Localized Energy Dissipation Structures for Vehicle Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle impact protection structures face challenges in efficiently dissipating energy during collisions with blunt-object barriers, particularly in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles where battery integrity must be maintained, and existing solutions do not adequately address varying energy dissipation requirements based on impact location and orientation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of localized energy dissipation structures, including energy-absorbing rails and elongated frustums, which are strategically positioned along the vehicle's side sills and battery support trays to absorb and dissipate impact energy, utilizing multi-lumen designs and securement mechanisms to enhance energy absorption and distribution without increasing weight or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional impact protection structures are used, then vehicle integrity is maintained, but energy dissipation efficiency varies inadequately across different impact locations
Solution Approach 1:
The impact protection structure is divided into multiple discrete energy dissipation structures positioned at different locations along the vehicle. Each structure independently dissipates energy at its specific location, providing localized protection that adapts to varying impact conditions throughout the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
Each energy dissipation structure is designed with specific geometric characteristics (such as frustum shapes with varying wall thicknesses) optimized for its particular location and expected impact conditions. This allows different portions of the vehicle to have tailored energy absorption capabilities matched to their specific vulnerability profiles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy absorbing rail length is increased to cover more impact locations, then protection coverage is improved, but vehicle weight and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one continuous long energy absorbing rail, the system employs multiple shorter discrete energy dissipation structures distributed along the vehicle. This segmentation provides comprehensive protection coverage while keeping each individual component compact and lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy dissipation capability is distributed across multiple dimensions (different locations along the vehicle) rather than concentrated in a single long structure. This spatial distribution achieves comprehensive coverage without requiring increased length of any single component.
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
These structures effectively absorb and dissipate impact energy, reducing the likelihood of damage to the vehicle and its components, such as battery packs, while maintaining vehicle integrity and compliance with safety standards, by distributing energy dissipation efficiently across discrete locations and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
When the elongated frustum is subject to an impact load, the elongated frustum deforms to absorb energy from the impact load
Data Source
AI summary
An impact protection structure for a vehicle impacting a blunt-object barrier includes a support structure of the vehicle, an energy absorbing rail coupled to the support structure, and a localized energy dissipation structure. The energy absorbing rail extends an energy absorbing rail length and includes a plurality of lumens. The localized energy dissipation structure extends a localized energy dissipation structure length less than the energy absorbing rail length.