A novel thin-walled energy absorber based on multiple biomimetic techniques

Abstract

This invention discloses a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic techniques, relating to the field of impact protection technology. It solves the problems of poor energy absorption capacity, low specific energy absorption, and unstable energy absorption process inherent in traditional metal thin-walled energy-absorbing tubes. The thin-walled layers of this invention have a cylindrical structure with a corrugated wall. Several thin-walled layers are coaxially nested around a central column structure from the inside out, and are connected to the central column structure by several thin-walled ribs. Hollow columns are provided at the connection points between the thin-walled layers and the ribs. The central column structure includes several spiral tubes, which are coaxially spirally arranged in layers from the outside in. The spiral tubes of each layer are connected sequentially, and the spiral tubes of adjacent layers are also connected sequentially. This invention draws inspiration from the structures of spider webs, beetle elytra, cuttlebone, and wood fibers, effectively improving the energy absorption capacity of the energy-absorbing tube. The energy-absorbing tube has a higher specific energy absorption, a more stable energy absorption process, and a superior energy absorption effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of impact protection technology, specifically to a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic principles. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology, the requirements for the impact resistance of structures are becoming increasingly stringent. In the aerospace field, lightweight and high-strength landing gear is needed to absorb the impact loads during aircraft takeoff and landing. In the automotive field, bumpers with good energy-absorbing and impact-resistant performance are needed to reduce injuries to people during collisions. Metal thin-walled cylinders are lightweight and have high specific strength, and they undergo significant plastic deformation under external loads. As a common energy-absorbing device, they are widely used in vehicle engineering, aerospace, trains, ships, and other fields to protect the safety and stability of structures. However, traditional metal thin-walled energy-absorbing cylinders currently suffer from poor energy absorption capacity, low specific energy absorption, and unstable energy absorption process.

[0003] Through long-term evolution, plants and animals in nature have developed various excellent energy-absorbing structures. For example, spider webs can withstand high-speed impacts without damage. Beetle elytra are lightweight and possess good impact resistance to withstand impact loads from nature and predators. Cuttlefish bones can withstand enormous hydrostatic pressure to support and protect internal organs. Wood, with its lightweight and high specific strength, is a high-energy-absorbing material. Learning from the various energy-absorbing structures of plants and animals in nature is an important direction for the development of energy-absorbing structures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems of poor energy absorption capacity, low specific energy absorption, and unstable energy absorption process in traditional thin-walled metal energy-absorbing tubes, this invention proposes a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic techniques. Drawing inspiration from spider webs, beetle elytra, cuttlebone, and wood fiber structures, this invention effectively improves the energy absorption capacity of the tube, resulting in a higher specific energy absorption, a more stable energy absorption process, and superior energy absorption performance.

[0005] This invention proposes a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic structures, specifically comprising several thin-walled layers and a central column structure. The thin-walled layers are cylindrical structures, and the thin-walled layers are coaxially sleeved on the outside of the central column structure from the inside out. The thin-walled layers and the central column structure are connected by several thin-walled ribs. The central column structure includes several spiral tubes, which are coaxially spirally arranged and layered from the outside in. The spiral tubes of each layer are connected sequentially, and the spiral tubes of adjacent layers are connected sequentially.

[0006] Furthermore, the spiral tube is a circular tube.

[0007] Furthermore, the diameter of the spiral tube is the same.

[0008] Furthermore, the helix angle of the spiral tube gradually increases from the outer layer to the inner layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the helix angle of the spiral tube increases in an arithmetic sequence from the outer layer to the inner layer.

[0010] Furthermore, the central column structure also includes a cylindrical outer wall, which is coaxially sleeved outside the outermost spiral tube and connected to the outermost spiral tube; the cylindrical outer wall is connected by thin-walled ribs and thin-walled layers.

[0011] Furthermore, a hollow column is provided at the connection node between the thin-walled layer and the thin-walled rib.

[0012] Furthermore, the cylindrical wall of the thin-walled layer has a corrugated structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the corrugation direction of the corrugated structure of the thin-walled cylinder wall is transverse.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic techniques described in this invention are as follows:

[0015] (1) The novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimicry described in this invention overcomes the problems of poor energy absorption capacity, small specific energy absorption, and unstable energy absorption process of traditional metal thin-walled energy-absorbing tubes. By referencing the structures of spider webs, beetle elytra, cuttlebone, and wood fiber, the thin-walled layer is designed as a corrugated structure imitating the structure of cuttlebone, and several thin-walled ribs are used to connect several thin-walled layers to form a spider web structure. Hollow columns are set at the connection nodes of the spider web structure, imitating the structure of beetle elytra. The central column structure is based on the wood fiber structure, and several spiral tubes are set inside. The spiral tubes are coaxially arranged and nested. The central column structure is connected by thin-walled ribs and thin-walled layers to form the whole energy-absorbing tube, which effectively improves the energy absorption capacity of the energy-absorbing tube, the specific energy absorption of the energy-absorbing tube is large, the energy absorption process is more stable, and the energy absorption effect is better.

[0016] (2) The novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple bionics described in this invention can adjust the mechanical properties of the energy-absorbing tube, such as Young's modulus, yield strength and energy absorption capacity, by adjusting the helix angle of the helical tube, thereby meeting the requirements of different application scenarios;

[0017] (3) The novel thin-walled energy absorber based on multiple bionics described in this invention can be manufactured using different 3D printing processes such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and selective laser melting (SLM). After printing, the support does not need to be removed, resulting in high forming quality and less printing time. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0019] In the attached diagram:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimicry, as described in this invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of the configuration of a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimicry as described in this invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This invention relates to a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube configuration based on multiple biomimetic techniques. Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top view of a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic principles as described in this invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a front view of a second configuration of a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimicry, as described in this invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This invention relates to a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube configuration based on multiple biomimetic techniques. Figure 5 Sectional view at point BB;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a top view of a second configuration of a novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimicry, as described in this invention.

[0027] Wherein: 1-thin-walled layer, 2-hollow column, 3-thin-walled rib, 4-central column structure, 5-spiral tube, 6-outer wall. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of this invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of, and not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0032] Specific implementation method one: See Figures 1-7 This embodiment is described in detail. The novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic designs described in this embodiment specifically includes several thin-walled layers 1 and a central column structure 4. The thin-walled layers 1 are cylindrical structures, with the cylindrical wall designed as a corrugated structure, referencing a cuttlebone structure. The corrugation direction of the corrugated structure is transverse and perpendicular to the axis of the thin-walled layers 1. Several thin-walled layers 1 are coaxially sleeved around the central column structure 4 from the inside out. Several thin-walled layers 1 are connected to each other, and the innermost thin-walled layer 1 is connected to the central column structure 4 by several thin-walled ribs 3, which are evenly distributed circumferentially. The several thin-walled layers 1 and several thin-walled ribs... 3. A spider web-like structure is formed, with thin-walled layer 1 being the weft of the spider web-like structure and thin-walled ribs 3 being the warp of the spider web-like structure; the central column structure 4 imitates the wood fiber structure; the central column structure 4 includes several spiral tubes 5, which are coaxially spirally arranged and layered from the outside to the inside. In this embodiment, three layers of spiral tubes 5 are provided; the spiral tubes 5 in each layer are connected in sequence, and the spiral tubes 5 in adjacent layers are connected in sequence; the spiral tubes 5 are not densely packed, and cavities are left between the spiral tubes 5; the central column structure 4 has a channel formed by the innermost spiral tube 5 in the center.

[0033] The spiral tube 5 is a circular tube, and the diameters of the plurality of spiral tubes 5 are the same.

[0034] The helix angle of the spiral tube 5 gradually increases from the outer layer to the inner layer, and increases in an arithmetic progression; for example... Figure 3 As shown, the helix angles of the three-layer helical tube 5 in configuration one are 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees from the outside to the inside; as Figure 6 As shown, the helix angles of the three-layer helical tube 5 in configuration two are 5 degrees, 10 degrees, and 15 degrees from the outside to the inside. By changing different helix angles, the Young's modulus, yield strength, and energy absorption capacity can be adjusted. This is because the smaller the helix winding angle, the greater the axial component of the load on the helical structure, the stronger the load-bearing capacity, the greater the Young's modulus and yield strength, and the more energy absorbed within the same stroke.

[0035] The central column structure 4 also includes an outer wall 6, which is coaxially sleeved outside the outermost spiral tube 5 and connected to the outermost spiral tube 5; the outer wall 6 is connected to the thin-walled layer 1 by thin-walled ribs 3. At the connection node between the thin-walled layer 1 and the thin-walled ribs 3, a hollow column 2 is provided, imitating the structure of a beetle elytra.

[0036] Table 1 shows a comparison of Young's modulus, yield strength, total energy absorption, specific energy absorption, and impact efficiency for energy-absorbing tubes without biomimetic structures, configuration one of this embodiment, and configuration two of this embodiment. The material used is 316L stainless steel. The helix angles of configuration two are 5, 10, and 15 degrees, which are smaller than those of configuration one (15, 30, and 45 degrees). Configuration two has higher Young's modulus, yield strength, total energy absorption, and specific energy absorption. Therefore, by changing the helix angle of different helical structures, the Young's modulus, yield strength, and energy absorption capacity can be adjusted.

[0037] Table 1

[0038]

[0039] In summary, the novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic techniques described in this invention overcomes the problems of poor energy absorption capacity, low specific energy absorption, and unstable energy absorption process of traditional metal thin-walled energy-absorbing tubes. By referencing the structures of spider webs, beetle elytra, cuttlebone, and wood fibers, the thin-walled layer 1 is designed as a corrugated structure, mimicking the structure of cuttlebone. Several thin-walled ribs 3 connect several thin-walled layers 1 to form a spider web-like structure. Hollow columns 2 are set at the connection nodes of the spider web structure, mimicking the structure of beetle elytra. The central column structure 4 is designed with reference to the wood fiber structure, and several spiral tubes 5 are set inside, which are coaxially arranged and nested. The central column structure 4 is connected to the thin-walled layers 1 through the thin-walled ribs 3 to form the whole energy-absorbing tube, which effectively improves the energy absorption capacity of the energy-absorbing tube, resulting in a higher specific energy absorption, a more stable energy absorption process, and a superior energy absorption effect. The present invention discloses a novel thin-walled energy absorber tube based on multiple biomimicry. By adjusting the helix angle of the spiral tube 5, the mechanical properties of the energy absorber tube, such as Young's modulus, yield strength, and energy absorption capacity, can be adjusted to meet the requirements of different application scenarios. The novel thin-walled energy absorber tube based on multiple biomimicry can be manufactured using different 3D printing processes such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and selective laser melting (SLM). After printing, there is no need to remove the support, resulting in high forming quality and less printing time.

[0040] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. They can also be reasonable combinations of the features described in the above embodiments. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimetic techniques, characterized in that: It includes several thin-walled layers (1) and a central column structure (4). The thin-walled layers (1) are cylindrical structures. The thin-walled layers (1) are coaxially sleeved on the outside of the central column structure (4) from the inside to the outside. The thin-walled layers (1) are connected to each other and the innermost thin-walled layer (1) and the central column structure (4) are connected by several thin-walled ribs (3). The central column structure (4) includes several spiral tubes (5). The spiral tubes (5) are coaxially spirally arranged and layered from the outside to the inside. The spiral tubes (5) of each layer are connected in sequence, and the spiral tubes (5) of adjacent layers are connected in sequence. A hollow column (2) is provided at the connection node between the thin-walled layers (1) and the thin-walled ribs (3). The cylindrical wall of the thin-walled layer (1) is a corrugated structure.

2. The novel thin-walled energy-absorbing tube based on multiple biomimicry as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The spiral tube (5) is a circular tube.

3. The novel thin-walled energy absorber based on multiple biomimicry as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The spiral tubes (5) have the same diameter.

4. The novel thin-walled energy absorber based on multiple biomimicry as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The helix angle of the spiral tube (5) gradually increases from the outer layer to the inner layer.

5. The novel thin-walled energy absorber based on multiple biomimicry as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The helix angle of the spiral tube (5) increases in an arithmetic sequence from the outer layer to the inner layer.

6. The novel thin-walled energy absorber based on multiple biomimetic techniques according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The central column structure (4) also includes an outer wall (6), which is coaxially sleeved outside the outermost spiral tube (5) and connected to the outermost spiral tube (5); the outer wall (6) is connected to the thin-walled layer (1) through thin-walled ribs (3).

7. The novel thin-walled energy absorber based on multiple biomimicry as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The corrugation direction of the corrugated structure of the thin-walled layer (1) cylinder wall is transverse.

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