Energy Absorption Component with Dual Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy absorption components, such as crash absorbers, often rely on a single energy absorption mechanism, which limits their energy absorption capacity and makes design challenging due to unpredictable deformation behavior and sensitivity to material property fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A component integrating at least two different energy absorption mechanisms based on distinct action principles, such as plastic deformation, shear, fracture, entanglement, or friction, which are activated sequentially or simultaneously based on a threshold force, allowing for enhanced energy absorption capacity with identical dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single energy absorption mechanism is used, then the component structure is simpler, but the energy absorption capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent structureVSAvoidenergy absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple energy absorption mechanisms (plastic deformation, shear, fracture, entanglement, friction) into a single integrated component structure. The component simultaneously incorporates features that enable different absorption mechanisms to work together, thereby increasing total energy absorption capacity without proportionally increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The component uses a composite structure integrating different material configurations and structural features that enable multiple absorption mechanisms. The component structure combines elements designed for plastic deformation with features that promote shear, fracture, entanglement, and friction, creating a composite energy absorption system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If a single energy absorption mechanism is used, then the design is simpler, but the deformation behavior is difficult to foresee and the component is sensitive to material property fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign complexityVSAvoiddeformation behavior predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple energy absorption mechanisms with different action principles, the patent creates a more robust system where the overall deformation behavior is less sensitive to variations in any single mechanism. The complementary nature of different mechanisms provides more predictable and stable performance across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes multiple energy absorption mechanisms that respond to different parameter ranges and loading conditions. This multi-mechanism approach allows the component to maintain predictable behavior across a broader range of material properties and loading scenarios, reducing sensitivity to material property fluctuations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If identical component dimensions are used, then the component is more compact, but the energy absorption capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent dimensionsVSAvoidenergy absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple energy absorption mechanisms into a compact integrated structure, achieving high energy absorption capacity within limited dimensions. By having multiple mechanisms operate simultaneously or sequentially within the same component volume, the energy absorption capacity is maximized without increasing overall component size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The component incorporates a lattice structure with controlled porosity that enables multiple energy absorption mechanisms to operate within a compact volume. The lattice geometry provides space for plastic deformation while also creating features that promote shear, fracture, entanglement, and friction, achieving high energy absorption in a reduced volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 dual energy absorption mechanisms enable a higher energy absorption capacity, improved design controllability, and adaptability to various utilization and failure scenarios, leading to increased safety and efficiency in energy absorption.