Deformable Structure for Mechanical and Acoustic Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for mechanical and acoustic impact absorption in aerospace and other industries are structurally distinct, lacking unified approaches for both types of impacts.
Innovation Solution
A deformable structure comprising an inner core with alternating segments of positive and negative Poisson coefficients in a honeycomb configuration, covered by external layers, with additional damping elements and optional weakened areas or internal pistons for enhanced energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate structures are used for mechanical and acoustic impact absorption, then each structure can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and no unified solution exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single deformable structure that simultaneously addresses both mechanical impacts and acoustic noise. The honeycomb core with alternating Poisson coefficient segments provides mechanical impact resistance through controlled deformation, while the same structure absorbs acoustic energy through vibration damping, eliminating the need for separate specialized structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate solutions for mechanical impact protection and acoustic noise reduction into a single integrated deformable structure. The sandwich panel configuration combines the core structure with external layers, where the same components serve dual purposes: mechanical strength and noise absorption, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If high energy absorption capacity is achieved through complex deformable structures, then impact resistance improves, but manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the core into alternating segments with positive and negative Poisson coefficients. This segmentation allows each segment type to be manufactured using standard honeycomb fabrication processes, while the alternating arrangement provides the desired mechanical properties for energy absorption during impact, balancing performance with manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining materials with different Poisson coefficients in an alternating sequence within the honeycomb core. This composite structure enables tailored mechanical response to impacts while utilizing well-established material fabrication techniques for each component type, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight structure is used to reduce weight, then energy absorption capacity may be reduced, but the invention achieves both low weight and high energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the Poisson coefficient parameter across alternating segments of the honeycomb core. This parameter variation enables the structure to achieve superior energy absorption capacity through controlled deformation mechanisms while maintaining a lightweight construction, as the alternating segments efficiently dissipate impact energy without requiring additional mass.
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 structure effectively absorbs energy from impacts through differential deformation of segments, providing high energy absorption capacity, adaptability, and low weight, suitable for various applications including aircraft fuselages and shock absorbers.
Implementation Method 1
The inner core is formed by a set of first and second segments having a honeycomb-type configuration with the hollow cells arranged transversely to the expected direction of said mechanical and/or acoustic impacts. The first and second segments have respectively positive and negative Poisson coefficients and are arranged alternately on the structure with the ends of two contiguous segments joined so that deformations received by one segment can be transmitted to a contiguous segment.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention provides a deformable structure, such as a panel (11) or a shock absorber (20), for absorbing energy from a mechanical and/or acoustic impact comprising an inner core (13) and one or more external layers covering the inner core (13). The inner core (13) comprises a set of first segments (25) having a positive Poison's ratio and second segments (35) having a negative Poisson's ratio. The first and second segments (25, 35) are arranged alternately and joined between them so that the deformation received by one first segment (25) can be transmitted to an adjacent second segment (35) and vice versa.