Multi-Layer Energy Absorption Member for Impact Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need in the automotive industry for effective energy absorption, particularly impact energy, to protect vehicle passengers and structures, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered structure comprising interconnected three-dimensional elements and openings, where the elements of one layer are inserted into the elements or openings of another layer, causing friction and deformation to dissipate energy, with the layers potentially made from polymeric or metal materials and connected via adhesive or snap-fit mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing energy absorption structures are used, then some energy absorption capability is provided, but the energy absorption effectiveness is insufficient to adequately protect passengers and vehicle structures
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption member is divided into multiple layers (at least two layers), with each layer containing multiple three-dimensional elements. This segmentation allows progressive energy dissipation through multiple stages of deformation and friction between layers, significantly improving impact energy absorption effectiveness compared to single-structure designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional elements of one layer are inserted into the three-dimensional elements or hollow spaces of adjacent layers, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement maximizes contact area between layers, enhancing friction-based energy dissipation and ensuring reliable protection through multi-stage energy absorption.
2Loss of energy
If more complex energy absorption structures are implemented, then energy absorption capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer of three-dimensional elements serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates friction interfaces with adjacent layers, and undergoes controlled deformation for energy absorption. This multi-functionality allows the multi-layer structure to achieve superior energy dissipation without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same basic element design is repeated across layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates hollow three-dimensional elements with internal cavities. These porous-like structures reduce material usage and weight while maintaining structural integrity and providing additional deformation modes for energy absorption, thereby improving energy dissipation efficiency without excessive complexity increase.
3Strength
If the three-dimensional elements are made from stronger materials, then structural strength increases, but the energy absorption through plastic deformation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional elements are designed with non-uniform wall thickness, featuring thicker walls at the base for structural strength and thinner walls toward the top for easier deformation. This local quality variation allows the structure to maintain overall strength while enabling controlled plastic deformation in specific regions for effective energy dissipation during impact.
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 structure effectively dissipates impact energy through friction and plastic deformation, reducing structural deformation and enhancing safety by precisely controlling energy absorption.
Implementation Method 1
friction between the three-dimensional elements of the two layers and/or elastic- and/or plastic deformation and/or tangential stress of the three-dimensional elements and/or the openings of at least one of layers
Implementation Method 2
plastic deformation, preferably the cross section of three-dimensional elements and/or the openings of at least one layer is reversibly and/or irreversibly increased and/or decreased
Implementation Method 3
friction between the three-dimensional elements of the two layers and/or elastic- and/or plastic deformation and/or tangential stress of the three-dimensional elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a member to absorb energy, particularly impact-energy. The present invention further relates to a structure comprising the member and a method to absorb energy, particularly impact energy.