Pivoting Impact Absorber With Auxiliary Engagement for Compact Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact absorption devices have a bulky structure that limits their arrangement position and reduces the degree of freedom in mounting on vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An impact absorption device with an impact absorbing member and an auxiliary member, both having flexibility, that can switch between retracted and protruding states, driven by a drive unit, allowing for improved positioning flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaps are formed between fins to create a region where the impact absorbing member can flex, then the impact absorption function is improved, but the device becomes bulky and the degree of freedom of arrangement position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorbing member is designed to be movable between a protruding state (when impact occurs) and a retracted state (when no impact occurs). This dynamic configuration allows the device to provide impact absorption functionality when needed while maintaining a compact form factor for flexible installation in various vehicle positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
2Force
If the impact absorbing member is designed to protrude for impact absorption, then the impact relief capability is improved, but the device occupies more space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorbing member can be nested within or retracted toward the base portion when not in use, minimizing the device's volume. When impact occurs, it protrudes to provide impact relief capability. This nesting principle allows the device to maintain both high impact relief capability and small storage volume
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
Enhances the degree of freedom in arranging the impact absorption device on vehicles by allowing it to be compact when not in use and expandable when activated, providing effective impact relief.
Implementation Method 1
the impact absorbing member deforms when receiving a load including a component in a direction opposite to the installation surface side of the base portion, thereby engaging with the auxiliary member
Data Source
AI summary
The impact absorption device includes an impact absorbing member and an auxiliary member. The impact absorbing member is attached to an installation surface of a base portion rotatably about a first pivoting axis extending in a first direction and is reversibly switched between a retracted state and a protruding state, and the auxiliary member is attached rotatably about a second pivoting axis and is reversibly switched between a retracted state and a protruding state. A height of the impact absorbing member from the base portion in the protruding state is higher than that of the auxiliary member. In the protruding state, at least a portion of the impact absorbing member and at least a portion of the auxiliary member face each other, and the impact absorbing member deforms when receiving a load including a component in a direction opposite to the base portion, thereby engaging with the auxiliary member.