Retractable Impact Absorber With Auxiliary Member for Flexible Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact absorption devices have a bulky structure that limits the flexibility of their arrangement position, reducing the degree of freedom in mounting options.
Innovation Solution
An impact absorption device with an impact absorbing member and an auxiliary member, both reversibly switchable between retracted and protruding states, driven by a drive unit, allowing for rotational movement about pivoting axes to enhance flexibility and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaps are formed between fins to allow impact absorption, then impact relief function is improved, but device volume increases and arrangement flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorbing member is designed to be movable between a retracted state (flush with base portion) and a protruding state (extending outward). This dynamic configuration allows the device to maintain a compact volume when not in use while providing adequate impact absorption capability when activated, thereby resolving the contradiction between impact relief function and device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact absorbing member is nested within or integrated to the base portion in the retracted state, similar to a nested doll structure. This allows the impact absorbing member to be stored compactly within the overall device footprint, reducing the volume occupied by the device while maintaining the capability to extend outward for impact absorption when needed.
2Reliability
If gaps are formed between fins for impact absorption, then impact relief function is improved, but degree of freedom of arrangement position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable configuration of the impact absorbing member allows the device to adapt to different installation positions and orientations. By being able to retract flush with the base portion, the device can be installed in locations where a permanently extended structure would be problematic, thereby improving arrangement flexibility while maintaining impact absorption capability when needed.
3Reliability
If impact absorbing member is made protruding for impact absorption, then impact relief capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a simple movable mechanism that allows the impact absorbing member to transition between retracted and protruding states. This dynamic design provides the necessary impact relief capability while avoiding overly complex structures, as the movement mechanism is integrated into the base portion and operates with minimal additional components.
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 device improves the degree of freedom in arranging the impact absorption device, enabling more flexible mounting and repeated use by switching between states to accommodate various vehicle configurations.
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.