Segmented High-Energy Impact-Absorbing Post for 3 kJ Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact absorbing posts fail to effectively absorb high energy impacts of over 3 kJ without structural damage or failure, as they either deform plastically or experience sliding and cutting issues, leading to premature failure.
Innovation Solution
The impact absorbing post design incorporates a primary impact member and at least one inner impact member, connected by members to prevent sliding, with the inner member deforming only when the primary member is sufficiently bent, and optionally includes an anti-buckling member to prevent buckling, allowing elastic deformation and energy absorption across the post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tube is used as the impact absorbing member, then the structure is simple, but it cannot absorb high energy impacts of more than 3 kJ without failure
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorbing post is divided into multiple independent impact absorbing members (first impact absorbing member and second impact absorbing member) that can deform independently. This segmentation allows each member to contribute to energy absorption, enabling the structure to withstand high energy impacts of more than 3 kJ while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a second tube is placed over the first tube to absorb impact energy, then the structure provides additional protection, but the second tube slides over the first tube during collision, resulting in limited deformation and energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful sliding motion between the first and second impact absorbing members is eliminated by extracting the connection element and fixing the second impact absorbing member to the first impact absorbing member. This prevents relative movement during impact, ensuring both members deform effectively to absorb impact energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second impact absorbing members are merged into a unified structure through the connection element, creating a composite impact absorbing system where both members work together as a single unit to maximize energy absorption efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the impact absorbing member is connected to the base member with bolts, then the structure is stable, but high tensions occur in the tube around the bolts during collision, resulting in damage and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element acts as an intermediary between the first impact absorbing member and the base member, distributing the impact forces more evenly and preventing concentration of high tensions around bolt locations. This mediator component protects the tube from damage while maintaining structural stability.
4Loss of energy
If foams are attached to the tube surfaces to absorb impact energy, then the structure provides additional energy absorption, but the overall structure still cannot withstand high energy impact collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorbing post uses a composite structure combining multiple impact absorbing members made from different materials with varying deformation characteristics. This composite approach creates a progressively deforming system that can absorb high energy impacts of more than 3 kJ, overcoming the limitations of single-material solutions.
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 design enables the post to withstand impacts of over 3 kJ without failure, maintaining structural integrity and allowing easy replacement of damaged parts, while adapting to varying impact energies and locations.
Implementation Method 1
the primary impact member will deform elastically first
Implementation Method 2
the at least one inner impact member will start deforming elastically and absorbing energy
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to an impact absorbing post (1) for collision protection comprising a base member (3), a primary impact member (2), at least one inner impact member (9) and connecting members (8), wherein the base member (3) comprises a bottom plate (4) and a hollow connection profile (6), wherein the connection profile (6) is fixed to the bottom plate (4) and extends perpendicular to the bottom plate (4), wherein the primary impact member (2) and the at least one inner impact member (9) are hollow profiles extending perpendicular to the bottom plate (4), wherein the connection profile (6) is placed inside the primary impact member (2), wherein the at least one inner impact member (9) has a shorter length than the primary impact member (2), and wherein the at least one inner impact member (9) is placed at the bottom plate (4) inside the connection profile (6). The invention also relates to a method and a use.