Explosion G-Force Absorber Mitigating Strip Anvil Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorption systems for vehicles, such as crumple zones, lack control and adjustment over deformation and require significant space, making them ineffective in mitigating excessive G-forces caused by explosions beneath the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorption apparatus with a mitigating strip and anvils, where the strip is anchored and designed to provide increasing resistance to bending as it moves over the anvils, absorbing G-forces and reducing the force experienced by the occupant through controlled bending and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a crumple zone with metal sheets in honeycomb arrangement is used to absorb G-force, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible mitigating strip instead of rigid metal sheets. The strip is anchored at one end and passes over an anvil, allowing it to bend and deform flexibly during explosion to absorb G-force energy. This flexible film approach replaces the complex honeycomb structure with a simpler, more controllable flexible element that achieves energy absorption through bending rather than crushing.
2Loss of energy
If a crumple zone with metal sheets is used to absorb G-force, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the space required below the occupant seat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional honeycomb compression structure to a two-dimensional flexible strip bending mechanism. The mitigating strip is positioned vertically and bends in a single plane as it passes over the anvil during explosion, reducing the horizontal space footprint while maintaining energy absorption capability through the bending action rather than volumetric compression.
3Loss of energy
If a crumple zone with metal sheets is used to absorb G-force, then energy absorption capability is improved, but control and adjustment of deformation degree is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables control of deformation characteristics by changing parameters of the mitigating strip such as material composition, thickness, width, and anchoring position. These parameter adjustments allow precise control over the bending resistance and energy absorption characteristics. The strip's gradual deformation as it passes over the anvil can be tuned by selecting appropriate material properties and geometric dimensions, providing adjustable control over the G-force absorption profile.
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 apparatus effectively reduces the G-force experienced by occupants during explosions by absorbing energy through controlled bending of the mitigating strip, providing a survivable force level and requiring minimal space, unlike traditional crumple zones.
Implementation Method 1
the mitigating strip comprising a portion at one end of the strip for anchoring the strip against movement relative to the first or second member and a portion of substantially constant resistance to bending at the other end of the strip, wherein a portion of gradually increasing resistance to bending is provided between the anchoring portion and the portion of substantially constant resistance to bending
Implementation Method 2
As the mitigating strip is pulled over the anvil it inherently must simultaneously bend. This bending action requires energy which is received from the relative movement of the seat and the frame thereby absorbing a portion of the G-force
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to apparatus which absorbs G-force resulting from an explosion event near a vehicle in order to protect the occupant from potentially dangerous levels of G-force. The apparatus has first (12) and second mounting (14) attached to the occupant seat. An absorbtion mechanism (20) in the form of a mitigating strip (22) is provided between the mounting members and an anvil (28) is provided on such that when the vehicle, and hence the first mounting member, is subjected to the explosion induced G-force, the mitigating strip is bent and pulled over the anvil. This absorbs a portion of the G-force which would otherwise be imparted on the occupant hence minimising the risk of injury to the occupant. A method of protecting a vehicle occupant from explosion induced G-force is also provided.