Lattice Structure With Solid Hinges for Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical lattice structures exhibit isotropic properties and lack rib elements that can bend and fold along a longitudinal axis, making them unsuitable for energy absorption, shock protection, and vibration absorption across a broad range of frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating solid hinge portions within the rib elements of a lattice structure to form Sarrus linkages, which convert energy into linear motion along the longitudinal axis, making the lattice structure compliant in axial compression and tension while resistant in torsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If typical lattice structures with isotropic properties are used, then structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but energy absorption capability and vibration damping performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric rib element configurations within the lattice structure, where certain rib elements are oriented at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the loading direction. This asymmetric arrangement creates anisotropic mechanical properties that enable enhanced energy absorption and vibration damping while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized unit cell replication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates bendable solid hinge portions that allow rib elements to dynamically change their configuration under load. These hinges enable the structure to adapt its stiffness and energy absorption characteristics based on the applied force magnitude and direction, transitioning from a rigid isotropic lattice to a dynamic anisotropic system that optimizes performance across different loading scenarios.
2Strength
If rib elements are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then torsional resistance improves, but compliance in axial compression and tension is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each rib element into distinct functional zones: rigid segments that provide torsional resistance and bendable hinge segments that enable axial compliance. This segmentation allows the rib element to exhibit different mechanical behaviors in different directions, maintaining structural integrity while enabling the desired compliant behavior under compression and tension loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the bendable hinge portions at specific locations along the rib elements, typically at joints or mid-spans, while maintaining rigid characteristics in other portions. This localized flexibility allows the structure to achieve overall compliance in axial directions while preserving local rigidity for torsional resistance where needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If isotropic lattice structures are used, then uniform mechanical properties in all directions are achieved, but directional energy absorption and vibration damping across broad frequency ranges are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the rib element orientation and configuration to break the isotropy of the lattice structure. By arranging rib elements at specific angles and incorporating bendable hinges with controlled stiffness characteristics, the structure achieves anisotropic properties that enable directional energy absorption and vibration damping tailored to specific loading scenarios and frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the geometric characteristics of rib elements (length, thickness, hinge stiffness) and their spatial arrangement to tune the mechanical properties of the lattice structure. This allows optimization of energy absorption and vibration damping performance for specific directional loads and frequency ranges while maintaining overall structural stability.
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 lattice structure effectively absorbs energy, protects against shock, and isolates vibrations by converting energy into linear motion, providing anisotropic properties that enhance its ability to manage directional forces and frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
each hinge portion forms a Sarrus linkage for converting energy into linear motion along a longitudinal axis of the respective rib element
Implementation Method 2
the unit cell is compliant in axial compression and tension but resistant in torsion
Implementation Method 3
absorb vibration over a broad range of frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A lattice structure and system for absorbing energy, damping vibration, and reducing shock. The lattice structure comprises a plurality of unit cells, each unit cell comprising a plurality of rib elements with at least a portion of the rib elements including a solid bendable hinge portion for converting energy into linear motion along a longitudinal axis of the respective rib element.