impact of rocks to the hood 101 ,
described in details with reference to Figs. 3-8. The ram
element 1 of the device 1 10 is mounted to the actuator 103
and the base plate 13 is mounted to the hood 101 .  
  
As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 3, the rotor device for
taking over and dissipating impact energy has a ram element
1 made as a beam and coupled with three racks 2, 3, 4
connected in series. Between the racks 2, 3, 4, as well as
between the ram element 1 and the first rack 2 distances 5,
6, 7 are formed which enable an action of cushioning
elements 8 and cause that the racks 2, 3, 4 shift in
relation to one another, as well as in relation to the ram
element 1 . Each of the racks 2, 3, 4 meshes with a toothed
wheel 9 driving a kinetic energy rotary accumulator 10, 1 1
, 12, whereas in order to achieve greater effectiveness of
impact energy receiving and dissipating, the first kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 10 driven by the first rack 2 has
the least inertia moment, the second kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 1 1 driven by the second rack 3 has an average
inertia moment, and the third kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 12 driven by the third rack 4 has the greatest
inertia moment.  
  
The ram element 1 is slidably engaged with side walls of a
body plate 13 by means of ram runners 14, whereas these ram
runners 14 are fastened perpendicularly to the ram element 1
. Moreover, a runner 15 is fastened to the body plate 13,
said guide ensuring shifting of the racks 2, 3, 4 in a
suitable distance from the toothed wheels 9.  
  
As it is shown in Fig. 4, the cushioning elements 8 are
located in cylindrical openings 16 made in the racks 2, 3,
4. These openings cooperate with pressing mandrels 17
carrying impact energy from the ram element 1 onto the
consecutive racks 2, 3, 4. In embodiments illustrated in the
figure the cushioning elements 8 have a form of helical
springs, however this solution does not limit the
possibility of using other cushioning elements such as, in
particular, fluid or elastomer absorbers.  
  
As it is schematically shown in the cross section in Fig. 5,
in an opening 18 formed in the body plate 13 there is an
axle 19 tightly fastened, with the rotatably mounted toothed
wheel 9 combined with an internal bush 20 of the kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 12. The kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 12 has furthermore a one-way clutch 21 of the
known construction situated in the annular space around the
internal bush 20.  
  
In the second embodiment of the device according to the
invention presented in Fig. 6, there are used the kinetic
energy rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12 having different
moments of inertia and rack transmissions having different
transmission ratios as the result of different pitch
diameters of the used toothed wheels 9a, 9b, 9c. The kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 10 having the least moment of
inertia is driven by means of the toothed wheel 9a having
the greatest pitch diameter, and the kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 12 having the greatest moment of inertia is
driven by means of the toothed wheel 9c having the least
pitch diameter. This construction according to the invention
makes it possible to obtain increased progressiveness of
taking over the impact energy by successively started
kinetic energy rotary accumulators. The characteristic of
the progressiveness of taking over the impact energy by the
consecutive kinetic energy rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12
in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 can be therefore shaped
across by selecting pitch diameters of the driving toothed
wheels 9a, 9b, 9c and by selecting moments of inertia of the
consecutive kinetic energy rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12.  
  
The arrow which is perpendicular to the external surface of
the ram element drawn in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 shows the
expected direction of an impact load. Every angular
deflection of the impact load from the expected direction
increases the probability of the damage of the device and
causes the reduction of the efficiency of taking over and
dispersing impact energy. Therefore, the device according to
the invention should be mounted in objects exposed to
results of the unexpected collision in such a way that the
expected impact load is substantially perpendicular to the
external surface of the ram element 1 .  
  
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 the ram element 1 is
connected slidably with the body plate 13 by means of ram
runners 14a which are mounted slidably in openings 22 made
in the body plate 13 parallel to the runner 15 of the racks
2, 3, 4. Such a solution provides the increased shape
rigidity of the whole device and can be used also in case of
larger angular deviations of the impact load from the
direction perpendicular to the external surface of the ram
element 1 .  
  
As it is shown in Fig. 7, one-way clutch 21 of the known
construction is situated between the inner bush 20 and an
inner surface of the kinetic energy rotary accumulator 1 1 .  
  
The one-way clutch 21 is used to transmit the torque from
the internal bush 20 to the kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 10, 1 1 , 12. After taking over the impact
energy, when the angular speed of the internal bush 20 is
smaller than the angular speed of the suitable kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 10, 1 1 , 12, the one-way clutch
21 is disconnected to enable free rotation of the kinetic
energy rotary accumulator 10, 1 1 , 12.  
  
Thanks to enabling the free rotation of the kinetic energy
rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12 the kinetic energy stored
in a short time of an impact can be dissipated in a
significantly longer time.  
  
In Fig. 8 the device according to the invention is shown
during taking over the impact energy. Sliding linear motions
and rotary motions of particular parts of the device
respectively are shown in this figure with arrow lines. To
enable taking over of the impact energy by the device
according to the invention, the body plate 13 is fastened to
the hood 101 (not shown in the drawing) by fastening
elements 23. Depending on energy taking over capacity of the
device according to the invention, fastening elements 23 can
be realized by welding, riveting, gluing, screwing and any
other possible connections which can be used in a
construction of an object protected against results of a
collision.  
  
The energy acting during the impact on the ram element 1 ,
transferred by racks 2, 3, 4 to the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12, is initially absorbed by the
cushioning elements 8. Because of a serial connection of
racks 2, 3, 4, the kinetic energy rotary accumulators 10, 1
1 , 12 begin their work one after another starting from the
kinetic energy rotary accumulator 10 having the least moment
of inertia, and finishing with the kinetic energy rotary
accumulator 12 having the greatest moment of inertia. In the
solution according to the invention the maximum idle stroke
of the ram element 1 in relation to the last rack 4 which
drives the kinetic energy rotary accumulator 12 having the
greatest moment of inertia is equal to the sum of distances
5, 6, 7 between the ram element 1 and the first rack 2, as
well as among particular racks 2, 3, 4.  
  
In the device according to the invention, in the working
position illustrated in Fig. 8 during taking over of the
impact energy, the distances 5, 6, 7 existing in the rest
state are decreased to the size 5a, 6a, 7a. At such position
of the racks 2, 3, 4 all of the kinetic energy rotary
accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12 are driven, whereas in this
position the kinetic energy accumulator 10 having the least
moment of inertia has the greatest angular speed, the
kinetic energy accumulator 1 1 having the average moment of
inertia has the average angular speed, and the kinetic
energy accumulator 12 having the greatest moment of inertia
has the least angular speed.  
  
In case of taking over greater impact energies by the rotor
device according to the invention, the distances 5a, 6a, 7a
can reach the zero value and in this case linear speeds of
the moving racks 2, 3, 4 are equal, and at equal ratios of
the rack transmissions, the angle velocities of the kinetic
energy rotary accumulators 10, 1 1 , 12 are also equal.  
  


---

  

**WO2014009790**  
**SUPPORT UNIT OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE**

  
The present invention relates to support unit of internal
combustion engines, in which there are at least two
energy-consuming support brackets between the combustion
engine block and the body supporting structure, wherein at
least one of supporting brackets is a rotor arrangement for
absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy, in which kinetic
energy of a progressive movement is converted into
rotational movement kinetic energy, and the rotor
arrangement comprises slidable support fixed to the engine
block and a housing fixed to the body supporting structure,
between which two racks are installed being in mesh with
toothed wheels driving the kinetic energy rotor accumulators
of determined moment of inertia, characterized in that, the
slidable support (9) cooperates with at least two serially
coupled racks (12, 13, 14), slidably installed in the
housing (19); and driving toothed wheels (15) of the kinetic
energy rotor accumulators (16, 17, 18), wherein between the
slidable support (9) and the first rack (12), as well as
between the racks (12, 13, 14), gaps are defined, and
between at least two serially coupled racks (12, 13, 14) a
shock absorbing elements (20) are situated, enabling for
translocation of the racks (12, 13, 14) with relation to
each other.  
  
Unbalanced forces and moments of force existing during
operation of internal combustion engines, in particular the
one of a number of cylinders smaller than six, induce
vibrations of the whole vehicle body, thus resulting in a
decrease of a travelling comfort. Furthermore the support
points of internal combustion engines, in particular in
motorcars, require specific constructional reinforcements in
regards to great individual tensions related with a
necessity of shock absorption of the considerable engine
mass.  
  
Known support arrangements of internal combustion engines
usually comprise a metal-rubber support bracket embedded on
a specifically reinforced support construction of the body.
In a case of occurrence great random vibrations caused by
irregular work of an engine and by force caused by the
vehicle wheels, such metal- rubber support brackets do not
provide high efficiency of energy accumulation.  
  
Known support arrangements of internal combustion engines
can use also hydraulic systems, such as shock absorber as
disclosed in PL164107, in which between supporting elements
of vibrating device two-sided piston rod is situated.
Vibration of the supported device drive piston rod, which
pumps oil over from one chamber to another. Throttle of
flowing oil causes conversion of kinetic energy of vibration
into heat.  
  
German patent application DE3141024 discloses a device for
generation of energy by using vibrations of other devices.
In this known solution vibrations are converted into kinetic
energy of a rotational movement. Torque generated in this
manner is transferred by medium of toothed gear, with
employment of fly-wheels, and also by hydraulic arrangements
in order to be used for driving other electrical or
mechanical devices.  
  
From international patent application WO2004028864 a device
for absorbing and dissipating impact energy is known, in
which kinetic energy generated rapidly in a result of an
impact is converted into kinetic energy of rotating masses.
In this known solution a beater element is connected with
two toothed bars which by medium of toothed wheels drive
rotor in forms of rods with moveable weights slidably
mounted on the rods. Minimalization of impact load of the
cooperating elements during the initial phase of an energy
transfer is realized in this known solution by employment of
the moveable weights disposed as close as possible to the
rotation axis of the rotor in order that a moment of inertia
of the rotor in this phase be as small as possible. In a
further movement phase while the rotor starts to rotate, the
weights start to translocate under influence of centrifugal
force and move away from the rotation axis along the rod
axis, until they reach their terminal positions in the
vicinity of the end limiters. In such positions of the
weights the biggest moment of inertia of rotor is achieved
that enables for absorption of the increased kinetic energy.  
  
International application WO2005121593 discloses a device
for absorbing energy comprising a beater element cooperating
with an energy dissipation arrangement comprising a toothed
bar inducing rotation of rotating masses, thus causing a
conversion of progressive movement kinetic energy resulted
from an impact into kinetic energy of a rotational movement.
In one of disclosed embodiments of this known solution, the
toothed bar drives a rotor by means of a toothed wheel,
wherein the rotor cooperates with a moveable weights. In
order to provide a progressive change of a moment of inertia
of the rotor during a process of energy absorption, the
moveable weights are maintained in appropriate distance from
a rotation axis by means of springs.  
  
The known solutions do not provide effective absorption of
different amounts of vibration energy related with different
amplitudes of vibrations. Therefore the object of the
present invention is to provide better efficiency of
absorption of different random vibrations occurring between
the body and the engine and dissipation of energy of these
vibrations to not to transfer vibrations to the whole body.  
  
According to the present invention, there are at least two
energy-consuming support brackets between the combustion
engine block and the body supporting structure, wherein at
least one of supporting brackets is a rotor arrangement for
absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy, in which kinetic
energy of a progressive movement is converted into
rotational movement kinetic energy, and the rotor
arrangement comprises slidable support fixed to the engine
block and a housing fixed to the body supporting structure,
between which racks are installed being in mesh with toothed
wheels driving the kinetic energy rotor accumulators of
determined moment of inertia. The present invention is
characterised in that the slidable support cooperates with
at least two serially coupled racks slidably installed in
the housing and driving toothed wheels of the kinetic energy
rotor accumulators. Between the slidable support and the
first rack, as well as between the racks, gaps are defined,
and between at least two serially coupled racks a shock
absorbing elements are situated enabling for translocation
of the racks with relation to each other.  
  
The kinetic energy rotor accumulators preferably have
differentiated capability of energy accumulation.  
  
The kinetic energy rotor accumulators preferably have
differentiated moments of inertia.  
  
By means of the gaps defined between the racks and by means
of shock absorbing elements situated between at least two
serially coupled racks there is provided a gradual actuation
of successive kinetic energy rotor accumulators. That
enables for adjustment of capability of shock absorption of
support unit with relation to varied amplitude of vibrations
of engines and forces existing during rocking of body when
driving over rough road surfaces.  
  
Use of differentiated moments of inertia of successive
kinetic energy rotor accumulators, especially if kinetic
energy rotor accumulator driven by means of the first rack
has smaller moment of inertia that the moment of inertia of
the kinetic energy rotor accumulator driven by means of the
second rack, enables for smooth and gradual increase of
capability of kinetic energy accumulation in case of
vibrations of big amplitude.  
  
The support unit according to the present invention is
suitable for absorbing energy in case of vibrations of small
amplitude and low kinetic energy as well as in case of
vibrations of big amplitude and high kinetic energy. In the
first instance, the support unit according to the present
invention provides an efficient and very smooth shock
absorption of vibrations, as an absorption of kinetic energy
of progressive movement takes place with using kinetic
energy rotor accumulators of the smallest moment of inertia.
In the second instance, the support unit according to the
present invention also provides appropriately efficient and
smooth shock absorption of vibrations, as kinetic energy
absorption takes place with using several rotor accumulators
of increasing energy.  
  
In case of vibrations of greater energy, an additional
effect occurs consisting in that vibrations kinetic energy
is in a great part accumulated in the rotor accumulators
featuring lower energy absorption capability before the
rotor accumulators featuring higher energy absorption
capability are actuated. Such a sequence of energy
absorption provides smoother operation of the support unit
according to the present invention during actuation of next
rotor accumulators, even those of the greatest capability of
energy absorption featuring the biggest moment of inertia.  
  
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are
schematically presented below in connection with the
attached drawings on which fig. 1 shows a side view of the
support unit of internal combustion engines with a cross
sectional view through the body supporting structure, and
fig. 2 presents a side view of the supporting bracket being
a rotor arrangement for absorbing and dissipating kinetic
energy.  
  
As shown schematically in in the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the
internal combustion engine 1 comprises crankshaft 2 with
pistons 3. Pistons 3, as a result of reciprocatory motions,
generate inertial forces 4, which by means of crankshaft
bearings 5 and the crankshaft 2 are transferred to main
bearing 6 of casing 7, which feet 8 are located on slidable
supports 9 of energy-consuming support brackets in forms of
kinetic energy absorption rotor arrangements 10 situated in
profiles of the body supporting structure 11.  
  

![](wo2014009a.jpg) ![](wo2014009b.jpg)

  
As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2 the slidable support 9
of kinetic energy absorption rotor arrangement 10 is coupled
with three serially connected racks 12, 13, 14. Between the
racks 12,13, 14, as well as between the slidable support 9
and the first rack 12, gaps are defined enabling for proper
operation of shock absorbing elements 20 in a form of
helical springs and providing relative movement of racks 12,
13, 14 with relation to each other and between the slidable
support 9. The return spring 21 cooperates with the last
rack 14, supporting return of racks 12,13,14 to initial
position. Each of the racks 12, 13, 14 is interengaged with
the toothed wheel 15 driving kinetic energy rotor
accumulator 16, 17, 18, wherein for providing increased
efficiency of absorption and dissipation of impact energy
the first kinetic energy rotor accumulator 16 driven by
means of the first rack 12 has the smallest moment of
inertia, the second kinetic energy rotor accumulator 17
driven by means of the second rack 13 has the medium moment
of inertia, while the third kinetic energy rotor accumulator
18 driven by means of the third rack 14 has the greatest
moment of inertia.  
  
The slidable support 9 is slidably coupled with the side
walls of the housing 19, to which also a guide of racks 2,
13, 14 is fixed.  
  
A progressivity characteristic of absorption of impact
energy may therefore be adjusted by appropriate selection of
effective diameters of the driving toothed wheels 15 and by
appropriate selection of moments of inertia of successive
kinetic energy rotor accumulators 16, 17, 18.  
  
In the disclosed exemplary embodiments of the present
invention also unidirectional couplings are used (not
presented on drawings), disposed between toothed wheels 15
and the kinetic energy rotor accumulator 16, 17, 18. The
function of the unidirectional couplings is to transfer a
torque to the kinetic energy rotor. After absorbing the
energy of an impact, when the angular velocity of the
appropriate toothed wheel shall be smaller than the angular
velocity of the appropriate kinetic energy rotor accumulator
16, 17, 18, then the unidirectional coupling becomes
disconnected thus enabling for unrestricted rotation of the
kinetic energy rotor accumulator 16, 17, 18.  
  
Energy acting during an operation of internal combustion
engine 1 on the slidable support 9 is transferred by means
of the racks 12, 13, 14 and the toothed wheels 15 to the
kinetic energy rotor accumulators 6, 17, 18. In a result of
serial arrangement of the racks 12, 13, 14, is realized a
successive actuation of kinetic energy rotor accumulators
16, 17, 18 starting from the kinetic energy rotor
accumulator 16 of the smallest moment of inertia, and ending
with the kinetic energy rotor accumulator 18 of the greatest
moment of inertia. In the solution according to the present
invention, the maximal idle stroke of the slidable support 9
relative to the last rack 14 driving the kinetic energy
rotor accumulator 18 of the greatest moment of inertia is
the sum of the gaps between the slidable element 9 and the
first rack 12 and between the racks 12, 13,14.  
  


---

  

**US2013284994****Road Barrier And A Method For
Manufacturing Thereof**

  
A road barrier comprising a support (101) to which a
transverse beam (102) is connected via a spacer (110) such
that upon impact the transverse beam (102) moves towards the
support (101). The spacer (110) is movable upon impact and
coupled, via coupling means (130, 150, 160, 170), with a
rotatable energy absorber (140) mounted below the transverse
beam (102) and comprising at least one rotor (142, 143) for
absorbing in rotational movement at least part of the
kinetic energy imparted to the transverse beam (102).  
  
**TECHNICAL FIELD**  
[0001] The present invention relates to road barriers and
methods for manufacturing thereof.  
  
**BACKGROUND ART**  
  
[0002] Road barriers installed along the edges of roads
protect vehicles from accidentally exiting the road. The
barriers are usually made of transverse beams installed on
posts.  
  
[0003] There are known road barriers in which the beam is
distanced from the post and mounted to the post via an
energy absorbing spacer. A barrier of this type is known
from a PCT application WOO51 18958A1, which discloses a road
safety barrier wherein the beam is mounted to the post via a
spring. Upon impact, the beam moves towards the post and the
energy of impact is at least partially absorbed by the
spring. The amount of absorbed energy is therefore dependent
on the parameters of the spring.  
  
[0004] A US patent application US20070007780 describes a
kinetic energy absorber for connecting to a bumper of a car
and comprising a rotor connected with the bumper via a
toothed bar and a multiplying gear. Upon impact directed to
the bumper, the translational motion of the bumper induces
translational motion of the toothed bar, which induces
rotation of the rotor. The displacement vector of the bumper
is parallel to the displacement vector of the toothed bar
driving the rotor.  
  
**DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION**  
  
[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a road barrier
with alternative energy absorbing means.  
  
[0006] The object of the invention is a road barrier
comprising a support to which a transverse beam is connected
via a spacer such that upon impact the transverse beam moves
towards the support. The spacer is movable upon impact and
coupled, via coupling means, with a rotatable energy
absorber mounted below the transverse beam and comprising at
least one rotor for absorbing in rotational movement at
least part of the kinetic energy imparted to the transverse
beam.  
  
[0007] The rotatable energy absorber can be fixed to the
support.  
  
[0008] The coupling means may comprise a rack having a first
toothed bar coupled via a toothed wheel with a toothed bar
of the spacer and a second toothed bar coupled via a toothed
wheel transmission with the at least one rotor.  
  
[0009] The spacer can be configured to move in a
substantially horizontal direction and the rack is
configured to move in a substantially vertical direction.  
  
[0010] The rack may comprise a compressible element.  
  
[0011] The coupling means may comprise a strand connected at
a first end to the spacer and at a second end to the
rotatable energy absorber.  
  
[0012] The strand can be wound at the second end around a
driving shaft of the rotatable energy absorber.  
  
[0013] The strand can be connected at the second end to a
toothed bar coupled with a toothed wheel transmission of the
rotatable energy absorber.  
  
[0014] The coupling means and the rotatable energy absorber
can be housed within the support.  
  
[0015] The rotatable energy absorber can be fixed to a
structure offset horizontally from the support.  
  
[0016] The coupling means may comprise vertical coupling
means in a form of a rotatable shaft having a first end
coupled with the spacer and configured to be induced into
rotation upon movement of the spacer, and a second end
located below the first end and coupled with a first end of
horizontal coupling means having its second end coupled with
the at least one rotor.  
  
[0017] The spacer may comprise a compressible element.  
  
[0018] The object of the invention is also a method for
manufacturing of a road barrier comprising a support to
which a transverse beam is connected via a spacer such that
upon impact the transverse beam moves towards the support,
wherein the spacer is movable upon impact and coupled, via
coupling means, with a rotatable energy absorber fixed to
the support below the transverse beam and comprising a
toothed wheel transmission driving at least one rotor for
absorbing in rotational movement at least part of the
kinetic energy imparted to the transverse beam. The method
comprises the steps of forming and balancing of the at least
one rotor, forming and hardening of the toothed wheel
transmission of the rotatable energy absorber and forming of
the support, the coupling means and the transverse beam and
assembling the elements to make the road barrier.  
**BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS****[0019] The invention is shown by means of an
exemplary embodiments on a drawing, in which:****[0020] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a road barrier,****[0021] FIG. 2 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a first embodiment of the invention in a side
view,****[0022] FIG. 3 shows the core elements of the road
barrier according to a first embodiment of the invention
in a perspective view from the left,****[0023] FIG. 4 shows the core elements of the road
barrier according to a first embodiment of the invention
in a perspective view from the right,****[0024] FIG. 5 shows the operating principle of the
road barrier during impact,****[0025] FIG. 6 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a second embodiment of the invention in a
side view,****[0026] FIG. 7 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a third embodiment of the invention in a side
view,****[0027] FIG. 8 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in a
side view,****[0028] FIG. 9 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a fifth embodiment of the invention in a
perspective view,****[0029] FIG. 10 shows the process of manufacturing of
the road barrier according to the invention.**  
![](us2013284a.jpg) ![](us2013284b.jpg) ![](us2013284bc.jpg) ![](us2013284bcd.jpg) ![](us2013284bcde.jpg) ![](us2013284bcdef.jpg)
![](us2013284g.jpg) ![](us2013284gh.jpg)   
  
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a road barrier to which
the present invention is applicable. The road barrier
comprises supports 101, to which a transverse beam 102 is
connected. The supports can have a form of a vertical post
anchorable to the ground or a holder fixed to another
vertical structure, such as a wall. The beam 102 is
connected to the supports 101 via a movable spacer 110 such
that upon impact the transverse beam 102 moves towards the
support 101.  
  
[0031] FIG. 2 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a first embodiment of the invention in a side
view, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show the core elements of that
embodiment in a perspective view from the left and right,
respectively. Preferably, the core elements are all housed
within the support, such as to protect them from external
factors, such as dirt, rain or third persons. The movable
spacer is coupled, via coupling means 130 in form of a rack
130, with a rotatable energy absorber 140 mounted below the
transverse beam 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotatable
energy absorber 140 can be fixed to the support 101. In
particular, the transverse beam 102 can be mounted in the
upper portion of the support 101 and the rotatable energy
absorber 140 can be mounted in the lower portion of the
support 101. The movable spacer 110 drives a transmission
120, which in turn drives a rack 130. The spacer 110 is
movable in a first direction and the rack 130 is movable in
a second direction tilted with respect to the first
direction. Therefore, upon impact, at least part of the
energy imparted to the transverse beam 102 in the first
direction of the movement of the spacer 110 is passed to the
rack 130 movable in the second direction. The rack 130 is
coupled at its second end with a rotatable energy absorber
140 with at least one rotor 142, 143 which absorbs in
rotational movement at least part of the kinetic energy
imparted to the transverse beam 102. The amount of energy
accumulated in the rotor 142, 142 in other words a rotatable
mass, depends on the weight and the moment of inertia of the
rotor, its diameter and rotational speed, which in turn
depends on the parameters of the transmission between the
beam 102 and the rotor 142, 143. Preferably, the rotors 142,
143 are freewheels.  
  
[0032] The transmission 120 can be a toothed wheel mounted
on a shaft attached to the housing of the support 101. The
spacer 110 and the rack 130 can be coupled with the
transmission 120 via toothed bars 111, 131. The rack 130 can
have a toothed bar 132 coupled with a toothed wheel 141 of
the rotatable energy absorber 140. However, other types of
transmission can be used, such as pneumatic, hydraulic,
magnetic, etc.  
  
[0033] The rotatable energy absorber 140 comprises at least
one rotor 142, 143, preferably in form of one or more
flywheels, mounted on shafts fixed to the support 101. The
rotor is coupled with the rack 130 via a transmission which
may comprise one or more toothed wheels 144, 145, 146. The
movement of the rack 130 induces rotation of the toothed
wheels 141, 144, 145, 146 and therefore the rotation of the
rotor 142, 143.  
  
[0034] The elements are preferably arranged on two main
vertical planes, for example elements 110, 111, 20, 144,
145, 146 are arranged on one main plane and elements 130,
131, 132, 141, 142, 143 are arranged on another main plane.
This provides compact size of the energy absorbing mechanism
according to the invention and allows to house it within the
support 101.  
  
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the spacer 110 is configured to
move in a substantially horizontal direction and the rack
130 is configured to move in a substantially vertical
direction, preferably downwards. Mounting of the rotatable
energy absorber 140 below the transverse beam 102 lowers the
centre of gravity of the road barrier and increases its
stability during impact.  
  
[0036] FIG. 5 shows the operating principle of the road
barrier during impact. An impact force imparted to the
transverse beam 102 causes movement of the spacer 110
towards the support 101 and, via the transmission 120,
movement of the rack 130 downwards. The downwards movement
of the rack 130 induces rotation of the at least one rotor
142, 143 of the rotatable energy absorber 140. At least part
of the impact energy is therefore converted to the kinetic
energy of the rotor 142, 143.  
  
[0037] FIG. 6 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a second embodiment of the invention in a side
view. The second embodiment is equivalent to the first
embodiment, with the following differences. The spacer 110
may comprise a compressible element 112, such as a spring or
a damper. Furthermore, the rack 130 may comprise a
compressible element 133, such as a spring or a damper. The
compressible elements 112, 133 allow absorbing of a part of
energy during the first phase of impact and facilitate
inducing the rotation of the rotatable energy absorber 140.  
  
[0038] FIG. 7 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a third embodiment of the invention in a side
view. The movable spacer 110 is coupled, via coupling means
150 in form of a strand 150, with a rotatable energy
absorber 140 fixed to the support 101 below the transverse
beam 102. The strand 150 is connected at a first end 151 to
the movable spacer 110 and at a second end 152 to the
rotatable energy absorber 140. A roller 153 defines the
pathway of the strand 150 along the support 101. Upon
impact, at least part of the energy imparted to the
transverse beam 102 in the first direction of the movement
of the spacer 110 is passed to the strand 150. The second
end 152 of the strand 150 is wound around a driving shaft
147 of the rotatable energy absorber 140 such that when
impact is imparted to the spacer 110 and the spacer moves
into the support, the tension of the strand 150 induces
rotation of the driving shaft 147 of the rotatable energy
absorber 140 and, consequently, rotation of the toothed
wheels 144, 145, 146 and of the rotors 142, 143.  
  
[0039] FIG. 8 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in a side
view. The fourth embodiment is equivalent to the third
embodiment, with the following differences. The second end
154 of the strand 150 is attached to a toothed bar 154
coupled with a toothed wheel transmission 141 of the
rotatable energy absorber 140 such that when impact is
imparted to the spacer 110 and the spacer 110 moves into the
support 101, the tension of the strand 150 induces, via the
toothed bar 154, rotation of the toothed transmission 141 of
the rotatable energy absorber 140 and, consequently,
rotation of the toothed wheels 144, 145, 146 and of the
rotors 142, 143.  
  
[0040] FIG. 9 shows the elements of the road barrier
according to a fifth embodiment of the invention in a
perspective view. The rotatable energy absorber 140 is fixed
to a structure 103 offset horizontally from the support 101,
to which the spacer 110 is fixed. The structure 103 can be a
ground anchor located aside the post. The structure 103 can
be also a neighbouring post, to which the transverse beam
102 is connected. In this embodiment, the coupling means
comprise vertical and horizontal coupling, for transferring
the energy of impact both in vertical and horizontal
direction. The vertical coupling means may have a form of a
vertical rotatable shaft 160, preferably housed within the
support 101. The first end 161 of the vertical shaft 160 is
coupled with the spacer 110 and configured to be induced
into rotation upon translational movement of the spacer 110.
In one example, the first end 161 of the vertical shaft may
be a toothed wheel coupled with a toothed bar at the end of
the spacer 110. In another example, as shown in FIG. 9, a
strain may be connected between the end of the spacer 110
and wound around a disc mounted at the end 161 of the shaft
160. The horizontal coupling means 170 may have a form of a
toothed bar, coupled at one end 171 with a toothed wheel at
the second end 162 of the shaft 160 and at another end 172
with the rotor 142. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the
horizontal coupling means 170 may have a form of a strand,
wound at one end 171 around the second end 162 of the shaft
160 and at another end 172 around a disc mounted on the
shaft of the rotor 142. Horizontally offsetting the
rotatable energy absorber 140 from the support 101 allows
using various kinds of rotatable energy absorbers 140, which
do not have to accommodate within the housing of the support
101. In all embodiments, the rotors of the rotatable energy
absorbers may be mounted so as to rotate around a horizontal
or vertical axis, depending on the desired configuration.  
  
[0041] FIG. 10 shows the process of manufacturing of the
road barrier according to the invention. In steps 301-306
the elements via which the impact energy is transmitted to
the rotatable energy absorber are formed, including the
rotor formed in step 301, the toothed bars formed in step
303 and the toothed wheels formed in step 305. The elements
are manufactured with high degree of precision, such as to
allow efficient movement of the elements with limited
friction upon impact of forces of large magnitude. The rotor
is balanced in step 302 by precise profiling such that it
can rotate with high rotational speeds. The teeth of the
toothed bars and toothed wheels are hardened in steps 304,
306 such as to withstand large forces and limit the friction
between them. The other elements of the road barrier, such
as the post and the transverse beam, are formed in step 307
and assembled in step 308. In order to provide high
precision of manufacture of the energy absorber and the
other components of the road barrier of the invention, the
following tools can be used: a water jet cutter, a band saw,
welding machines, a standard lathe, a precision lathe, a
standard miller, a precision miller, a surface grinder, an
external grinder, an internal grinder, a standard drill, a
pillar drill, a hydraulic press, a brake press, a bending
machine for tubes and sections, a hydraulic bending machine,
a belt grinder, a fitter's vice, a compressor, an
electro-erosion machine, a hobber, a threader, a welder,
cleaning tanks, measurement and control apparatus, a
hardening furnace, an electronic balancer, a marking-off
table and marking-off tools.  
  
[0042] The road barrier may comprise supports of the first
and/or second embodiment, and in addition it may be also
supported by other, typical supports. The supports of the
first or second embodiment may be installed at places with
high impact risk, such as sharp turns, while typical
supports may be installed at straight segments of the road.  
  


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**WO2014006477****SHOCK ABSORBING PLATFORM FOR UNLOADING CONTAINERS
AT PORTS**

  
A shock absorbing platform for unloading containers at
ports, comprising the top plate (1) guided vertically by
means of guides (3) and disposed substantially on the same
level as the surrounding stage (13) and a shock-absorbing
means connected with the plate and comprising kinetic energy
absorption rotor arrangements (10), characterized in that it
comprises an angular drive train arrangement (7) having an
input rod (6) and at least one output rod (8) perpendicular
to said input rod (6), wherein the input rod (6) is coupled
with the top plate (1) and the output rod (8) is connected
to the kinetic energy absorption rotor arrangement (10),
comprising at least two serially coupled racks (12, 13, 14)
driving the toothed wheel (16, 17, 18), wherein between at
least two serially connected racks (12, 13, 14)
shock-absorbing means (20); are arranged enabling for
relative displacement of the racks (12, 13, 14) in relation
to each other.  
  
The present invention relates to a shock absorbing platform
for unloading containers at ports, designed to protecting
containers or vehicles during loading operation against
effects of an excessively rapid drop of the unloaded
commodity during unloading operation. Bringing containers
down onto sea-platform constitutes a significant problem.
Unloading process depends on atmospheric conditions existing
on the sea. Strong winds blowing frequently, lateral
oscillation caused by a movement of sea-waves or
sea-currents result in great losses related with damages of
containers hitting sea- platforms. The force of impact of a
container against a platform is dependent on an
instantaneous weather conditions existing on the sea, and
therefore an unloading operation may be impossible during a
very short period of time.  
  
For providing shock absorption for containers being brought
down, the plates of platforms are supported by means of
resilient shock-absorbing arrangements. In different
solutions containers in an unload operation are protected by
employment of shield elements that are made of elastomeric
materials and absorb impacts.  
  
Another system designed for absorbing kinetic energy is
disclosed in international patent application WO2004028864
describing a rotor device in which kinetic energy is
converted into kinetic energy of rotating masses. In this
known solution an element absorbing energy is connected with
two toothed bars which by medium of toothed wheels drive
kinetic energy rotor accumulators in forms of rods with
moveable weights slidably mounted on the rods. An
appropriate progressiveness of energy absorption is obtained
in this known solution by employment of the moveable weights
located as close to the rotation axis of the rotor with the
rods as possible in order that a moment of inertia of the
rotor in the initial phase of energy absorption be as small
as possible. In further movement phase while the rotor
starts to rotate, the weights start to translocate under
influence of centrifugal force and move away from the
rotation axis along the rod axis, until they reach the rod
end limiters and in such weight positions the biggest moment
of inertia of rotor is achieved that enables for absorption
of the increased kinetic energy. International patent
application WO2005121593 discloses a device for absorbing
and dissipating kinetic energy comprising a beater element
cooperating with a rack inducing by means of a toothed wheel
a rotational movement of a kinetic energy rotor accumulator,
in order to transform impact energy into kinetic energy of
rotor accumulator rotational movement.  
  
Such known solutions do not provide high efficiency of a
shock absorption for impacts of containers during bringing
down operations at different bringing down velocities and
different masses. Therefore the object of the present
invention is to provide increased efficiency of absorbing
and dissipating different and random energy amounts.  
  
A shock-absorbing platform according to the present
invention comprises the top plate guided vertically by means
of guides and disposed substantially on the same level as
the surrounding stage and a shock-absorbing means connected
with the plate and comprising kinetic energy absorption
rotor arrangements. The solution is characterized in that it
comprises an angular drive train arrangement having an input
rod and at least one output rod perpendicular to said input
rod, wherein the input rod is coupled with the top plate and
the output rod is connected to the kinetic energy absorption
rotor arrangement, comprising at least two serially coupled
racks driving the toothed wheel, wherein between at least
two serially connected racks shock- absorbing means are
arranged enabling for relative displacement of the racks in
relation to each other.  
  
The kinetic energy rotor accumulators preferably have
differentiated capability of energy accumulation.  
  
The kinetic energy rotor accumulators preferably have
differentiated moments of inertia.  
  
The angular drive train arrangement preferably has a form of
a hydraulic T-piece having one input cylinder and at least
two output cylinders.  
  
Thanks to embedding shock absorbing elements between at
least two serially connected racks, appropriate gaps are
formed therebetween, that provides gradual inducing
rotational movements of alternate kinetic energy rotor
accumulators, and thus in turn it enables for obtaining an
abrupt stepped increase of capability of energy absorption.
Such a construction enables for adjustment of shock
absorbing capability of the platform in dependence of
requirements related with differentiated height from which
containers drop down onto the platform and with
differentiated mass of containers.  
  
Arrangement of shock absorbing elements in front of the
alternate racks results in a decrease of impact load acting
on cooperating elements during an actuation of alternate
kinetic energy rotor accumulators.  
  
Owing to a gradation of moment of inertia of alternate
kinetic energy rotor accumulator, in particular when kinetic
energy rotor accumulator driving by means of the first rack
has smaller moment of inertia than the moment of inertia of
kinetic energy rotor accumulator driven by means of the
second rack, especially advantageous, smooth and gradual
increase of capability of absorbing kinetic energy related
with a collision of the container with a platform is
achieved. The device arrangement according to the present
invention provides high efficiency of kinetic energy
absorption during impacts of low kinetic energy as well as
during impacts of higher kinetic energy. In the first
instance the device according to the present invention
provides efficient and very smooth impact energy absorption,
as an absorption of kinetic energy of progressive movement
takes place with using kinetic energy rotor accumulators of
the smallest moment of inertia. In the second instance, the
device according to the present invention also provides
appropriately efficient and uniform shock-absorption of
impact energy, as kinetic energy absorption takes place with
using several rotor accumulators of increasing energy
absorption capabilities. In case of impacts of greater
energy an additional effect occurs in the device according
to the present invention consisting in that impact kinetic
energy is in a great part accumulated in the rotor
accumulators featuring lower energy absorption capability
before the rotor accumulators featuring higher energy
absorption capability are actuated. Such a sequence of
energy absorption provides smoother operation of the device
according to the present invention during actuation of next
rotor accumulators, even those of the greatest capability of
energy absorption featuring the bigger moment of inertia.  
  
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are
schematically presented below in connection with the
attached drawings on which:  
  
**Fig. 1 presents a side view of a shock absorbing platform
according to the present invention during operation of
bringing down a container;****Fig. 2 presents the same platform during operation of
loading a container onto a transport vehicle, and****Fig. 3 depicts a kinetic energy absorption
arrangement.**

**![](wo2014006a.jpg) ![](wo2014006b.jpg) ![](wo2014006c.jpg)**

As presented in the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the
top plate 1 of the platform according to the present
invention is connected to a concrete cavity of the stage 2
by means of vertical guides 3 disposed in guiding sleeves 4
in which helical springs 5 are embedded pushing the guides 3
out. Under the central area of the top plate 1 is disposed
an output rod 6 of an angular drive train arrangement 7, and
each of two output rod 8, oriented perpendicularly relative
to the input rod 6, contacts a bumper 9 of kinetic energy
absorption rotor arrangement 10. In this embodiment the
angular drive train arrangement 7 has a form of a hydraulic
T-piece 11 , in which the input rod 6 constitutes the rod of
the input piston, and the output rod 8 constitutes the rods
of the output pistons. As shown in Fig. 3, the bumper 9 of
the kinetic energy absorption rotor arrangement 10 is
coupled to three serially connected racks 12, 13, 14.
Between the racks 12, 13, 14 and between the bumper 9 and
the first rack 12 appropriate gaps are defined enabling
appropriate operation of shock absorbing elements 20 and
providing a relative displacement of racks 12, 13, 14
relative to each other and between the bumper 9. Each of the
racks 12, 13, 14 interengages with a toothed wheel 15
driving a kinetic energy rotor accumulator 16, 17, 18,
wherein for achieving greater efficiency of absorbing and
dissipating impact energy, the first kinetic energy rotor
accumulator 16 driven by the first rack 12 has the smallest
moment of inertia, the second kinetic energy rotor
accumulator 17 driven by the second rack 13 has the medium
moment of inertia, whereas the third kinetic energy rotor
accumulator 18 driven by the third rack 4 has the greatest
moment of inertia. The bumper 9 is slidably coupled to the
side walls of the body plate 19 to which the guide of racks
12, 13, 14 is also attached.  
  
The progressiveness of a characteristic of impact energy
absorption may be adjusted by appropriate selection of
effective diameters of the driving toothed wheels 15 and by
appropriate selection of moments of inertia of alternate
kinetic energy rotor accumulators 16, 17, 18.  
  
In the described embodiments unidirectional couplings are
also employed, though not presented on the drawing, and
arranged between the toothed wheels 15 and kinetic energy
accumulators 16, 17, 18. The function of these
unidirectional couplings is transferring a torque onto
kinetic energy rotor accumulators. After absorption of
energy, when angular velocity of the appropriate toothed
wheel 15 shall be smaller than angular velocity of
corresponding kinetic energy rotor accumulator 16, 17, 18,
the unidirectional coupling becomes disconnected thus
enabling for unrestricted rotation of the kinetic energy
rotor accumulator 16, 17, 18. Energy acting upon the bumper
9 during a drop of a container on the top plate 1 is
transferred by medium of the rods 6, 8 of the hydraulic
T-piece 11 to the racks 12, 13, 14, and subsequently to
kinetic energy rotor accumulators 16, 17, 18. In a result of
serial arrangement of the racks 12, 13, 14, a consecutive
actuation of kinetic energy rotor accumulators 16, 17, 18 is
realized starting from the kinetic energy rotor accumulator
16 of the smallest moment of inertia, and ending with the
kinetic energy rotor accumulator 18 of the greatest moment
of inertia. In the solution according to the present
invention, the maximal idle stroke of the bumper 9 relative
to the endmost rack 14 driving the kinetic energy rotor
accumulator 18 of the greatest moment of inertia equals the
sum of the gaps between the bumper 9 and the first rack 1
and between the racks 12, 13, 14.




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