Shock absorber based on bionic structure design

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of shock absorbers, and discloses a shock absorber based on bionic structure design, which comprises a shock absorber body, and an anti-collision beam mounting plate and a longitudinal beam mounting plate which are respectively connected with two longitudinal ends of the shock absorber body, the shock absorber body comprises an outer layer and a plurality of beam-honeycomb structure units. The overall cross section of the outer layer is a regular hexagon, hollow beams are arranged at the inner corners of the regular hexagon, the bus section of each hollow beam is wavy, and the section shapes of the six side faces of the outer layer are matched with the bus section of each hollow beam; the outer layer is filled with the multiple beam-honeycomb structure units, and each beam-honeycomb structure unit comprises six hollow inner beams distributed in a regular hexagon shape and six side walls connected with the adjacent inner beams; the bus section of the inner beam is the same as that of the hollow beam; the adjacent beam-honeycomb structure units share the inner beam. The shock absorber designed according to the bionics principle forms a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism, the absorption and dispersion efficiency of collision energy is remarkably improved, and impact force transmitted to an automobile body is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vibration damper technology, specifically to a vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design. Background Technology

[0002] In the continuous development of safety technology, shock absorbers, as key components, directly affect safety in collision accidents. Traditional shock absorbers typically employ simple geometries and single-material structures, exhibiting significant deficiencies in energy absorption and dispersion. For example, common shock absorbers have low energy absorption efficiency when subjected to collision impacts, failing to effectively buffer and convert powerful impact forces. This results in a significant amount of energy being directly transferred to the main structure, greatly increasing the risk of injury to personnel.

[0003] Furthermore, the structural design of traditional vibration dampers often fails to adequately consider the complex stress conditions during a collision, easily leading to stress concentration points in localized areas. This can cause the dampers to crack or fail prematurely, preventing them from continuously and stably absorbing energy. Moreover, their energy absorption performance is unstable in multiple collisions or collisions under different operating conditions, making it difficult to provide reliable safety protection.

[0004] With the deepening application of bionics in the engineering field, the ingenious structures of many organisms in nature have provided a rich source of inspiration for solving engineering and technical problems. In the long process of natural evolution, beetles have developed a unique structure in their elytra, which can effectively protect them when subjected to external impacts. This structural characteristic has brought new opportunities for the innovative design of shock absorbers. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problems of existing vibration dampers, such as low energy absorption efficiency, easy failure due to stress concentration, and unstable performance under various working conditions, this utility model proposes a vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design, which improves energy absorption and dispersion efficiency, optimizes stress distribution, and enhances structural reliability by incorporating the elytra of beetles.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design includes a vibration damper body and anti-collision beam mounting plates and longitudinal beam mounting plates respectively connected to the two longitudinal ends of the vibration damper body.

[0008] The shock absorber body is connected to the anti-collision beam via the anti-collision beam mounting plate, and the shock absorber body is connected to the longitudinal beam via the longitudinal beam mounting plate;

[0009] The vibration damper body includes an outer layer and multiple beam-honeycomb structural units;

[0010] The outer layer has a cross-section that is generally a regular hexagon. A hollow beam is arranged at the intersection of the lengths of two adjacent sides of the regular hexagon. The generatrix cross-section of the hollow beam is wavy. The cross-sectional shape of the six sides of the outer layer in the length direction is a wavy plate with the same generatrix cross-section as the hollow beam.

[0011] Multiple beam-cell structure units fill the outer layer. Each beam-cell structure unit includes six hollow inner beams distributed in a regular hexagonal pattern and six sidewalls for connecting two adjacent inner beams. The generatrix cross-section of the inner beams is wavy. One pair of opposite sidewalls among the six sidewalls are straight plates, and the cross-sectional shape of the remaining four sidewalls along their length is a wavy plate with the same generatrix cross-section as the inner beams. The length direction of the inner beams is along the longitudinal direction of the damper body. Adjacent beam-cell structure units share two inner beams and one sidewall.

[0012] Furthermore, the generatrix cross-sections of the hollow beam or inner beam are sinusoidal waveform curves.

[0013] Furthermore, the hollow beam or inner beam has the same generatrix cross section, and the expression for the sinusoidal waveform curve is X = AsinZ, where A is a preset amplitude.

[0014] Furthermore, the amplitude A = 5 mm.

[0015] Furthermore, the surface roughness Ra of the outer layer is ≥3.2μm.

[0016] Furthermore, the beam-honeycomb structure unit is an aluminum alloy honeycomb core or a carbon fiber material.

[0017] Furthermore, the shape of the anti-collision beam mounting plate matches the end profile of one longitudinal end of the shock absorber body.

[0018] Furthermore, the longitudinal beam mounting plate is a regular hexagonal plate and its dimensions are larger than the end face of the other longitudinal end of the damper body.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. Improve energy absorption and dispersion efficiency: By designing the curved shape and layered composite structure of the shock absorber body based on biomimetic principles, a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism is formed, which significantly improves the absorption and dispersion efficiency of collision energy and reduces the impact force transmitted to the vehicle body.

[0021] 2. Optimize stress distribution and structural reliability: Adopt an integral regular hexagonal cross section and a biomimetic beam-honeycomb structural unit support system to evenly distribute collision stress, avoid local stress concentration, and enhance the structural integrity and durability of the vibration damper in single or multiple collisions.

[0022] 3. Enhanced adaptability to multiple working conditions: Through flexible connection design and the synergistic deformation characteristics of biomimetic materials, the shock absorber can stably perform its damping function under different collision directions, speeds and angles, providing reliable all-round safety protection and improving collision safety performance.

[0023] 4. Achieve lightweight and cost-effectiveness: By combining high-strength aluminum alloy, carbon fiber and other lightweight materials with optimized structural design, the weight of the shock absorber is reduced while ensuring performance, improving economy and simplifying the production process to reduce manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the vibration damper proposed in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the beam-honeycomb structure unit proposed in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the beam-honeycomb structure unit proposed in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the shock absorber proposed in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a left view of the shock absorber proposed in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a top view of the vibration damper proposed in this utility model.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Shock absorber body; 2. Outer layer; 3. Longitudinal beam mounting plate; 4. Inner beam; 6. Bolt hole; 7. Anti-collision beam mounting plate; 8. First straight plate; 9. Second straight plate. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figure 1-6 The vibration damper shown is based on a biomimetic structural design and includes a vibration damper body 1 and anti-collision beam mounting plate 7 and longitudinal beam mounting plate 3, which are respectively connected to the two longitudinal ends of the vibration damper body 1.

[0034] The shock absorber body 1 is connected to the vehicle's anti-collision beam via the anti-collision beam mounting plate 7, and the shock absorber body 1 is connected to the vehicle's longitudinal beam via the longitudinal beam mounting plate 3.

[0035] Preferably, the shape of the anti-collision beam mounting plate 7 matches the end profile of one longitudinal end of the shock absorber body 1. The longitudinal beam mounting plate 3 is a regular hexagonal plate and its size is larger than the end face of the other longitudinal end of the shock absorber body 1. The longitudinal beam mounting plate 3 can cover the other longitudinal end of the shock absorber body 1, so that the position of the longitudinal beam mounting plate 3 near the outer edge can be used to set the bolt holes 6.

[0036] Both the anti-collision beam mounting plate and the longitudinal beam mounting plate are hexagonal structures. The former's dimensions are exactly the same as the cross-section of the shock absorber body, ensuring a seamless connection, reducing installation gaps, and improving overall structural strength. The identical dimensions also allow for the even distribution of impact forces to the shock absorber body. The latter's dimensions are larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the shock absorber body. This larger size facilitates matching with the vehicle's longitudinal beams to accommodate different vehicle models' installation spaces. Furthermore, several bolt holes are evenly distributed along the side edges, ensuring uniform distribution of tightening force and preventing localized deformation or tearing.

[0037] The damper body 1 includes an outer layer 2 and multiple beam-honeycomb structural units.

[0038] The outer layer 2 has a generally hexagonal cross-section. Hollow beams are arranged at the intersections of adjacent sides of the hexagon, with six hollow beams positioned at the six vertices of the hexagon. Along the length of the damper body 1, the generatrix cross-section of the hollow beams is wavy. The cross-sectional shapes along the length of the six sides of the outer layer 2 match the generatrix cross-section of the hollow beams; that is, the inner and outer surfaces of the six sides of the outer layer 2 are wavy, forming a continuous wave pattern from top to bottom. The cross-sectional shape along the length of the sides is the same as the generatrix cross-section of the hollow beams. For ease of manufacturing, the thickness of the six sides is preferably the same as the thickness of the hollow beams. The sides are for connecting adjacent hollow beams.

[0039] Multiple beam-honeycomb structural units fill the outer layer 2. Each beam-honeycomb structural unit includes six hollow inner beams 4 arranged in regular hexagons and six sidewalls connecting two adjacent inner beams 4. Along the length of the damper body 1, the generatrix cross-section of the inner beams 4 is wavy. The inner beams 4 are thinner than the hollow beams, so that the thickness of the multiple beam-honeycomb structural units filling the outer layer is also thinner than that of the outer layer. It is not required that the generatrix cross-section of the inner beams 4 and the hollow beams have the same wavy shape, but considering synergy, it is preferable that the generatrix cross-sections of the inner beams 4 and the hollow beams have the same shape. However, the distance of the generatrix cross-section of the inner beam 4 from its central axis and the distance of its rotation are smaller than the distance of the generatrix cross-section of the hollow beam from its axis of rotation. That is, the inner beams 4 are thinner than the hollow beams, thus allowing multiple beam-honeycomb structural units to be filled in the outer layer.

[0040] The length of the inner beam 4 runs along the longitudinal direction of the damper body 1. Adjacent beam-honeycomb structural units share two inner beams 4 and one sidewall. The six sidewalls form a honeycomb. The generatrix section of the inner beam 4 is also wavy. One pair of opposing sidewalls in the six sidewalls of the beam-honeycomb structural unit are straight plates, as shown... Figure 5-6 The first straight plate 8 and the second straight plate 9 are shown. The cross-sectional shape of the remaining four sidewalls along their length is the same as the generatrix cross-section of the inner beam, that is, the remaining four sidewalls are wave-shaped plates with continuous waves from top to bottom. Preferably, the thickness of the sidewalls and the inner beam 4 is the same. The cross-section of the damper body is generally a regular hexagonal structure. The corners of the hexagonal sides are designed to mimic the internal trabecular structure of a beetle elytra, with hollow beams added at the corners, using rounded curves to transition, abandoning the traditional hard edges. The longitudinal shape of the hollow beams is a wave shape parallel to the internal inner beam, preferably a sinusoidal curved surface. The main body of this damper adopts a regular hexagonal cross-section, and its core innovation is reflected in the biomimetic structural optimization design. Based on the biomechanical characteristics of the internal trabecular structure of a beetle elytra, a biomimetic structure was added in the transition area of ​​the hexagonal edges: by introducing a wave-shaped curved surface to replace the traditional rigid edge design, a trabecular-like reinforcement structure was constructed in the geometric connection area. This biomimetic strategy effectively alleviates the stress concentration effect that traditional polygonal structures are prone to in the edge region, while achieving continuous load path transmission through curvature optimization.

[0041] The specific load path is as follows:

[0042] Phase 1, Outer Wall Deformation: The impact force acts on the upper surface of outer layer 2. Since the cross-section of the outer layer is a regular hexagon, and the inner and outer surfaces of the six sides are wavy, the six sides are preferably sinusoidal curved surfaces to guide the load to spread along the curved surface. At the same time, the hollow beam at the intersection of two adjacent sides of the regular hexagon has a wavy generatrix design, which can eliminate stress concentration at the edges and allow the load to be evenly distributed on the outer wall, thereby dispersing and consuming part of the impact energy.

[0043] The second stage, small beam transfer: After the load is initially dispersed by the outer wall, since the cross section of the inner beam 4 is a sinusoidal waveform, the small beams connecting the outer layer 2 and the side walls of the beam-honeycomb structural unit near the outer layer 2 will undergo elastic deformation. While buffering the impact force, the load is distributed to the honeycomb structure part of the beam-honeycomb structural unit.

[0044] The third stage, honeycomb energy absorption: The regular hexagonal honeycomb units begin to play a major role in energy absorption, absorbing a large amount of energy through plastic deformation. The inner beam 4 inside the honeycomb structure deforms in conjunction with the honeycomb wall to further disperse the residual load. Finally, the honeycomb structure completes energy dissipation through compression and folding, minimizing the impact force transmitted to the vehicle body.

[0045] This arrangement of vibration dampers has the following advantages:

[0046] 1. Highly efficient energy absorption and dispersion: Through its unique biomimetic shape design, layered structure, and internal support system, the shock absorber body forms a multi-stage, multi-layered energy absorption mechanism during the collision process. In the initial stage of the collision, the special curved surface and rough surface of the outer layer can effectively disperse and consume some energy; as the collision continues, the beam-honeycomb structure units of the inner layer absorb a large amount of energy through plastic deformation.

[0047] 2. Optimized stress distribution and structural reliability: The unique structural design makes the stress distribution of the vibration damper more uniform during the collision process, effectively avoiding the stress concentration problem that is prone to occur in traditional vibration dampers.

[0048] Structural design features: This structure adopts a hexagonal layout, and the inner beams at the beam-honeycomb structural unit nodes form a unique connection with the sidewalls. This design allows stress to be more evenly distributed at the moment of impact. When external forces act on the sidewalls, the nodes act as stress distribution centers, transmitting the impact force in multiple directions and preventing stress concentration in localized areas.

[0049] Material properties: When selecting materials with a certain degree of toughness and high strength, such as high-strength alloy steel or high-performance engineering plastics, the material's toughness allows the structure to deform to a certain extent without breaking during stress transmission, while its high strength ensures that excessive yielding does not occur in areas of high stress.

[0050] Synergy across different structural levels: From micro to macro, the microscopic beam-honeycomb structural units within the structure synergize with the outer layer structure. The microscopic honeycomb structure can absorb and buffer stress waves at a small scale, while the macroscopic hexagonal frame guides stress paths at a large scale, rationally directing residual stress absorbed at the microscopic level to the boundaries, thereby optimizing the overall stress distribution.

[0051] Improved structural reliability: First, redundant design: The internal beams at multiple nodes of the beam-cell structure unit and the sidewalls of the connecting nodes constitute a redundant system. Even if a node or connection is damaged due to accidental overload, other nodes and edges can still bear part of the load, maintaining the basic load-bearing capacity of the structure and preventing instantaneous failure and collapse. Second, fatigue resistance: Due to the uniform stress distribution, the amplitude of alternating stress on each part of the structure is reduced. Taking an automotive crash-absorbing box as an example, the alternating stress generated by frequent small impacts and vibrations in daily use is less likely to cause fatigue cracks in the structure. Reasonable stress distribution reduces the number of local high-stress cycles, extends the fatigue life of the structure, and improves long-term reliability.

[0052] 3. Excellent performance stability and adaptability: Thanks to the adoption of biomimetic principles and optimized structural design, the shock absorber of this invention exhibits excellent energy absorption stability in collisions under various working conditions. Whether it's a frontal collision, a side collision, or a rear-end collision, and at different collision speeds and angles, the shock absorber effectively performs its energy absorption and buffering functions, providing comprehensive safety protection. This excellent performance stability enables the shock absorber of this invention to adapt to complex and ever-changing real-world traffic environments, significantly improving overall safety performance.

[0053] Preferably, the generatrix cross sections of the hollow beam or inner beam 4 are sinusoidal waveform curves.

[0054] Preferably, the hollow beam or inner beam 4 has the same generatrix cross-section, and both adopt the same sine wave curve. The cross-sectional shapes of the six sides and the six sidewalls are the same, but the thicknesses are different.

[0055] Preferably, the hollow beam or the inner beam 4 has the same generatrix cross-section, and both use the same sinusoidal waveform curve. The expression for the sinusoidal waveform curve is X = AsinZ, where A is the preset amplitude. Preferably, the amplitude A = 5mm, and the length direction of the inner beam 4 is the Z-direction. The value of Z is designed as needed.

[0056] Preferably, the surface roughness Ra of the outer layer 2 is ≥3.2μm.

[0057] Preferably, the beam-honeycomb structural unit is an aluminum alloy honeycomb core or a carbon fiber material.

[0058] Drawing inspiration from the layered structure of beetle elytra, the shock absorber is designed as a multi-layered composite structure:

[0059] The outer layer 2 is made of high-strength and high-toughness material, and its roughness is increased through surface treatment technology. At the same time, trace amounts of rare earth elements are added inside the material to strengthen it and improve the material's strength and fatigue resistance.

[0060] The inner layer of the damper body contains a hexagonal cavity with biomimetic hexagonal beam-honeycomb structural units based on the internal biological structure of a beetle's elytra, featuring a sinusoidal waveform parallel to the XOZ plane (equation X = AsinZ, amplitude A = 5mm) to guide layered progressive deformation. Inner beams are distributed at the ends of each unit in the honeycomb structure. The beam-honeycomb structural units utilize structural materials with excellent energy absorption properties, such as aluminum alloy honeycomb cores or carbon fiber. Adjacent structural units share two inner beams at their junctions, ensuring coordinated deformation and energy absorption during collisions. The overall honeycomb structure of the inner layer is level with the outer wall of the damper body and is fixedly connected to the hexagonal inner wall of the energy-absorbing box body via adhesive.

[0061] The axis of the beam-cell structure unit is parallel to the axis of the damper body. The sidewall thickness T is approximately 0.4 mm, the inner diameter R of the inner beam is 3.7 mm, and the distance L between the aligned inner beams is 30 mm. The specific dimensions are optimized according to the energy absorption requirements and collision conditions.

[0062] At the connection points, the shock absorbers and longitudinal beams are connected using existing technologies, such as rubber-metal composite connectors. The rubber component has a Shore hardness of 40HA-60HA, and the preferred rubber material is EPDM, with a vulcanization parameter of 160℃ × 10min. This provides good elastic cushioning during a collision. The metal connectors are connected to the longitudinal beams using high-strength bolts with a strength grade of 8.8 or higher, ensuring the reliability of the connection. Simultaneously, a certain gap and elastic deformation space are reserved at the connection points, allowing the energy-absorbing box to undergo moderate displacement and rotation relative to the vehicle's longitudinal beams during a collision, effectively dispersing and absorbing collision energy and preventing stress concentration at the connection points.

[0063] The outer layer can be made of high-strength aluminum alloy sheet (grade: 6061-T6, surface roughness Ra≥3.2μm); the beam-honeycomb structural unit can be made of carbon fiber honeycomb core (density 0.05g / cm³). 3 (Compressive strength ≥15MPa). Optimization in material selection and structural design enables the energy-absorbing box of this invention to achieve both high performance and lightweight design. Compared to traditional steel shock absorbers, the shock absorber of this invention is more than 20% lighter. This not only helps improve fuel economy or driving range but also reduces overall inertia, decreasing impact force in collisions. Furthermore, the structural design of the energy-absorbing box facilitates industrial production, effectively controlling production costs and improving production efficiency, bringing manufacturers significant economic benefits and market competitiveness.

[0064] Processing flow: Aluminum alloy sheet cutting → surface sandblasting → rare earth element strengthening; honeycomb core laser cutting → adhesive bonding and assembly with inner beam structure → overall hot pressing molding; rubber parts molding and vulcanization → composite assembly with metal connectors.

[0065] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design, characterized in that, It includes a shock absorber body (1) and anti-collision beam mounting plate (7) and longitudinal beam mounting plate (3) respectively connected to the two longitudinal ends of the shock absorber body (1); The shock absorber body (1) is connected to the vehicle anti-collision beam through the anti-collision beam mounting plate (7), and the shock absorber body (1) is connected to the vehicle longitudinal beam through the longitudinal beam mounting plate (3); The damper body (1) includes an outer layer (2) and multiple beam-honeycomb structural units; The cross-section of the outer layer (2) is a regular hexagon. A hollow beam is arranged at the intersection of the lengths of two adjacent sides of the regular hexagon. The generatrix section of the hollow beam is wavy. The cross-sectional shape of the six sides of the outer layer (2) in the length direction is a wavy plate with the same generatrix section as the hollow beam. Multiple beam-honeycomb structural units fill the outer layer (2). Each beam-honeycomb structural unit includes six hollow inner beams (4) distributed in a regular hexagonal pattern and six sidewalls for connecting two adjacent inner beams (4). The generatrix cross-section of the inner beams (4) is wavy. One pair of opposite sidewalls among the six sidewalls is a straight plate. The cross-sectional shape of the remaining four sidewalls in the length direction is a wavy plate with the same generatrix cross-section as the inner beams (4). The length direction of the inner beams (4) is along the longitudinal direction of the damper body (1). Adjacent beam-cell structure units share two inner beams (4) and one sidewall.

2. The vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sections of the hollow beam or inner beam (4) are sinusoidal waveform curves.

3. The vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hollow beam or inner beam (4) has the same generatrix cross section, and the expression of the sine waveform curve is X = AsinZ, where A is the preset amplitude.

4. The vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design according to claim 3, characterized in that, Amplitude A = 5 mm.

5. The vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface roughness Ra of the outer layer (2) is ≥3.2μm.

6. The vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beam-honeycomb structure unit is made of aluminum alloy honeycomb core or carbon fiber material.

7. The vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the anti-collision beam mounting plate (7) matches the end profile of one longitudinal end of the shock absorber body (1).

8. The vibration damper based on biomimetic structural design according to claim 7, characterized in that, The longitudinal beam mounting plate (3) is a regular hexagonal plate and its size is larger than the end face of the other end of the longitudinal direction of the damper body (1).

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