Apertured Deformable Walls for Vehicle Hood Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy-absorbing structures for vehicles, such as engine compartment hoods, are inadequate in managing external forces effectively, leading to insufficient protection of the engine compartment and potential damage during collisions.
Innovation Solution
An energy-absorbing structure comprising a first and second panel member, both made of rigid materials, with deformable walls and apertures designed to absorb energy by deforming when subjected to external forces, thereby distributing the force and preventing damage to the vehicle's engine compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the panel member is made of rigid material to maintain structural strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to absorb energy through deformation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel member is segmented into multiple regions with different properties: rigid regions (plain areas) for structural strength and deformable regions (apertured areas) for energy absorption. The second panel member is divided into a first region with apertures for deformation and a second region without apertures for rigidity, allowing simultaneous achievement of both strength and energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel member are given different local qualities - the deformable region contains apertures to facilitate energy-absorbing deformation, while the rigid region remains solid to maintain structural strength. This local differentiation allows the structure to exhibit both deformable and rigid characteristics in appropriate locations.
2Loss of energy
If the deformable wall is designed to maximize deformation for energy absorption, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into deformable walls with apertures for energy absorption and rigid walls without apertures for maintaining structural integrity. The rigid material regions act as structural framework that maintains overall integrity while the apertured regions deform to absorb energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel member functions as a composite structure combining deformable regions (with apertures) and rigid regions (solid areas) within the same component, allowing simultaneous energy absorption and structural integrity maintenance through the interaction of these different zones.
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 energy-absorbing structure effectively manages and absorbs external forces, maximizing deformation to absorb energy and prevent force transfer to the vehicle body, thus enhancing the protection of the engine compartment and maintaining structural integrity during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the first deformable wall and the second deformable wall are configured to deform upon receipt of an external force applied to the vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-absorbing structure is provided. The energy-absorbing structure includes a first panel member and a second panel member coupled together. The first panel member has a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The second panel member defines a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The second panel member further defines a first deformable wall extending from the first edge thereof and away from the first panel member and a second deformable wall extending from the second edge thereof and away from the first panel member. The first deformable wall defines a first plurality of apertures and the second deformable wall defines a second plurality of apertures. The first and second plurality of apertures may be defined as one of an array of perforations and a plurality of slots. The energy-absorbing structure may be provided as a hood for a motor vehicle.