Collision-Triggered Vehicle Structure Strengthening by Electric Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle structure materials, particularly those using aluminum alloys, face limitations in composition and heat treatment technology, necessitating improved methods to enhance strength and durability during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle structure material strengthening system that applies an electric current to the vehicle upon detection of a collision, utilizing collision sensors, a processor, and a power supply to activate the current when necessary, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the vehicle structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional aluminum alloys and heat treatment technology are used, then the manufacturing process is mature and reliable, but the mechanical properties and strength of the vehicle structure are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical current parameters to the vehicle structure during impact to change the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. By controlling current magnitude, duration, and timing, the system enhances yield stress and hardness without requiring complex material composition changes or advanced heat treatment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary strengthening action by applying current to the vehicle structure before the impact fully occurs. The collision sensor detects impending impact and triggers current application in advance, allowing the material to strengthen proactively rather than reactively after damage occurs.
2Strength
If advanced heat treatment technology is applied to improve mechanical properties, then the strength increases, but the process complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical heat treatment systems with an electrical current application system. Instead of using furnaces, heating elements, and controlled cooling mechanisms, the invention uses electrical current to achieve material strengthening, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining or improving strength properties.
3Reliability
If the collision threshold is set low for early protection, then the vehicle structure is protected earlier, but false activation may occur during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple collision sensors to continuously monitor impact conditions and dynamically adjust the activation decision. The processor analyzes sensor data against predefined thresholds and contextual information to determine whether to apply current, ensuring activation only when genuine impact threats are detected while filtering out normal operational vibrations.
4Measurement precision
If multiple collision sensors are dispersedly mounted on the vehicle, then the detection coverage is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle structure into multiple detection zones with strategically positioned collision sensors. Rather than uniformly distributing sensors across the entire vehicle, the system segments critical areas (front, rear, sides) and places sensors at key locations, achieving comprehensive detection coverage while minimizing the total number of sensors and system 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 system improves the strength and ductility of vehicle structures, preventing breakage during impacts by applying a controlled current, while being compatible with existing vehicles and materials without significant modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply is electrically connected to the processor and the vehicle. When the collision signal is greater than or equal to a collision threshold, the processor transmits the power activation signal to the power supply, wherein the power supply transmits a circuit to the vehicle according to the power activation signal
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1H
AI summary
A vehicle structure material strengthening system (20) and a vehicle (90) containing the same are described. The vehicle structure material strengthening system (20) has at least one collision sensor (21), a processor (22), and a power supply (23). The collision sensor (21) is suitable for being mounted on the vehicle (90). The processor (22) is electrically connected to the collision sensor (21) for receiving a collision signal from the collision sensor (21), and determines whether to transmit a power activation signal according to the collision signal. The power supply (23) is electrically connected to the processor (22) and the vehicle (90). When the collision signal is greater than or equal to a collision threshold, the processor (22) transmits the power activation signal to the power supply (23), wherein the power supply (23) transmits a circuit to the vehicle (90) according to the power activation signal; or when the collision signal is less than the collision threshold, the processor (22) does not transmit the power activation signal.