Polygonal Impact Absorber Cross-Section for Lightweight Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact absorbing members struggle to achieve a balance between impact absorbing performance and lightness in weight, as they often compromise on either performance or weight.
Innovation Solution
The impact absorbing member features a cylindrical shape with a first cross section that includes shared vertices and recessed grooves, where the recessed grooves have alternating first and second inflection points, enhancing the balance between impact absorption and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the impact absorbing member uses a simple cylindrical shape without complex cross-sectional features, then the manufacturing process is simple and weight is reduced, but the impact absorbing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional perimeter is segmented into multiple straight line segments forming a polygonal shape rather than a simple circle. This segmentation creates multiple vertices and sides that guide the buckling deformation pattern, improving impact absorption performance while maintaining a relatively simple overall cylindrical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The polygonal cross-section provides different local geometric properties at different vertices and sides. The alternating interior angles (some greater than 120°, some less than 120°) create localized stress distribution patterns that enhance buckling behavior and energy absorption at specific locations along the cylindrical member
2Reliability
If the impact absorbing member uses a polygonal cross-section with alternating interior angles, then the impact absorbing performance is improved through controlled buckling, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal cross-section intentionally uses asymmetric angle variations (alternating between greater than and less than 120°) rather than uniform angles. This asymmetric design creates a specific buckling progression pattern that improves energy absorption while the repetitive alternating pattern allows for standardized manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
While the cross-section is polygonal, the transitions between straight line segments create curved deformation paths during buckling. The alternating interior angles guide the formation of curved buckling waves that progress along the cylindrical length, combining polygonal geometry with curved deformation behavior for optimal energy absorption
3Reliability
If the impact absorbing member uses more material to increase cross-sectional area, then the impact absorbing performance is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal cross-section with optimized alternating angles creates efficient stress distribution and buckling patterns that maximize energy absorption per unit volume. The geometric configuration allows the material to be distributed in a way that optimizes structural efficiency, achieving high impact absorption performance without requiring excessive material quantity
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 design effectively improves the balance between impact absorbing performance and lightness in weight, allowing for superior impact absorption while maintaining a reduced weight.
Implementation Method 1
an impact absorbing member that absorbs an impact by being crushed in an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
buckling proceeds continuously in a bellows shape in the member, to thereby absorb the impact
Data Source
AI summary
An impact absorbing member includes a first cross section being a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction of the impact absorbing member, and a second cross section being a cross section defined by extension lines of a plurality of sides in the first cross section, in which the first cross section includes a shared vertex that is shared by the second cross section, and a recessed groove that is positioned to correspond to a vertex of the second cross section, the recessed groove has a first inflection point being a vertex whose interior angle is greater than 180°, and a second inflection point being a vertex whose interior angle is less than 180°, the first inflection point and the second inflection point are alternately arranged along a circumferential direction of the first cross section in at least a part of region of the first cross section, an interior angle of at least one vertex of the first cross section excluding the first inflection point and the second inflection point is 100° or more, and the first cross section does not have a partition wall portion in the inside thereof.