Deformable Element Bracket for Low Force Peak Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformable elements used in vehicles require high force for initial deformation and are not easily producible as water-tight structures, making them costly or prone to corrosion when not water-tight.
Innovation Solution
A deformable element comprising a profiled tube with a closed end and a bracket between opposite sides, where the bracket's convex and concave sections initiate deformation, reducing the initial force peak and allowing for water-tight production through weldable materials and designs like U-shaped or double s-shaped brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If slots or boreholes are provided in the tubular energy absorber to reduce the force peak, then the deformation process is improved, but the production outlay increases and water-tightness is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is pre-formed with convex and concave sections that automatically initiate the deformation sequence. The concave section is positioned to contact the closed end first, pre-programming the deformation path to start at the desired location without requiring slots or boreholes, thus maintaining structural integrity and water-tightness while achieving force peak reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary element between the impact force and the tubular structure. It transfers and distributes the deformation initiation in a controlled manner through its geometric shape, eliminating the need for direct contact that would require openings in the tube wall, thereby preserving water-tightness while controlling the force peak
2Force
If slots or boreholes are provided in the tubular energy absorber to reduce the force peak, then the deformation process is improved, but water-tightness is lost requiring expensive corrosion protection
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is pre-formed with convex and concave sections that automatically initiate the deformation sequence. The concave section is positioned to contact the closed end first, pre-programming the deformation path to start at the desired location without requiring slots or boreholes, thus maintaining structural integrity and water-tightness while achieving force peak reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary element between the impact force and the tubular structure. It transfers and distributes the deformation initiation in a controlled manner through its geometric shape, eliminating the need for direct contact that would require openings in the tube wall, thereby preserving water-tightness while controlling the force peak
3Force
If a bracket with convex and concave sections is used to initiate deformation, then the force peak is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into distinct functional zones: convex sections for applying compressive force to initiate bulging, and concave sections for controlling the deformation sequence and providing contact surfaces. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving force peak reduction through a relatively simple geometric configuration rather than a complex mechanism
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 deformable element achieves low force peak at the start of deformation, is cost-effective, and can be produced as a water-tight structure, effectively absorbing kinetic energy during collisions while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Deformable elements which, in the course of a deformation process irreversibly convert the kinetic energy of the impact into deformation and thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
a bracket (4) which is fastened between opposite sides (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the profiled tube (2) at the end of the profiled tube (2) that is closed by the plate (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A deformable element includes a profiled tube having a rectangular cross-section, and a plate which closes the profiled tube at one end, where a bracket is fastened between opposite sides of the profiled tube at the end of the profiled tube that is closed by the plate.