Non-uniform truss hybrid material for impact absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact mitigating materials face limitations in thickness, weight, and repeated impact absorption, with high kinetic energy transfer and reduced effectiveness in applications requiring limited space, weight, and aesthetics, and they often diminish in absorbing ability after repeated impacts.
Innovation Solution
A non-uniform elastic truss hybrid material system comprising a vesicle, a space-filling porous or fibrous structure, and a shear thickening fluid, with truss structures having varying strut lengths and cross-sections to distribute strain energy uniformly and absorb impact energy without permanent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of impact mitigating material is increased to improve impact absorption ability, then the protection capability is improved by providing longer deceleration time, but the weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the material by introducing a non-uniform truss configuration with varying strut lengths and cross-sectional areas. This allows the material to achieve superior impact absorption in a thinner profile, resolving the contradiction between impact absorption ability and material thickness/weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a hybrid composite material system combining truss structures with foam or fibrous materials. This composite approach enables the material to achieve high impact absorption capability with reduced thickness compared to conventional homogeneous materials, thereby reducing weight while maintaining protection
2Reliability
If the thickness of impact mitigating material is increased to improve impact absorption ability, then the deceleration time is extended and transmitted force is reduced, but the space and volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-uniform truss configuration with optimized strut dimensions and distribution allows the material to achieve extended deceleration time and reduced transmitted force within a compact volume, resolving the contradiction between impact absorption ability and material volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from uniform two-dimensional material thickening to a three-dimensional non-uniform truss structure with varying density and configuration through the volume. This dimensional approach allows efficient energy absorption in reduced volume by utilizing spatial distribution of structural elements
3Reliability
If conventional impact mitigating materials are used, then they provide basic impact protection, but their absorbing ability diminishes after repeated impact events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-uniform truss configuration with varying strut properties that enables consistent elastic deformation behavior across repeated loading cycles. The optimized geometric parameters allow the structure to return to its original configuration after each impact, maintaining protection capability without the diminishing effect seen in conventional materials
Solution Approach 2:
The truss structure is designed to automatically recover its original configuration after impact through elastic deformation of the struts. This self-recovery mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention or material replacement between impacts, enabling sustained protection over repeated impact events
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 hybrid material system enhances impact energy absorption, reduces transmitted force, and maintains protection through repeated loadings, enabling thinner, lighter, and more flexible padding with improved energy absorption and force reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a shear thickening fluid
Implementation Method 2
a non-uniform elastic truss within a hybrid material system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an integrated combination of materials within a vesicle, comprising a space filling porous or fibrous structure and an engineered nonuniform elastic truss to form an impact mitigating Hybrid Material System (HMS). The macroscale and microscale structures within the HMS can be configured to absorb kinetic energy and reduce the forces transmitted by impacts through the HMS to any surface or body in contact with the HMS.