Self-Regulating Damper Unit for Occupant-Weight-Sensitive Belt Yielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-regulating damper units, such as those used in vehicle safety systems, are not adapted to react to different occupant body weights, leading to inadequate force adjustment to prevent injuries during crashes.
Innovation Solution
A self-regulating damper unit with a shiftable weight that modifies the passage cross-section of a through-hole, allowing fluid communication between chambers, which adjusts damping force based on piston rod acceleration, ensuring occupant-sensitive damping regardless of weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed damping force is used in the damper unit, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to different occupant body weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the damping force adjustable through a shiftable weight that changes the passage cross-section of the through-hole. The shiftable weight moves relative to the piston rod, dynamically modifying the fluid flow area between working chambers based on acceleration conditions, thereby adapting the damping force to different occupant weights without requiring multiple dampers or complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors and power supply are added to adjust damping force, then adaptability to different weights is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the self-service principle by designing a damper unit that automatically adjusts its damping force based on the acceleration conditions experienced during a crash. The shiftable weight responds passively to acceleration forces, modifying the passage cross-section and thereby the damping force, without requiring any active sensors, power supply, or electronic control systems. The system serves itself by using the physical principles of fluid dynamics and inertial forces.
3Force
If the passage cross-section is enlarged during retardation, then the damping force is reduced to allow belt yielding, but fluid flow control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by modifying the passage cross-section parameter of the through-hole through the movement of the shiftable weight. During retardation, the shiftable weight shifts to enlarge the passage cross-section, reducing the damping force and allowing the belt to yield. This continuous parameter adjustment enables smooth transition between different damping states without requiring discrete valves or complex flow control mechanisms.
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 damper unit maintains consistent acceleration and utilizes available damper distance effectively, providing appropriate forces for occupants of varying weights without power supply or additional sensors, ensuring reduced injury risk.
Implementation Method 1
the shiftable weight being movably mounted relative to the at least one through-hole such that retardation of the moving piston or the moving piston rod causes enlargement of the passage cross-section of the at least one through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
A self-regulating damper unit comprising a cylinder having a first working chamber and a second working chamber, a piston, a piston rod, and a through-hole between the first working chamber and the second working chamber. The damper unit also comprises a shiftable weight which modifies a passage cross-section of the through-hole. The shiftable weight is movably mounted such that retardation of the piston causes enlargement of the passage cross-section. A seat belt unit comprises a seat belt and the damper unit.