Offset Tubular Profiles Shock Absorber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorber devices for protecting structures against high kinetic energy impacts are complex, expensive, and difficult to install and dismantle, limiting their applicability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber device comprising multiple support zones, a metal front plate, and an intermediate stack of offset metal tubular sections that absorb kinetic energy through plastic deformation, allowing for easy installation and removal without welding or fixing, and maintaining movement and access for individuals and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex specific shock-absorbing devices are used to protect structures against high kinetic energy impacts, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing device is divided into multiple discrete layers (first layer with first tubular profiles, second layer with second tubular profiles, and intermediate diffusion layer with metal plates or third tubular profiles). Each layer independently contributes to energy absorption through plastic deformation, achieving reliable protection while using simple, modular components that are easier to manufacture and assemble than complex integrated systems.
2Reliability
If complex specific shock-absorbing devices are used to protect structures against high kinetic energy impacts, then protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple layers of tubular metal profiles and metal plates that are designed to undergo plastic deformation and absorb energy in a single use. These components are relatively simple to manufacture from standard metal sections and can be economically replaced after impact events, rather than requiring expensive reusable complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If fixed shock-absorbing installations are used to protect structures, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing device is designed as a temporary installation that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The layers are positioned to work together dynamically during impact, with the intermediate diffusion layer facilitating force distribution. After use, the entire device or individual layers can be removed and relocated, providing flexibility while maintaining protection effectiveness during the operational period.
4Reliability
If dense stacking of metal profiles is used to absorb kinetic energy, then energy absorption capacity is improved, but movement and access for people and equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular metal profiles are spaced at specific intervals rather than being continuously dense, creating a structure with varying local properties. The spacing allows passage of people and equipment through the protective structure while the distributed profiles provide sufficient energy absorption capacity. The intermediate diffusion layer with metal plates enhances force distribution without requiring complete densification of the profile stacking.
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
Effectively dissipates high kinetic energy impacts by distributing forces over a larger area, ensuring structural protection while allowing for easy installation and removal, and maintaining operational access.
Implementation Method 1
the kinetic energy is absorbed by plastic deformation of the metal
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The device has a set of tubular metal profiles placed in parallel at an axis (X) and spaced from/to each other transversely according to another axis (Y). A layer is interposed between a set of layers formed by a metal plate. Tubular sections (3) are placed parallel to the latter axis and spaced from/to each other transversely according to the former axis. Positions of the metal profiles are shifted relative to each other according to the latter axis such that one of the profiles lies above the other profile according to the work direction. An independent claim is also included for a method for implementing a device shock absorber.