Adaptive Bumper Energy Absorption With Shear-Thickening Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary vehicle energy absorption systems are inadequate in effectively managing impact forces due to limitations in adaptability and energy dissipation, particularly in the front region of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive energy absorption module comprising a primary deformable impact absorber, a secondary deformable impact absorber with shear thickening fluid, and tertiary deformable impact absorbers with inflatable nanofabric materials and gas/air chambers, arranged in a structurally adaptive configuration to redistribute impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-stage impact absorber is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying impact forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorption system is divided into three distinct stages: a first deformable impact absorber for initial impact, a second deformable impact absorber for intermediate impact, and a third deformable impact absorber for severe impact. Each stage activates based on the magnitude of the applied force, providing progressive adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static to dynamic adaptability by incorporating deformable members with varying degrees of compliance. The first absorber uses a compliant structure for low-force deformation, the second incorporates shear-thickening fluid for intermediate-force response, and the third uses inflatable elements for high-force absorption, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its mechanical properties based on impact severity.
2Loss of energy
If multiple deformable impact absorbers are arranged in series, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the volume of the energy absorption module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three deformable impact absorbers are arranged in a nested configuration where the second absorber is positioned within the structural framework of the first, and the third absorber is positioned within the framework of the second. This nesting approach allows multiple absorption stages to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall module volume while maintaining the cumulative energy absorption capability of all three stages.
3Force
If deformable materials are used for impact absorption, then the impact force dampening is improved, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each deformable impact absorber is designed with spatially varying material properties and structural characteristics. The first absorber uses compliant materials in specific zones to allow controlled deformation under low force while maintaining overall structural integrity. The second absorber employs shear-thickening fluid in targeted regions to provide progressive stiffening. The third absorber uses inflatable elements strategically positioned to absorb severe impacts without compromising the fundamental structural strength of the bumper assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes composite material strategies where deformable elements are combined with stronger structural components. The deformable impact absorbers are integrated within a rigid bumper framework that provides overall structural support. This composite approach allows the deformable materials to specialize in energy absorption while the stronger structural materials maintain the necessary load-bearing capacity and 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
Enhances the vehicle's ability to absorb and dissipate impact energy by adapting to varying force conditions, improving safety and reducing damage from frontal collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a second/secondary deformable impact absorber member arranged in the first/primary impact chamber and itself defining a second/secondary impact chamber containing a shear thickening fluid that exhibits a decreasing viscosity responsive to the impact force
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle bumper assembly includes an adaptive energy absorption module operatively connected to a vehicle bumper body. The adaptive energy absorption module includes a primary deformable impact absorber member defining a primary impact chamber having a shape that is structurally adaptive or otherwise conforms to an impact force received by the bumper body. A secondary deformable impact absorber member is arranged in the primary impact chamber and defines a secondary impact chamber containing a shear thickening fluid that exhibits a decreasing viscosity responsive to the impact force. A plurality of fluidically connected tertiary deformable impact absorber members are arranged in an array the primary impact chamber and defines a plurality of tertiary impact chambers containing a volume of fluid, and has a shape that is structurally adaptive to the impact force.