Adaptive crash energy management system and vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses an adaptive collision energy absorption system based on smart materials. By integrating magnetorheological smart materials, multi-sensor fusion, electromagnetic field control, and a hierarchical energy absorption structure, it achieves real-time adaptive absorption and reversible deformation of collision energy. The system consists of a smart material energy absorption module, a sensor module, a control module, an energy management module, and a mechanical structure module. The smart material undergoes a phase transition under the influence of an electromagnetic field, achieving efficient energy absorption through friction of the particle chains, magnetic moment redirection, and chain recombination. After a low-speed collision, it can automatically recover by removing the magnetic field, and during high-speed collisions, it works in conjunction with a traditional energy absorption box. This invention also discloses a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive technology. Specifically, this invention relates to an adaptive collision energy absorption system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional vehicle collision energy absorption systems typically employ fixed-structure energy absorption devices (such as energy-absorbing boxes, longitudinal beams, and other collision deformation structures). Their energy absorption characteristics are determined during the design and manufacturing stages, and are fixed depending on the design structure and applied materials. They cannot be dynamically adjusted according to actual collision conditions, and repair costs after collision deformation are high. In recent years, the application of smart materials (such as shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials, and magnetorheological materials) in engineering fields has gradually increased. These materials possess the characteristic of responding to external stimuli (such as temperature, stress, electric fields, and magnetic fields), enabling dynamic adjustment of material properties. Their application in automotive suspension design is now widespread.

[0003] Vehicle collision safety is one of the core indicators of automobile design. As a key structure for ensuring the safety of passengers, the performance of the collision energy absorption system directly determines the buffering effect and energy absorption efficiency of the peak acceleration during a collision. Currently, traditional vehicle collision energy absorption structures mainly rely on rigid components such as steel or aluminum alloy energy-absorbing boxes and anti-collision beams. These absorb collision energy through pre-designed crumple zones that undergo plastic deformation during a collision. However, the geometric parameters and material properties of such traditional structures are fixed after the design is completed. They cannot dynamically adjust the energy absorption ratio according to actual collision conditions (such as collision speed, collision angle, obstacle type, etc.). This makes it difficult to balance the repair economy of low-speed collisions and the safety protection of high-speed collisions when facing complex collision scenarios, resulting in inherent defects such as low energy absorption efficiency and poor adaptability.

[0004] To address the limitations of traditional energy-absorbing structures, the industry has begun exploring the application of smart materials in collision energy absorption systems. Among these, magnetorheological materials have become a research hotspot due to their ability to rapidly and reversibly control mechanical properties such as shear yield strength and viscosity under the influence of a magnetic field. Some existing patents propose using magnetorheological materials to replace traditional energy-absorbing box structures, thereby dynamically adjusting the energy absorption process by applying a controllable magnetic field during the collision to alter the material's mechanical properties.

[0005] However, practice has shown that simply using magnetorheological materials to replace traditional energy-absorbing boxes still has significant shortcomings: under high-speed collision conditions, the collision energy is enormous and the duration is extremely short. Relying solely on the performance regulation of magnetorheological materials is insufficient to achieve multi-level gradient energy absorption and buffering, and cannot effectively reduce the peak collision acceleration. Due to the lack of a graded energy absorption mechanism, the material reaches its ultimate load-bearing state in a short time, leading to a sharp drop in energy absorption efficiency, and may even result in premature structural failure, thus losing its protective function for occupants.

[0006] An adaptive collision energy absorption system is provided, particularly regarding how to enable the collision energy absorption system to adapt to different collision conditions, especially to effectively cope with high-speed collisions and improve vehicle collision safety. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides an adaptive collision energy absorption system, designed to ensure adaptability to different collision conditions, especially to effectively cope with high-speed collisions, thereby improving vehicle collision safety.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an adaptive collision energy absorption system, comprising:

[0009] The sensor module is placed in the critical collision area of ​​the vehicle to collect collision-related data in real time.

[0010] The control module is connected to the sensor module by signal. Based on the collected collision data, it determines the collision type and intensity through a preset algorithm, calculates the required energy absorption characteristics, and generates control signals.

[0011] The smart material energy absorption module is made of smart materials with field-induced phase transition properties, used to change the material state under the influence of an electromagnetic field to achieve energy absorption and release; and

[0012] The energy management module provides operating power to the sensor module, control module, and smart material energy absorption module.

[0013] The sensor module includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, and a displacement sensor, and is located at the front and side of the vehicle.

[0014] The control module applies a variable electromagnetic field to the smart material energy absorption module through a drive circuit. The strength of the electromagnetic field is positively correlated with the collision intensity. When the collision intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the control module triggers the smart material energy absorption module to enter a high-damping working mode.

[0015] The intelligent material energy absorption module uses magnetorheological material as the base material. Under the action of electromagnetic field, the magnetorheological material is arranged along magnetic field lines to form a chain / column structure. Energy dissipation is achieved through the shearing / compression deformation of particle chains, energy dissipation through magnetic moment reversal, and chain breakage-reorganization process under high strain rate.

[0016] The control module includes a preset algorithm, which is used to determine the collision type and collision intensity and calculate the required stiffness and damping parameters. The drive circuit is used to convert the control signal into an electromagnetic field and apply it to the magnetorheological material.

[0017] The magnitude of the current output by the driving circuit is adjusted according to the difference in collision intensity, so as to change the magnetic field strength applied to the magnetorheological material.

[0018] The adaptive collision energy absorption system also includes:

[0019] The mechanical structure module installs the smart material energy-absorbing module on the front bumper beam or side sill beam of the vehicle.

[0020] The intelligent material energy-absorbing module is installed on the front bumper beam of the vehicle through the mechanical structure module, and the intelligent material energy-absorbing module is located between the front bumper beam and the energy-absorbing box structure of the vehicle.

[0021] The mechanical structure module includes:

[0022] The front-end mounting structure is fixedly connected to the front anti-collision beam by mounting bolts;

[0023] The rear mounting structure is fixedly connected to the energy-absorbing box by mounting bolts;

[0024] The longitudinal beam connection structure is connected to the front longitudinal beam end plate by bolts, forming a front collision energy transfer path.

[0025] The present invention also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned adaptive collision energy absorption system.

[0026] The adaptive collision energy absorption system of this invention can adjust its energy absorption characteristics in real time according to the collision intensity, adapting to various collision scenarios. Through the dynamic adjustment of smart materials, the energy absorption process is optimized, reducing the risk of occupant injury. The high-efficiency energy absorption characteristics of smart materials can reduce the amount of traditional energy absorption structures used, achieving a lightweight design. Combining traditional energy absorption structures with smart materials enables graded energy absorption, improving system reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0027] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the adaptive collision energy absorption module;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-stage intelligent energy absorption system;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the intelligent energy absorption module;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the intelligent energy absorption system.

[0032] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Front bumper beam; 2-Intelligent energy absorption module actuator; 3-Energy absorption box; 4-Front longitudinal beam mounting end plate; 5-First mounting bolt; 6-Second mounting bolt; 7-Front longitudinal beam structure; 8-Electromagnetic induction coil; 9-Magnetorheological fluid; 10-Buffer housing; 11-Intelligent energy absorption module mounting end plate; 12-Sealing ring; 13-Piston slide; 14-Vehicle low-voltage power supply; 15-Intelligent energy absorption module control mechanism; 16-Third mounting bolt; 17-Front collision sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the concept and technical solutions of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0034] Firstly, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an adaptive collision energy absorption system, comprising:

[0035] The sensor module is placed in the critical collision area of ​​the vehicle to collect collision-related data in real time.

[0036] The control module is connected to the sensor module by signal. Based on the collected collision data, it determines the collision type and intensity through a preset algorithm, calculates the required energy absorption characteristics, and generates control signals.

[0037] The smart material energy absorption module is made of smart materials with field-induced phase transition properties, used to change the material state under the influence of an electromagnetic field to achieve energy absorption and release; and

[0038] The energy management module provides operating power for the sensor module, control module, and smart material energy absorption module.

[0039] Specifically, this invention relates to the field of vehicle collision safety technology, and more specifically to an adaptive collision energy absorption system based on smart materials. This system can adjust its energy absorption characteristics in real time according to the collision intensity, thereby improving vehicle collision safety. Furthermore, its deformation is reversible, reducing post-collision repair costs. It is particularly suitable for A00-class cars with limited front compartment space and new energy vehicles with high collision energy absorption requirements, allowing them to absorb more energy within a limited space, and its deformation is reversible.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, the adaptive collision energy absorption system mainly consists of five parts: a smart material energy absorption module, a sensor module, a control module, an energy management module, and a mechanical structure module.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, the sensor module includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, and a displacement sensor, and is arranged at the front and side of the vehicle for real-time monitoring of collision intensity and collision force distribution. The sensor module can be shared with the vehicle's passive collision safety system, collecting the same collision signals and transmitting them to the control module for analysis and judgment.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, the control module, based on data collected by sensors, determines the collision type and intensity through a control algorithm, calculates the required energy absorption characteristics (including stiffness and damping) in real time, and generates a control signal. The control signal applies an electromagnetic field to the magnetorheological material through a drive circuit, thereby changing the magnetic field strength of the magnetorheological material to regulate its inversion state transformation.

[0043] The control module applies a variable electromagnetic field to the smart material energy absorption module through the drive circuit. The strength of the electromagnetic field is positively correlated with the collision strength. When the collision strength exceeds a preset threshold, the control module triggers the smart material energy absorption module to enter a high-damping working mode.

[0044] In this embodiment of the invention, the smart material energy absorption module uses magnetorheological material as the base material, matched with a closed cavity structure design. Under the stimulation of external electromagnetic forces, the magnetorheological material aligns along magnetic field lines to form a chain / column structure, creating a solid-like structure and generating high yield stress. Upon being compressed or sheared, it generates frictional heat, thereby converting kinetic energy into thermal energy, which is then naturally dissipated. Furthermore, the breaking and reforming of particle chains under high strain rates further contributes to energy absorption.

[0045] The smart material energy absorption module uses magnetorheological materials as the base material. Under the action of an electromagnetic field, the magnetorheological materials are arranged along the magnetic field lines to form a chain / column structure. Energy dissipation is achieved through the shearing / compression deformation of the particle chains, energy dissipation through magnetic moment reversal, and energy dissipation through chain breakage and recombination under high strain rate.

[0046] In this embodiment of the invention, the energy management module is the original low-voltage power supply device of the passenger vehicle, which provides power to the system and supports the operation of the sensors, control modules and drive circuits.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the control module includes a preset algorithm, which is used to determine the collision type and collision intensity and calculate the required stiffness and damping parameters. The drive circuit is used to convert the control signal into an electromagnetic field and apply it to the magnetorheological material.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the magnitude of the current output by the driving circuit is adjusted according to the difference in collision intensity, so as to change the magnetic field strength applied to the magnetorheological material.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, the mechanical structure module installs the intelligent material energy-absorbing module on the front bumper beam 1 or the side sill beam of the vehicle. The mechanical structure module integrates the intelligent material energy-absorbing module into key components such as the front bumper beam 1 or the side sill beam, combining the traditional energy-absorbing box 3 structure with the application of intelligent materials to achieve graded energy absorption. Deformation can be recovered in low-speed collisions, reducing maintenance costs; in high-speed collisions, it can reduce peak impact acceleration, thereby reducing occupant injury.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the intelligent material energy absorption module is installed on the front bumper beam 1 of the vehicle through a mechanical structure module. The intelligent material energy absorption module is located between the front bumper beam 1 and the energy absorption box 3 structure of the vehicle.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the mechanical structure module includes:

[0052] The front-end mounting structure is fixedly connected to the front anti-collision beam by the third mounting bolt 16;

[0053] The rear mounting structure is fixedly connected to the energy-absorbing box 3 by the second mounting bolt 6;

[0054] The longitudinal beam connection structure is connected to the front longitudinal beam end plate by the first mounting bolt 5, forming a front collision energy transfer path.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the front end of the intelligent material energy-absorbing module is fixedly connected to the front anti-collision beam via the third mounting bolt 16, and the rear end is fixedly connected to the energy-absorbing box 3 via the second mounting bolt 6, forming the intelligent graded energy-absorbing system of the energy-absorbing box 3. The intelligent material energy-absorbing module is located between the front anti-collision beam 1 and the energy-absorbing box 3 structure of the vehicle. The energy-absorbing box 3 is fixedly connected to the front longitudinal beam end plate via the first mounting bolt 5, realizing the assembly of the front collision area of ​​the vehicle. The front longitudinal beam end plate is fixedly installed at one end of the front longitudinal beam of the vehicle.

[0056] The sensor module includes a front collision sensor 17 mounted on the front longitudinal beam. The smart material energy absorption module also includes a buffer housing 10, a piston slide, and an electromagnetic induction coil 8. The electromagnetic induction coil 8 is mounted on the buffer housing 10, and the inner cavity of the buffer housing 10 is filled with magnetorheological fluid. After receiving a control signal, the electromagnetic induction coil 8 is energized to generate a magnetic field, causing the magnetic particles in the magnetorheological material to align along the magnetic field lines into a chain or columnar structure. A piston is mounted within the inner cavity of the buffer housing 10, surrounded by the magnetorheological fluid. One end of the piston is connected to the piston slide, and the other end of the piston slide is connected to a mounting plate 11. The mounting plate 11 is connected to the energy absorption box 3. A sealing ring is provided between the piston slide and the buffer housing 10 for sealing.

[0057] When a collision occurs, the front collision sensor 17 first receives the collision pulse and transmits the information to the control module. The control module processes and analyzes the data to determine the collision level, direction, and intensity. Based on the pre-calibrated program, it determines the appropriate strategy to execute and issues commands. The electromagnetic induction coil 8 is energized (the current varies depending on the magnitude of the collision). After energization, a magnetic field is generated. Magnetic particles in the magnetorheological fluid are acted upon by the magnetic field and, within milliseconds, align along the magnetic field lines to form chain-like or columnar structures, undergoing morphological changes to form a plastic-like body and generating high yield stress. When the collision force is transmitted to the intelligent energy-absorbing structure, energy is dissipated through frictional heat generated by the particle chains during shearing / compression deformation; the magnetic moments of the particles deflect in the alternating magnetic field, consuming energy; and the particle chains break and reform under high strain rates, continuously consuming energy. Thus, the collision kinetic energy absorption and conversion is completed.

[0058] After the work is completed, the heat dissipates through natural cooling. Once the magnetic field disappears, the magnetorheological fluid returns to its liquid state, and the structure returns to normal. For low-speed collisions below 15 km / h, the magnetorheological energy-absorbing structure can function repeatedly. When the collision intensity is high and the smart material energy-absorbing module cannot completely absorb the collision energy, the rear energy-absorbing box 3 participates in deformation and energy absorption, achieving a combined effect.

[0059] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a vehicle including an adaptive collision energy absorption system with the above-described structure. This adaptive collision energy absorption system can be referred to... Figures 1 to 4 Further details will not be elaborated here. Since the vehicle of the present invention includes the adaptive collision energy absorption system described in the above embodiments, it possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned adaptive collision energy absorption system.

[0060] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive collision energy absorption system, characterized in that, include: The sensor module is placed in the critical collision area of ​​the vehicle to collect collision-related data in real time. The control module is connected to the sensor module by signal. Based on the collected collision data, it determines the collision type and intensity through a preset algorithm, calculates the required energy absorption characteristics, and generates control signals. The smart material energy absorption module is made of smart materials with field-induced phase change properties, which are used to change the state of the material under the action of an electromagnetic field to achieve energy absorption and release. as well as The energy management module provides operating power to the sensor module, control module, and smart material energy absorption module.

2. The adaptive collision energy absorption system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor module includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, and a displacement sensor, and is located at the front and side of the vehicle.

3. The adaptive collision energy absorption system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module applies a variable electromagnetic field to the smart material energy absorption module through a drive circuit. The strength of the electromagnetic field is positively correlated with the collision intensity. When the collision intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the control module triggers the smart material energy absorption module to enter a high-damping working mode.

4. The adaptive collision energy absorption system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The intelligent material energy absorption module uses magnetorheological material as the base material. Under the action of electromagnetic field, the magnetorheological material is arranged along magnetic field lines to form a chain / column structure. Energy dissipation is achieved through the shearing / compression deformation of particle chains, energy dissipation through magnetic moment reversal, and chain breakage-reorganization process under high strain rate.

5. The adaptive collision energy absorption system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control module includes a preset algorithm, which is used to determine the collision type and collision intensity and calculate the required stiffness and damping parameters. The drive circuit is used to convert the control signal into an electromagnetic field and apply it to the magnetorheological material.

6. The adaptive collision energy absorption system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The magnitude of the current output by the driving circuit is adjusted according to the difference in collision intensity, so as to change the magnetic field strength applied to the magnetorheological material.

7. The adaptive collision energy absorption system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The mechanical structure module installs the smart material energy-absorbing module on the front bumper beam or side sill beam of the vehicle.

8. The adaptive collision energy absorption system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The intelligent material energy-absorbing module is installed on the front bumper beam of the vehicle through the mechanical structure module, and the intelligent material energy-absorbing module is located between the front bumper beam and the energy-absorbing box structure of the vehicle.

9. The adaptive collision energy absorption system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mechanical structure module includes: The front-end mounting structure is fixedly connected to the front anti-collision beam by mounting bolts; The rear mounting structure is fixedly connected to the energy-absorbing box by mounting bolts; The longitudinal beam connection structure is connected to the front longitudinal beam end plate by bolts, forming a front collision energy transfer path.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the adaptive collision energy absorption system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images