Mass-Dependent Self-Adjusting Vehicle Energy Absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorbing systems in vehicles are not automatically adjustable for varying object masses, limiting their effectiveness in crash situations by not providing optimal deceleration and force distribution for different occupants or objects.
Innovation Solution
A mass-dependent self-adjusting energy absorbing system that uses a mechanism with rollers and a spring-damper unit to adjust the deformation distance between rollers based on the object's weight, applying a compensation force to a plastically deformable energy absorber, such as a tube, to ensure constant deceleration and force distribution during crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-force EAS with predefined roller distances is used, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot be automatically adjusted for varying object masses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the roller distances adjustable rather than fixed. The deforming arrangement allows the distance between rollers to be dynamically changed based on the mass of the object, enabling the system to adapt to different occupants or objects while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of roller distance in the deforming arrangement to optimize energy absorption for different masses. By varying this geometric parameter, the system can be adjusted for different application scenarios without fundamentally changing the system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment by adding roller-tube assemblies is used, then the system can be adjusted for different masses, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the mass-dependent self-adjusting mechanism that automatically determines and sets the appropriate roller distance based on the detected object mass. The system performs the adjustment function itself without requiring manual intervention, making it easy to operate while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by detecting the mass of the object and using this information to automatically adjust the roller distance in the deforming arrangement. This closed-loop approach ensures the system is optimally configured for each specific application without manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex electronically adjustable EAS with magneto-rheological fluids is used, then automatic adjustment for varying masses is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic and magneto-rheological fluid systems with a simpler mechanical mass-dependent self-adjusting mechanism. This mechanical approach achieves automatic adjustment functionality while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective mechanical components in the deforming arrangement rather than expensive electronic systems. The approach uses readily available mechanical elements that are easier and cheaper to manufacture while achieving the desired automatic adjustment capability.
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 system automatically adjusts to provide optimal energy absorption and force distribution for varying occupant weights, reducing the risk of injury by maintaining a constant and limited body load, and is simple, lightweight, and low-maintenance, without the need for complex electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-damper unit (7) adapted for applying a compensation force to the at least one plastically deformable energy absorber (8)
Implementation Method 2
at least one plastically deformable energy absorber (8) that is plastically deformable in a crash situation of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention is related to an energy absorbing system 2 that is adapted for absorbing energy of an object 1 in a vehicle in a crash situation by decreasing acceleration and force acting on said object 1 in said crash situation, said energy absorbing system 2 comprising at least one plastically deformable energy absorber 8 that is plastically deformable in said crash situation. A mass-dependent self-adjusting mechanism 2a is provided, said mass-dependent self-adjusting mechanism 2a being adapted for adjusting, on the basis of an underlying mass of said object 1, a required compensation force that is to be provided by said energy absorbing system 2 in said crash situation for plastically deforming said at least one plastically deformable, energy absorber 8 in order to decrease said acceleration and force acting on said object 1.