Monostructure Impact Post With Flexible Pivot Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact resistant structures face issues with material separation and reduced performance over time due to the joining of dissimilar materials, leading to structural weaknesses and failure.
Innovation Solution
A mono-structure impact absorbing post composed of multiple layers with varying mechanical properties, formed as a single, integral unit using a polymer material, where each layer has molecular continuity and distinct mechanical characteristics, providing impact resilience and energy absorption while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dissimilar materials are joined together to achieve optimum damping performance and structural integrity, then the impact resistance and damping capability are improved, but the structure becomes prone to material separation and inherent weaknesses over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple material layers (rigid outer layer, flexible intermediate layer, rigid inner layer) into a single integrated structure through co-extrusion or laminating processes. This combining approach maintains the functional benefits of dissimilar materials (damping, impact resistance, structural integrity) while eliminating the separation issues that plague assembled multi-material structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material construction with distinct layers having different mechanical properties. The rigid outer layer provides structural integrity, the flexible intermediate layer provides damping, and the rigid inner layer provides core strength. These composite layers are bonded together through co-extrusion or laminating to create a unified structure that leverages the advantages of each material type while preventing separation.
2Reliability
If multiple materials are joined together to provide optimal damping performance, then the impact absorption capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple material layers into a single integrated component using co-extrusion or laminating processes. This merging approach allows the post to be manufactured as one piece rather than assembling separate components, thereby maintaining optimal damping performance while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The post is segmented into functional layers (rigid outer layer, flexible intermediate layer, rigid inner layer) that can be manufactured separately and then combined through co-extrusion or laminating. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while the combination process integrates them into a unified structure, balancing manufacturing ease with performance requirements.
3Reliability
If dissimilar materials are joined together to achieve optimal structural properties, then the impact protection capability is improved, but the structure becomes prone to failure and performance reduction over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple material layers into a single integrated structure through co-extrusion or laminating, eliminating the interfaces between dissimilar materials that are prone to separation and failure. This unified structure maintains optimal impact protection capability throughout the service life without the degradation caused by material separation, thereby extending the durable service life of the post.
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 mono-structure post effectively absorbs impacts and dissipates energy without separating, ensuring consistent performance and improved structural integrity compared to traditional multi-material solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The second layer (30) may be more flexible than the first layer (20) or third layer (40) to thereby form a pivotable link between the first layer (20) and third layer (40)
Implementation Method 2
configured to provide impact resilience, damping and/or energy absorption while retaining its structural integrity
Implementation Method 3
The mono-structure post effectively absorbs impacts and dissipates energy without separating
Data Source
AI summary
An impact absorbing post including a first layer, second layer and a third layer formed as a mono-structure and having a length. The third layer is configured for being mounted to a supporting substrate so the second layer and first layer extend in a direction away from the supporting substrate. The second layer is more flexible than the first layer or third layer to thereby form a pivotable link between the first layer and third layer.