Multi-cell crash can with hollow cuboids for energy absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single cell structures in vehicle crash zones are inefficient in energy absorption during collisions, leading to potential injury and damage to occupants and critical components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cell structure comprising hollow cuboids and isosceles trapezoidal prisms that deform progressively, absorbing energy through stable axial folding, allowing for increased energy absorption per unit mass while being lighter than conventional structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single cell tube structure is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the energy absorption efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The crash can structure is divided into multiple hollow cells (first hollow cell, second hollow cell, third hollow cell, fourth hollow cell) arranged in series along the longitudinal axis. Each cell independently deforms during impact, creating multiple progressive folding zones that increase total energy absorption capacity compared to a single cell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-cell tubular structure to a multi-cell structure with both longitudinal and transverse walls forming hollow cells. This dimensional expansion creates additional folding planes and deformation modes, enabling more efficient energy absorption through stable progressive buckling across multiple cells.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a multi-cell structure is used, then energy absorption efficiency increases, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hollow cells are merged into a single integrated crash can structure with shared walls. The first, second, third and fourth hollow cells are longitudinally arranged and connected through common transverse walls, forming a unified structure that absorbs energy through coordinated deformation of all cells during impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-cell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: each hollow cell acts as an independent energy absorption zone, the shared walls provide structural integrity and additional folding surfaces, and the overall configuration enables progressive collapse while maintaining structural stability throughout the impact event.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional single cell structures are used, then the vehicle weight is higher, but the energy absorption capability per unit mass is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the hollow cells including wall thickness (3-6mm for longitudinal walls, 2-5mm for transverse walls), cell dimensions, and wall angles to maximize energy absorption efficiency. These parameter optimizations enable the multi-cell structure to achieve higher specific energy absorption compared to conventional single-cell structures of similar or greater weight.
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 multi-cell structure enhances energy absorption and safety by ensuring stable progressive buckling, reducing the risk of injury and damage, and enabling a lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicle design.
Implementation Method 1
the multi-cell structure enhances energy absorption and safety by ensuring stable progressive buckling
Data Source
AI summary
A crash can for a vehicle includes a multi-cell structure that includes at least four hollow cuboids, each defined by four walls that meet at 90 degree angles and at least two of the cuboids share a wall. In another example, a crash can includes a multi-cell structure that includes a hollow cuboid having four walls, and four hollow isosceles trapezoidal prisms having a long base, a short base, and two legs. The multi-cell structures provided herein may increase energy absorption by the crash can if involved in a collision, reducing energy transfer to a vehicle frame and occupants therein.