Composite Layer Material for Dampening External Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy-absorbing materials face limitations in effectively dissipating mechanical energy from impacts or vibrations, particularly due to reliance on external activation mechanisms and lack of optimization in fluid-structure interactions within microfluidic networks.
Innovation Solution
Development of customized energy-absorbing composites combining resilient solid materials with numerically optimized microfluidic networks and complex fluids, such as shear thickening or viscoelastic fluids, which enhance energy dissipation through optimized geometry and fluid-structure interactions without requiring magneto-rheological or electro-rheological fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional energy-absorbing materials like EPS are used, then they provide basic impact protection, but they deform permanently after crushing and can only be used once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and rheological properties of the fluid from Newtonian to non-Newtonian (shear-thickening), allowing the material to transition from soft and flexible at rest to rigid and protective under impact, enabling both reusability and high energy absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining solid porous matrix with non-Newtonian fluid, where the interaction between the solid structure and fluid rheology provides both protective strength and reversible energy dissipation through multiple loading cycles
2Weight of stationary object
If STFs are encapsulated into sealed bags with syntactic glass beads, then weight is reduced, but the energy absorption mechanism is limited by the bag structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous solid matrix that allows direct impregnation with STF, eliminating the need for sealed bags and complex internal structures. The porous structure provides fluid pathways while maintaining structural integrity and enabling simpler manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the unnecessary bag structure and syntactic glass beads from the system, retaining only the essential components (solid matrix and STF) to achieve weight reduction while simplifying the overall device structure
3Strength
If STFs are incorporated into solid phase elastomers, then energy absorption is enhanced, but the material loses flexibility and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic rheological properties through non-Newtonian fluid that can change its behavior based on applied stress, allowing the material to be flexible and adaptable at rest while becoming rigid and protective under impact conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the porous solid matrix as an intermediary structure that allows the fluid to remain mobile and adaptable while providing structural support, enabling the system to exhibit both flexibility and strength through the interaction between matrix and fluid phases
4Strength
If porous foams with STFs are used, then energy absorption is increased through viscous work, but the material becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the solid matrix to provide fluid pathways for viscous dissipation while maintaining a lightweight construction, avoiding the need for heavy closed-cell foam structures or additional weight-reducing elements like syntactic glass beads
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 significantly increases the ability to absorb and dissipate external kinetic energy, providing enhanced safety and comfort by optimizing energy dissipation mechanisms within the composite materials, potentially doubling protection without increasing volume or weight.
Implementation Method 1
due to their viscosity increase with the applied shear stress over a critical value
Implementation Method 2
the microchannel section and fluid viscosity is such to dampen the external dynamic load by the constricted fluid flow through said microchannels
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the customization of a composite layer material for absorbing or dissipating mechanical energy under impacts or vibrations. The composite layer material comprises at least a support layer of a resilient material, said support layer having recessed fluid-tight microchannels comprising a fluid, wherein the channel section and fluid viscosity is such to dampen the external load by the constricted fluid flow through said microchannels. Therefore, the present disclosure relates to a maximization of safety and/or comfort.