Helical Centre Console Leg for Side-Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centre console units in motor vehicles do not effectively manage energy absorption during side collisions, leading to potential injury risks for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A centre console unit with a helical structure in the front leg and a rear leg that deflects laterally, applying torsional loads to the helical structure, which stores energy differently based on the direction of impact, enhancing energy absorption and reducing injury risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal structural member is used in the centre console unit, then the strength and stiffness are improved to prevent occupant injury, but the energy absorption capability during side collisions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metal structural members with polymer materials to create a composite structure. The metal provides strength and stiffness while the polymer absorbs energy during collisions, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and energy absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by introducing a polymer with specific viscoelastic properties to the centre console structure. This allows the structure to exhibit both high strength (from metal) and high energy absorption (from polymer's material characteristics)
2Reliability
If the centre console unit is made sufficiently strong to prevent occupant impact transmission, then occupant safety is improved, but the force/displacement relationship during collision may exceed safe bounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the centre console by using polymer materials with specific viscoelastic properties. This modifies the force-displacement relationship during collision to remain within safe bounds while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer material acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that activates during collision. It is configured in advance to provide controlled deformation and energy absorption, ensuring the force/displacement relationship stays within safe limits.
3Loss of energy
If energy absorption is increased through material selection, then injury risk is reduced, but the structural member complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function (metal) with the energy absorption function (polymer) into a single integrated centre console structure. This combination achieves high energy absorption without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer structural member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, absorbs energy during collisions, and maintains the centre console's geometric stability. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity.
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 centre console unit efficiently absorbs and stores energy during side collisions, minimizing occupant injury by varying energy storage based on impact direction, thus improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
the rear leg is configured to deflect in a lateral direction during an initial loading of the centre console unit in the first lateral direction or a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction. The centre console may be configured to apply a torsional load to the helical structure of the front leg as the rear leg deflects
Implementation Method 2
the front leg comprises a helical structure forming at least part of a structural load path between the body portion and the floor of the vehicle... stores energy differently based on the direction of impact
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A centre console unit for a motor vehicle is provided. The centre console unit comprises: a body portion comprising an upper surface for forming or supporting an arm rest for an occupant of the vehicle; a rear leg for extending between the body portion and a floor of the vehicle for supporting the body portion relative to the floor of the vehicle at a rear end of the body portion; and a front leg for extending between the body portion and the floor of the vehicle for supporting the body portion relative to the floor of the vehicle at a front end of the body portion, wherein the front leg comprises a helical structure forming at least part of a structural load path between the body portion and the floor of the vehicle.