Segmented Impact Damper for Controlled Vehicle Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crash cushions struggle to control the impact of vehicles on obstacles and guide them back onto the roadway effectively, especially for heavy vehicles, due to high replacement costs and uncontrolled deflection in side collisions, and the unpredictability of energy absorption in elastic systems.

Innovation Solution

The integration of segment plates within plastically deformable damping elements, positioned externally and connected to side plates, allows for enhanced energy absorption and controlled deformation, preventing denting and uncontrolled vehicle deflection by distributing force effectively across the crash cushion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If large wall thickness damping elements are used for heavy vehicles, then impact energy absorption is improved, but cost and replacement complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidcost per cushioning element

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The damping element is divided into multiple thin-walled segments separated by segment plates. These segments deform sequentially during impact, providing cumulative energy absorption comparable to thick-walled elements but with reduced material cost and easier manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The damping element combines thin-walled tubular segments with rigid segment plates to create a composite structure. The segment plates maintain structural integrity while the thin-walled segments provide plastic deformation for energy absorption, achieving high energy absorption capacity without requiring large wall thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If elastic damping elements are used, then energy absorption is achieved, but uncontrolled vehicle deflection and rebound occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidcontrolled vehicle deflection

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The damping elements are designed with specific geometric parameters (segmentation, wall thickness, segment plate positioning) that control their plastic deformation characteristics. This ensures progressive, controlled energy absorption without the elastic rebound that causes uncontrolled vehicle deflection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If protruding deflection skins are added to absorb energy, then energy absorption is improved, but vehicle penetration risk and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidvehicle penetration risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful protruding deflection skins are removed from the design. Instead, energy absorption is achieved through the controlled plastic deformation of the thin-walled tubular segments, which absorb energy without creating penetration risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Use of energy by moving object

If segment plates are integrated in damping elements, then energy absorption and controlled deformation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping element is segmented into multiple sections by segment plates, which control the deformation pattern and improve energy absorption. The segmentation is achieved through simple structural divisions rather than complex mechanisms, maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segment plates are integrated directly into the damping element structure, merging the support function with the energy-absorbing structure. This integration eliminates separate components and simplifies assembly while achieving the desired energy absorption characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enables improved impact energy absorption, controlled vehicle guidance, and reduced costs by allowing for the retrofitting of existing systems, ensuring safe and controlled deflection of vehicles across various weight classes and impact angles.

Implementation Method 1

a multiplicity of plastically deformable cushioning elements 2 arranged one behind the other and/or next to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

A segment plate is advantageously arranged in each damping element. In this way, the damping element changes its deformation characteristics in such a way that it can absorb larger loads and amounts of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce distribution: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP1830003B1Impact damper with segment boards

Publication Date: 2011.03.16 SPS SCHUTZPLANKEN

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AI summary

The lock supports (2) have an outer sleeve (4) and a lock section (5) that are connectable to one another. The lock section may be connectable with the outer sleeve via a snap connection (1). The outer sleeve has an upper (4a) and a lower section (4b) that are connected together via a shaped linkage (7). The upper section of the outer sleeve may be slidably connected with the lower section in the direction of a rotary axis (R).