Multi-dimensional system or method for absorbing energy from impacts

Abstract

A lattice, network, or array of interconnected cells that functions as an energy-absorbing cushion or liner, designed to efficiently dissipate impact energy. The structure comprises a multidimensional geometric configuration formed by a plurality of struts, interconnected at the center of each cell by a ring, circle, or other geometric shape. This design enables modular assembly, customizable density regions, and rotational deformation capabilities, enhancing energy dissipation and impact performance. The invention is adaptable to a variety of applications, including protective gear, automotive safety systems, mattresses, industrial machinery, aerospace components, rubber-based products, and more, allowing for tailored energy absorption characteristics across different industries and environmental conditions.

Description

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEM OR METHOD FOR ABSORBING ENERGY FROM IMPACTSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of impact energy absorption systems and technologies designed to mitigate and dissipate forces resulting from external impacts. It encompasses advancements in structural design, material engineering, and deformation mechanics to enhance energy dissipation and improve protective capabilities. The invention applies broadly across industries where impact mitigation is critical, including, but not limited to, safety equipment, sports, transportation, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Impact energy absorption systems are essential across multiple industries, providing protection against external forces that can cause structural damage or injury. These systems play a crucial role in protective equipment, sports safety, transportation safety, aerospace engineering, military defense, and industrial applications. Their effectiveness is critical for reducing impact-related injuries and enhancing the durability of structures and equipment exposed to sudden forces.

[0003] Existing impact mitigation technologies commonly include foam-based padding, honeycomb structures, and elastomeric materials. While these systems provide a degree of energy dissipation, they present various limitations. Foam-based materials can degrade over time, leading to inconsistent performance and reduced impact resistance. Honeycomb and rigid structural solutions typically feature fixed densities, which limit adaptability and may result in uneven force distribution under different impact conditions. Additionally, conventional elastic and composite materials often fail to provide optimal energy dissipation, particularly in high-impact scenarios where force redirection is critical.

[0004] Impact energy absorption systems are essential across a wide range of industries where safety, comfort, or structural integrity are critical. While traditionally applied in sports equipment,such as helmets and protective gear, there is increasing demand for advanced impact and energy management technologies in sectors including military and tactical equipment,construction safety systems,automotive crash structures,aerospace and aviation components,industrial machinery,andconsumer products. Additionally, the principles behind the present invention — including rotational and torsional energy dissipation — have applications in industries such as the mattress and bedding industry(for comfort, pressure distribution, and rebound), therubber and elastomer sector(for resilient components), androbotics or wearable tech(for load distribution and motion damping). These diverse use cases benefit from lightweight, modular, and durable structures capable of repeated energy absorption or pressure redistribution under dynamic loading. The present invention addresses this broad need through a lattice-based system with configurable geometry and material properties tailored to each application.

[0005] Given these challenges, there is a need for an improved impact absorption system that can dynamically adjust to varying impact forces while maintaining durability, efficiency, and adaptability. A system that integrates both variable and / or non-variable density configurations, along with rotational and / or non-rotational deformation mechanisms, could offer enhanced energy dissipation, greater adaptability, and increased longevity.

[0006] Without advancements in impact absorption technology, the limitations of existing systems will continue to pose significant safety risks, particularly in high-impact environments. A more effective solution could reduce the likelihood of both lethal and non-lethal injuries, enhance structural resilience, and provide long-term reliability in applications where impact mitigation is critical.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides an advanced impact energy absorption system designed to enhance protection against external forces by optimizing energy dissipation through a combination of geometric and material-based strategies.

[0008] At its core, the invention comprises energy-absorbing cells configured with a multidimensional lattice structure. Each cell includes a network of struts interconnected by a central ring, circle, or equivalent geometry, enabling deformation in response to impact. The structure may incorporate variable-density or uniform configurations and is capable of both rotational and non-rotational deformation depending on the design.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the invention leverages torsional deformation generated by the tangential orientation of struts, which introduces a rotational energy dissipation mechanism even under axial loading. This geometric redirection of force allows for torque generation without relying solely on material buckling or compression, significantly enhancing energy dispersion.

[0010] The system is designed to be lightweight, modular, and scalable, allowing for integration into a wide range of applications, including but not limited to protective gear, transportation safety, aerospace components, military defense systems, sports equipment, bedding and comfort products, robotics, wearable devices, and industrial machinery.

[0011] By focusing on cellular-level energy dissipation, the invention enables application-specific customization while maintaining structural integrity, reducing transmitted force, and improving safety and durability in dynamic environments. The combination of structural design and material flexibility results in a high-performance solution that overcomes the limitations of conventional impact mitigation systems.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present invention, detailing the structure, energy dissipation mechanisms, and integration of the energy-absorbing cells within a lattice-based system. These figures provide a visual representation of the invention's key components and applications.

[0013] is a perspective view of a single energy-absorbing cell, showing a plurality of struts interconnected at the center of the cell by a ring, circle, or another geometric shape.

[0014] is a top view of the energy-absorbing cell, illustrating various possible geometric configurations of struts beyond the hexagonal shape, including circular, triangular, and square variations.

[0015] is a cross-sectional view of the energy-absorbing cell, demonstrating its variable-density structure, the arrangement of struts, and the thickness variation based on impact absorption needs.

[0016] is an exploded view of multiple interconnected cells forming a lattice structure, illustrating how individual cells are clipped onto the lattice for structural support and modular customization.

[0017] is a diagram illustrating rotational deformation caused by axial loading, where tangentially inclined struts induce torsion within the lattice.

[0018] is a side view comparison of single-layer and multi-layer configurations, demonstrating their respective impact absorption capabilities for different levels of protection.

[0019] illustrates real-world examples of the energy-absorbing system, including integration within a helmet and placement between platforms to demonstrate energy dissipation across structural or load-bearing applications.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention provides an impact energy absorption system comprising a lattice, liner, or network of interconnected energy-absorbing cells. This system serves as a liner, pad, absorption system, or absorption cushion with a multidimensional geometric shape. The structure consists of a plurality of struts interconnected at the center of the cell by a ring, circle, or any geometric shape, enabling efficient energy dissipation through rotational and torsional deformation within the lattice structure. The modular nature of the system allows for the strategic placement of energy-absorbing cells, enabling customization based on impact profiles and protection requirements. The invention is designed to retain its protective qualities after multiple impacts, with the rotational or torsional deformation resetting automatically after each impact to ensure continuous performance.

[0021] Referring to, a single energy-absorbing cell is illustrated in a perspective view. Each cell consists of a plurality of struts that interconnect at the center of the cell, forming a core structure designed for controlled deformation under impact. While a hexagonal configuration is presented, the invention is not limited to a specific geometric shape, as depicted in, which illustrates alternative geometries such as triangular, square, and circular cells. The variability in geometry allows for tailored impact performance, ensuring effective energy dissipation for various applications.

[0022] The cross-sectional view inshows the variable-density structure of the energy-absorbing cells, where struts vary in thickness, flexibility, and material composition. The density and rigidity of the struts are adapted based on impact velocity requirements, with rigid struts performing optimally for high-velocity impacts and more elastic struts providing superior absorption for medium- to low-velocity forces. The lattice structure, as illustrated in, serves as the primary framework for securing these cells, allowing for modular assembly, easy replacement, and customization. Cells are clipped onto the lattice, forming an integrated system where individual cells can be replaced or reconfigured depending on the required impact mitigation profile.

[0023] The primary energy dissipation mechanisms of the invention include rotational and torsional deformation, strut stretching, and compression, as demonstrated in. When an axial force is applied to the system, the non-fixed portion of the cell initiates a torsional or rotational response. This behavior is not solely a result of deformation or buckling but also arises from the angular placement of the struts, which are oriented tangentially around the central ring or hub of each cell. The tangential orientation causes a component of the axial force to be redirected, producing torque that induces rotational motion. This mechanism effectively converts axial energy into torsional energy, which is then dissipated at the fixation points of the lattice. In addition, strut stretching allows the structure to elongate upon impact, while controlled compression prevents excessive force transmission. The fixation points of the lattice absorb residual energy, ensuring an even distribution of forces across the system.

[0024] The invention can be configured as a single-layer system, as illustrated in, providing baseline impact protection suitable for helmets, vehicle interiors, and industrial applications. In environments where greater force dissipation is required, the system can be implemented in multi-layer configurations, where additional layers enhance energy absorption and extend protection levels.

[0025] In some embodiments, the energy-absorbing cells are constructed from materials exhibiting high elasticity and impact resistance,such asthermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).As shown in, materials with variable-density properties allow for precise impact control while maintaining flexibility and energy absorption capacity. TPU is a preferred material due to its superior elasticity, energy absorption characteristics, and ability to return to its original shape after deformation. However, the invention is not limited to TPU, and other polymers, elastomers, or composite materials with comparable mechanical properties may be used. These materials ensure the system retains its performance characteristics even after repeated impacts. The rotational deformation may reset automatically, maintaining effectiveness in continuous-use environments.

[0026] The long-term durability of suitable energy-absorbing materials, such as TPU, is well established. Key advantages of such materials include high impact resistance, chemical resistance, and vibration-dampening properties. The invention is designed to minimize material degradation over time, making it suitable for long-term deployment in protective applications. The selected material formulation, whether TPU or equivalent, ensures no significant degradation under environmental heat or cold within human-operable temperature ranges. This makes the system ideal for use in sports safety equipment, industrial protection systems, and automotive applications.

[0027] The invention is compatible with multiple fabrication techniques, including injection molding, extrusion molding, compression molding, blow molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, and additive manufacturing. This broad manufacturing adaptability allows for customized production based on application needs, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

[0028] The impact energy absorption system is applicable across a wide range of industries without limitation. Whileillustrates the integration of the system in a helmet and between structural platforms, similar implementations may be extended to body armor, vehicle systems, aerospace applications, structural protection systems, mechanical interface components, shock-absorbing installations, load-distributing interfaces or modular protective systems where energy absorption is critical. The modularity of the lattice structure allows specific configurations to be tailored for individual use cases, ensuring maximum performance across different environments.

[0029] The invention is not limited to a specific shape, structure, or material composition. Alternative embodiments may include modified geometric configurations, different material compositions, or specialized rotational and torsional deformation characteristics to optimize performance. Variations in struts properties and lattice configurations further enhance the system's adaptability across multiple industries.

[0030] The accompanying figures provide a detailed visual representation of the invention’s structure and functionality.illustrates the core composition of the energy-absorbing cell.highlights alternative geometric configurations to accommodate different impact scenarios.presents a cross-sectional view, detailing the variable-density structure of the struts.demonstrates the lattice attachment mechanism, showing how the cells are securely clipped into the framework.illustrates the rotational deformation mechanism within an energy-absorbing lattice structure. An axial force is applied from above, and the structure reacts by distributing force through its inclined struts. Unlike conventional systems where deformation is due primarily to material buckling, the angled geometry inintroduces a tangential component of force. This results in torsional loading within the cell, creating rotational motion that dissipates energy at the fixation points.contrasts single-layer and multi-layer impact protection systems, illustrating their respective energy absorption capabilities.depicts real-world applications of the technology, emphasizing its use in sports, transportation, aerospace, and industrial protection systems.

[0031] The present invention provides a scalable, modular, and efficient impact mitigation system designed to offer superior protection across various industries and environments. The combination of rotational and torsional deformation, the geometry of the lattice, the variable-density properties of the structures or materials, and energy absorption technology ensures optimal safety performance, making this system a highly adaptable and effective solution for impact energy management.

Claims

A lattice-based impact energy absorption system, comprising a network of interconnected energy-absorbing cells, each cell having a plurality of struts interconnected at the center of the cell by a ring, circle, or any geometric shape, wherein the system is designed to dissipate impact energy via rotational and non-rotational deformation mechanisms.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the energy-absorbing cells are configured with variable-density struts, allowing for customized energy dissipation based on impact velocity and force distribution.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein axial loading induces torsional deformation within the lattice structure, either through mechanical deformation at fixation points or through tangential orientation of struts within the cells, which redirects axial forces into rotational energy dissipation.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system retains its protective qualities after single or multiple impacts, with the rotational deformation resetting after each impact to maintain continuous performance.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the cells are clipped onto a lattice structure, allowing for modular assembly, replacement, and reconfiguration to optimize energy absorption for specific applications.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured as a single-layer structure for standard impact protection or a multi-layer structure for applications requiring enhanced energy dissipation and additional protection.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the cells are composed of a material exhibiting viscoelastic behavior, providing high elasticity, impact resistance, and durability while ensuring minimal material degradation over time in environmental conditions suitable for human use.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the variable-density properties of the geometry of the lattice or materials allow for targeted impact mitigation, where higher-density struts optimize performance for high-velocity impacts, and more elastic struts provide better absorption for low-velocity forces.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system is manufactured using injection molding, extrusion molding, compression molding, blow molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, or additive manufacturing to enable scalable production and material customization.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system is integrated into protective applications, including but not limited to helmets, body armor, automotive safety systems, aerospace components, and industrial protective equipment.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein each energy-absorbing cell is designed with interchangeable geometric shapes, allowing for variations including, but not limited to, hexagonal, triangular, square, or circular configurations to enhance adaptability across different impact conditions.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the lattice structure enables localized replacement of damaged or worn-out cells, reducing maintenance costs and increasing longevity in protective applications.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system is optimized for continuous use in high-stress or repetitive-impact environments, with material selection ensuring resistance to thermal fluctuations, moisture, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system provides vibration dampening properties, reducing mechanical noise and wear when integrated into industrial machinery and equipment.The impact energy absorption system of claim 5, wherein the lattice structure comprises optimized geometries, including but not limited to triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), strut-based lattices, planar-based lattices, or auxetic configurations, to enhance energy dissipation and load distribution across the system.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system is configurable to enhance energy dissipation in high-risk applications, including sports protection, military gear, and high-performance automotive crash systems.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system is adaptable for extreme conditions, utilizing materials with heat-resistant, moisture-resistant, and UV-resistant properties to ensure long-term performance.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the rotational deformation mechanism enables dynamic energy redistribution, reducing the likelihood of structural failure under repeated impacts.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein material composition, geometric configurations, and lattice properties can be customized, allowing for application-specific performance tuning to meet different safety and durability requirements, and wherein certain lattice cells may be engineered to dislocate or fracture beyond a predefined impact threshold, thereby enhancing energy absorption in critical conditions and serving as an indicator of excessive force, even if the cell does not return to its original position and requires replacement.The impact energy absorption system of claim 1, wherein the system is engineered to provide enhanced protection, effectively reducing the likelihood of both lethal and non-lethal injuries in high-impact scenarios.

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