Electromagnetic Shock Absorber for Adaptive Vehicle Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle bumpers struggle to effectively absorb varying levels of shocks during collisions, as they either deform excessively for small shocks or inadequately for large shocks, and existing shock-absorbing devices cannot adjust their absorption based on shock intensity.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing apparatus featuring first and second coils wound around bumper-side and vehicle-body-side pipes, respectively, with a control unit generating a repulsive force by applying voltage when a voltage change is detected during a collision, allowing the intensity of the repulsive force to adjust based on the bumper's deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bumper is designed to be easily deformed to absorb small shocks, then small shocks can be absorbed effectively, but the bumper cannot effectively absorb large shocks and may be excessively deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing device transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system with movable components. The movable member can change position based on shock intensity, allowing the device to adapt its absorption characteristics - providing soft absorption for small shocks and hard absorption for large shocks, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of deformation and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing device is divided into multiple functional segments: a movable member that can change position, a first shock absorbing portion for small shocks, and a second shock absorbing portion for large shocks. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in different shock levels, enabling the system to handle both small and large shocks effectively without compromising overall strength
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional shock absorbing device is installed to effectively absorb shocks, then shock absorption capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing device integrates multiple functions into a single compact structure. The movable member simultaneously serves as both the actuator and the absorption element, while the first and second shock absorbing portions handle different shock levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing device operates autonomously without requiring external control systems. The movable member automatically changes position based on the shock force applied, and the device self-regulates its absorption characteristics. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for sensors, controllers, or power sources, thus avoiding significant increases in device complexity while achieving adaptive shock absorption
3Strength
If a conventional shock absorbing beam with multi-layered hollow portion is used, then structural strength is improved, but the device cannot vary shock absorbing degree depending on shock level
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the static multi-layered hollow beam with a dynamic shock absorbing device featuring a movable member that can change position. This dynamic capability allows the device to vary its shock absorbing degree based on the shock level - providing different absorption characteristics for small versus large shocks, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining structural strength through the robust connection to the bumper
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
This solution allows for efficient shock absorption by generating a repulsive force only when necessary, reducing weight and power consumption, and varying the force intensity based on collision severity, effectively preventing vehicle body deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit applying voltage to generate a repulsive force between the first and second coils when a change in voltage is detected by a movement of the first coil
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorbing apparatus for a vehicle may include a first coil provided in a bumper of the vehicle, a second coil provided on a vehicle body and facing the first coil, and a control unit applying voltage to generate a repulsive force between the first and second coils when a change in voltage may be detected by a movement of the first coil in an event of a vehicle collision, wherein an electric current flows between the control unit and the first and second coils.