Deformable Vehicle Nacelle for Mine Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Military vehicle passengers are endangered due to the transmission of impact energy from mine shocks through stiff vehicle bodies, and existing nacelle designs do not effectively absorb impact energy while allowing for optimal pilot or passenger positioning.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle nacelle with a rigid frame linked to the vehicle body, featuring a deformable zone and breakable means, including a spring-damper system and pivot connections, that allows for energy absorption and flexible positioning of the passenger seat, enabling both head-in and head-out configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the vehicle body is made stiff to provide armor protection, then the protective capability is improved, but the transmission of impact energy to passengers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle structure segments the passenger compartment from the vehicle body through a deformable zone, allowing the rigid frame to maintain protective capability while the deformable section absorbs impact energy, preventing transmission to passengers
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable zone acts as an intermediary element between the rigid frame and the passenger seat, absorbing impact energy through plastic deformation and preventing its transmission to the passenger while the rigid frame maintains overall structural protection
2Reliability
If the passenger is decoupled from the vehicle body using a rigid nacelle structure, then the decoupling effect is improved, but the absorption of impact energy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle structure employs different local qualities: the frame is rigid to maintain decoupling and structural integrity, while the deformable zone is specifically designed to be plastic and energy-absorbing, creating a localized energy dissipation region that preserves the overall decoupling effect
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable zone is pre-positioned in the nacelle structure to provide beforehand cushioning against impact forces, absorbing energy through controlled plastic deformation before the impact reaches the passenger, thus maintaining both decoupling and energy absorption
3Stability of the object's composition
If the nacelle structure is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility in positioning the pilot or passenger decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle incorporates a motor means that enables dynamic adjustment of the frame's angular position, allowing the pilot or passenger to be positioned in head-in or head-out configurations while the deformable zone maintains structural integrity during normal operation and during impact
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 nacelle effectively absorbs mine impact energy by plastic deformation and breakage of components, reducing the transmission of force to the passenger and allowing for safe and flexible positioning during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the frame comprising a deformable zone located between the two ends and capable of plastically deforming under the influence of the shock caused by said mine
Implementation Method 2
the breakable means comprises a spring intended to stiffen the nacelle and to accompany the movements of the nacelle during its pivoting
Implementation Method 3
the breakable means comprises a damper intended to absorb the oscillations of the nacelle
Implementation Method 4
breakable means comprising at one of its ends a pivot connection with an axis perpendicular to the slideway and intended to slide in the slideway following the breakage of a shearing pin securing the slide and the pivot link
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The nacelle (1) has a rigid reinforcement (4) for being connected to a body of a vehicle by a fastening device (6), which is located in vicinity of first end (41) of the reinforcement. The reinforcement bears a passenger seat (5) placed in vicinity of second end (42) of the reinforcement. The reinforcement comprises a deformable zone (4b) located between the ends and plastically deformed under the influence of shock caused by a mine. The seat is located in overhang with respect to the deformable zone so as to form a lever arm to cause bending of the nacelle at the level of the zone.