Bidirectional Energy Absorbing Device with Crushing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorbing devices are unable to match the specific energy absorption capacity of controlled crushing of a composite tube and typically only absorb energy in one direction, either tension or compression.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorbing device with a crushing member, a stopping member, an energy absorbing member positioned between them, and a linking member, which allows for energy absorption in both compression and tension directions by crushing the energy absorbing member between the crushing and stopping members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional energy absorbing devices use methods such as hysteresis of structural members, fluid friction, or controlled textile failure, then they can dissipate kinetic energy, but they cannot match the specific energy absorption capacity of controlled crushing of a composite tube
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy absorption mechanisms into a single integrated device: a crushable composite tube provides primary energy absorption through controlled crushing, while a tension member with friction elements adds secondary energy dissipation. This merging achieves high specific energy absorption capacity that matches or exceeds traditional methods without requiring separate devices for each mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing device uses a composite tube made of fiber-reinforced material (such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or aramid fiber reinforced polymer matrix) that is specifically engineered to undergo controlled crushing. This composite structure provides superior specific energy absorption capacity compared to traditional homogeneous materials, enabling the device to match the energy absorption of optimized composite tube crushing while adding bidirectional capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy absorbing devices are designed to absorb energy in only one direction (tension or compression), then they can optimize performance for that direction, but they cannot absorb energy in both tension and compression directions
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves multi-functionality by combining a crushable tube that absorbs energy in compression with a tension member that absorbs energy in tension through friction. This single integrated structure can dissipate kinetic energy regardless of load direction, making it universally applicable for impact protection without requiring separate tension and compression devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element acts as an intermediary that enables the tension member to dissipate energy. When the tube crushes in compression, the friction element creates resistance between the tube surface and the tension member, converting mechanical energy into heat. This intermediary mechanism allows the tension member to participate in energy absorption during compression events, adding versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 device effectively dissipates kinetic energy in both compression and tension forces, providing a high specific energy absorption capacity similar to controlled crushing of a composite tube, while being capable of absorbing energy in both directions.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorbing member is crushed between the crushing member and the stopping member to dissipate kinetic energy
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy absorbing device (310) including a housing (328) having a first end (316) and a second end (318) longitudinally opposed from the first end, a crushing member (320) positioned proximate the first end, a stopping member (322) longitudinally spaced apart from the crushing member (320), an energy absorbing member positioned between the crushing member (320) and the stopping member (322), and a linking member (326) connected to the crushing member (320).