Accordion-Shaped Cargo Bracket for Controlled Crash Energy Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing modular systems in vehicle cargo spaces during crashes are either costly, complex, or fail to provide controlled energy absorption, leading to potential damage and risk to occupants.
Innovation Solution
An energy-absorbing bracket with an accordion-shaped expansion portion, designed to absorb traction forces by expanding in a controlled manner, featuring varying wave heights and angles to manage forces effectively during deceleration, and constructed from steel sheet for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional brackets with weakened portions or slits are used, then energy absorption is provided, but the energy absorption behavior is not controlled during the complete crash sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket employs a dynamic accordion-shaped expansion portion that transitions from a compressed state to an expanded state during a crash. This dynamic structure allows the bracket to adapt its geometry in real-time, providing controlled energy absorption throughout the complete deceleration sequence rather than a single fixed deformation point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the bracket by varying the wave heights of the accordion-shaped expansion portion. This creates a progressive resistance pattern where different sections of the bracket engage at different force levels, enabling controlled energy absorption behavior throughout the crash sequence.
2Loss of energy
If complex rail systems with movable parts are used, then energy absorption is achieved, but the system becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the anchoring function and the energy absorption function into a single integrated bracket structure. The accordion-shaped expansion portion is built directly into the bracket body, eliminating the need for separate movable rail systems or additional energy absorption components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket utilizes a flexible sheet metal construction with an accordion-shaped expansion portion that can deform elastically during a crash. This flexible structure provides energy absorption through controlled deformation rather than through complex mechanical mechanisms.
3Strength
If brackets are made rigid to prevent breaking, then strength is improved, but crash energy cannot be absorbed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into distinct functional zones: rigid anchoring portions that maintain strength and attachment, and a flexible accordion-shaped expansion portion that absorbs energy through controlled deformation. This segmentation allows different parts of the bracket to have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The accordion-shaped expansion portion is pre-formed with wave patterns that are designed to deform in a controlled manner during a crash. This pre-engineered deformation geometry provides beforehand cushioning, allowing the bracket to absorb crash energy predictably while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bracket effectively absorbs crash energy in a controlled manner, preventing the loosening or breaking of secured items and reducing the risk of injury by managing forces throughout the collision sequence.
Implementation Method 1
the expansion portion is arranged to expand at least in the first direction by being accordion-shaped in the first direction... designed to absorb traction forces by expanding in a controlled manner
Implementation Method 2
the bracket is designed to stretch in the event of a crash but not in a controlled manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
Energy-absorbing bracket (1) for anchoring an item to an inner surface of a cargo space of a vehicle, which bracket (1) comprises a first side (2a) facing said inner surface when anchored thereto, and a second side (2b) opposite the first side (2a). The bracket (1) further comprises a first anchoring portion (2) arranged for attachment to said inner surface, which first anchoring portion (2) has a first extension plane (A) in a first direction (x) which substantially is a travelling direction of a vehicle, a second anchoring portion (3) arranged for attachment to said item and an expansion portion (4), arranged between and connecting the first and second anchoring portions (2, 3). The expansion portion (4) has an extension in the first direction (x) and is arranged to expand at least in the first direction (x) by being accordion-shaped in the first direction (x), with ridges (5a, 5b, ...5n) and valleys (6a, 6b, ...6n) arranged substantially symmetrically along a symmetry axis (y).