Hollow Shock Absorber Bead Buckling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock absorbing members in vehicle chassis structures primarily induce the concave-convex mixed mode during buckling, lacking a mechanism to purposefully induce the concave-convex independent mode, which limits their impact energy absorption and shock-absorbing performance.
Innovation Solution
A hollow columnar shock absorbing member with a polygonal cross-section and beads positioned deviated towards one edge of the walls, facilitating the concave-convex independent mode by directing the buckling ridges to incline in the same direction, thereby increasing impact energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the plate thickness of the shock absorbing member is increased to increase the buckling load, then the shock-absorbing performance is improved, but the weight of the member is increased, whereby the weight of the chassis is increased and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by forming beads at specific locations on the shock absorbing member to concentrate strengthening effects where needed for buckling initiation, rather than uniformly increasing plate thickness throughout the entire member. This allows localized reinforcement without proportional weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses asymmetry by positioning beads non-uniformly on the walls of the hollow member, creating intentional asymmetric stress distribution that promotes desired buckling modes while maintaining overall structural efficiency and minimizing weight.
2Strength
If a high-strength steel plate is used to increase the buckling load, then the strength is improved, but the degree of elongation is decreased, whereby the formability is not good and there are limitations to increase the strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes parameters by modifying the geometric configuration of the shock absorbing member through bead formation, rather than relying solely on material strength parameters. This allows achieving higher buckling loads through structural optimization while maintaining material formability.
3Strength
If the buckling load is solely increased, then the shock-absorbing capacity is improved, but the minimum impact load for generating the buckling is increased, whereby the impact load is not absorbed by deformation and is transmitted to another structure such as a cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-forming beads on the shock absorbing member that serve as predetermined buckling initiation sites. These beads prepare the structure to buckle at controlled loads, ensuring energy absorption begins at appropriate impact levels rather than requiring higher minimum loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The beads act as intermediaries between the impact load and the main structure, providing controlled deformation zones that absorb energy through localized buckling while protecting the cabin from direct impact transmission.
4Loss of energy
If the shock absorbing member is configured as a straight member to secure deformation, then the energy absorption is improved, but the design efficiency is deteriorated due to repeated buckling tests or computer simulation required to determine bead arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes geometric parameters by specifying bead positioning at particular locations on the walls, which determines buckling behavior. This parameter-based approach allows prediction of deformation characteristics without requiring extensive iterative testing, improving design efficiency.
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 effectively induces the concave-convex independent mode, enhancing shock-absorbing performance by increasing the amount of impact energy absorption and maintaining reduced weight and high stiffness, improving both fuel efficiency and collision safety.
Implementation Method 1
absorbs the impact energy by buckling in an axial direction (or axial crushing) when impact load is applied to one end of the member at the time of collision
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow columnar shock absorbing member (1) has an axis (O), a plurality of rectangular walls (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) extending parallel to axis (O), and a polygonal cross-section perpendicular to axis (O), wherein the shock absorbing member extends in the direction of axis (O) and absorbs externally-applied impact energy while buckling in the direction of axis (O). The shock absorbing member has at least one bead (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) formed on at least one wall (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) among the plurality of walls (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), the at least one bead (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) providing the origin of the buckling. The at least one bead (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is positioned so as to be deviated towards one edge of a wall (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) on which the at least one bead (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is formed, the edge extending parallel to axis (O).