Multi-stage Vehicle Shock Absorber with Expansion Inducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collision energy absorption methods in vehicles face challenges in efficiently absorbing collision energy per unit length, particularly in vehicles with limited deformation space, leading to inadequate energy absorption and increased passenger injury risks due to high collision acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A collision energy absorbing apparatus with multiple phases, featuring a first deformation part that expands and a second deformation part that crushes, along with an expansion inducing part, to sequentially absorb collision energy, utilizing high-strength and high-elongation materials to enhance energy absorption per unit length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the crush method is used to absorb collision energy, then lightness is obtained, but the energy absorption capability per unit mass is relatively low due to bending deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The collision energy absorbing apparatus is divided into multiple structural members (first structural member, second structural member, third structural member) with distinct functions. The first member provides initial energy absorption through bending, the second member provides additional energy absorption through bending, and the third member provides final energy absorption through bending. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized for its specific deformation mode, improving overall energy absorption capability per unit mass while maintaining lightness.
2Loss of energy
If structural members with various shapes and additional structures are designed to increase collision energy absorption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into three distinct structural members arranged in series, each with a specific deformation characteristic. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high energy absorption capability through the sequential deformation of multiple simple members rather than using a single complex member, thereby improving energy absorption while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collision energy absorbing apparatus merges multiple structural members with different deformation characteristics into a unified system. The first, second, and third structural members are combined in series to work together, providing progressive energy absorption. This merging allows the system to achieve superior energy absorption capability that exceeds what any single member could provide, while each individual member remains relatively simple in design.
3Loss of energy
If tube-expanding type apparatus is used to maximize energy absorption in limited space, then energy absorption capability is improved, but weight increases due to rigid expansion portions
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into three structural members that progressively deform under collision force. This segmentation allows the system to maximize energy absorption within limited space through sequential deformation of multiple members, while each member can be designed with optimal wall thickness and material properties to achieve high energy absorption without requiring heavy rigid expansion portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural members are designed with specific parameters including wall thickness, length, and material properties that are optimized for bending deformation. By carefully controlling these parameters, the apparatus achieves maximum energy absorption capability in limited space while maintaining lightweight construction, avoiding the need for heavy rigid expansion portions used in tube-expanding types.
4Length of stationary object
If existing crush method is used in vehicles with small collision energy absorption space, then apparatus compactness is improved, but energy absorption capability per unit length is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The collision energy absorbing apparatus is segmented into three structural members arranged in series along the collision force direction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high energy absorption capability per unit length by distributing the deformation across multiple members, each contributing to the total energy absorption. The series arrangement ensures that the cumulative energy absorption of all members provides superior performance within limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus merges three structural members with different deformation characteristics into a unified compact system. This merging allows the system to achieve high energy absorption capability per unit length by combining the energy absorption contributions of all members within a limited overall length, providing superior performance in compact vehicles with small collision energy absorption space.
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 configuration effectively reduces collision acceleration, increases energy absorption capacity, and allows for lighter vehicle designs by absorbing energy in phases, suitable for both low and high-speed collisions, while minimizing the required crush space.
Implementation Method 1
a first deformation part (120) undergoing a first plastic deformation due to expansion so as to absorb collision energy generated in the event of a vehicle accident
Implementation Method 2
a second deformation part (110) undergoing a second plastic deformation after the first plastic deformation of the first deformation part (120) so as to sequentially absorb collision energy
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a collision energy absorbing apparatus, in particular, a collision energy absorbing apparatus for use in a vehicle, having a plurality of absorption phases, including: a first deformation part undergoing a first plastic deformation due to expansion so as to absorb collision energy generated in the event of a vehicle accident; a second transformation part disposed in line with an end of the first deformation part, the second transformation part undergoing a second plastic deformation after the first plastic deformation of the first deformation part so as to sequentially absorb collision energy in the event of a vehicle accident; and an expansion inducing part combined with an end of the second deformation part and disposed between the first deformation part and the second deformation part to guide the first plastic deformation of the first deformation part.