Automotive Shock Absorption Module with Multi-Level Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorber systems for motor vehicles face challenges in absorbing sufficient energy during insurance-type impacts without increasing the vehicle's longitudinal overhang, which limits the exterior geometry.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorption module with an absorber frame that includes upper and lower transverse elements and legs, allowing energy absorption on multiple bearing surfaces, including a lower structural part, to reduce the thickness of absorption elements while maintaining high energy absorption capacity, and integrating an air guide to enhance aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the transverse element depth in the longitudinal direction is increased to absorb sufficient impact energy, then the energy absorption capacity is improved, but the vehicle's longitudinal overhang increases which limits the external geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lower structural component positioned below the side members, creating a new vertical dimension for energy absorption. The lower cross member and struts extend downward to engage with this lower structural component, distributing impact forces across multiple levels (upper and lower) rather than relying solely on increased longitudinal depth. This multi-level arrangement allows sufficient energy absorption while maintaining a compact longitudinal profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorption system is divided into multiple independent but coordinated elements: upper transverse element, lower transverse element, struts, and lower cross member. Each segment contributes to energy absorption through compression against different structural components. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high energy absorption capacity without requiring any single element to be excessively long in the longitudinal direction.
2Strength
If multiple bearing surfaces are used for energy absorption compression, then the total compression surface area increases improving energy absorption, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lower structural component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a bearing surface for the lower cross member and struts during impact, provides structural support for the vehicle, and maintains geometric integrity. By making this component multi-functional, the patent increases the compression surface area without adding dedicated auxiliary structures that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the shock absorption function with the existing lower structural component of the vehicle. Instead of adding separate dedicated absorption structures, the lower cross member and struts are integrated with the lower structural component, combining support and absorption functions into a unified system. This integration increases bearing surface area while avoiding the complexity of separate systems.
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 solution provides a high-performance shock absorption system that maintains vehicle integrity during insurance-type impacts, improves compatibility with other vehicles, and reduces the vehicle's longitudinal overhang, while also enhancing aerodynamics by guiding air efficiently under the engine block.
Implementation Method 1
energy absorption occurs through compression of the lower cross member or the struts against the lower structural component of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
energy absorption is ensured not only by the upper cross member combined with the shock absorber beam... but also by elements positioned lower than the side members. This absorption occurs primarily through the compression of the lower cross member or the struts
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a shock absorption module (10) for an automobile, that comprises: an upper transverse member (12) bearing against a shock beam (32) of the vehicle; a lower transverse member (14) and two jambs (16, 16b) connecting the upper (12) and lower (14) transverse members in order to substantially define a so-called absorption frame (18), the lower transverse member (14) or one of the two jambs (16a, 16b) bearing against a lower structural part (36) of the vehicle; and a lower convergent portion (44).