Compression Energy Absorber Structure for Aircraft Impact Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft energy absorption systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,637,212, GB 2555862, EP 2505490, EP 1426289, and EP 1930237, are inadequate in absorbing a significant amount of energy during compressive loads, particularly in aircraft structures.

Innovation Solution

A device for absorbing energy by compression, comprising modules with first conduits oriented in the compression direction, connected by joining walls to form larger second conduits, and featuring open end walls to enhance energy absorption capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If small section conduits are used in honeycomb geometry, then compression strength is high, but energy absorption capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression strengthVSAvoidenergy absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the compression load path by creating multiple parallel first conduits that are spaced apart rather than continuously connected. This segmentation allows each conduit to independently absorb energy through controlled buckling, increasing total energy absorption while maintaining compression strength through the distributed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional honeycomb pattern (conduits perpendicular to skins) to a three-dimensional structure with conduits oriented parallel to the compression direction. This dimensional change allows the conduits to undergo axial deformation and buckling, significantly increasing energy absorption capacity while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conduits are oriented perpendicular to skins in honeycomb geometry, then structural stability is maintained, but energy absorption by compression is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidenergy absorption by compression

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional honeycomb orientation by placing conduits parallel to the compression direction rather than perpendicular to it. This inversion allows the conduits to directly engage in compression loading and undergo controlled buckling, transforming the structure from one that resists compression through geometric stiffness to one that absorbs energy through controlled deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If end walls are added to close conduit ends, then structural integrity is improved, but energy absorption capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidenergy absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The end walls are designed with selective opening rather than complete closure. The openings are strategically positioned to allow controlled deformation and buckling of the conduits during compression, enabling energy absorption while the remaining wall structure maintains structural integrity and prevents catastrophic failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Use of energy by moving object

If conduits are spaced apart rather than contiguous, then energy absorption capacity increases, but structural continuity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorption capacityVSAvoidstructural continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing between conduits creates discrete segmentation that allows each conduit to independently deform and absorb energy. The joining walls connect these segmented conduits, creating a distributed structure where local deformation in one conduit does not compromise the overall structural stability, as other conduits continue to provide load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for the absorption of a greater quantity of energy without buckling, enabling improved aircraft impact resistance and structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a device for absorbing energy by compression configured to be positioned between first and second elements and to be subjected to compressive loads oriented in a compression direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The solution allows for the absorption of a greater quantity of energy without buckling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuckling:

Data Source

PatentUS12384512B2Device for absorbing energy by compression, aircraft comprising at least one such device

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A device for absorbing energy by compression including several first conduits spaced apart from one another and oriented in a compression direction and joining walls which are parallel to the compression direction and connect the first conduits so as to delimit, with the latter, at least one second conduit. This solution makes it possible to absorb a greater quantity of energy. An aircraft including at least one such device for absorbing energy is also disclosed.