Self-Centering Impact Dissipation Mechanism With Load-Proportional Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy dissipation mechanisms for impact loads lack controlled and proportional dissipation capabilities, often requiring external energy sources and not self-centering, which affects the efficiency and effectiveness of mitigating damage during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering impact energy dissipation mechanism utilizing an elastic element and a friction dissipation element, where the friction force is proportional to the impact load, allowing controlled dissipation of energy without external energy sources and maintaining the device's original shape post-event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional energy dissipation mechanisms are used, then energy can be absorbed through inelastic deformation or friction, but the mechanisms lack self-centering capability and require external energy sources or complex structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elastic element and friction dissipation element into a single integrated mechanism. The elastic element provides the self-centering force while the friction element dissipates energy, merging two functions into one compact device that achieves both energy dissipation and automatic centering without external energy sources
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses the impact load itself to generate the friction force through the elastic element's deformation. The elastic element automatically centers the device after impact without requiring external energy sources, control systems, or manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient
2Loss of energy
If friction-based energy dissipation is used, then energy can be dissipated through friction, but the friction force is not proportional to the impact load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter that generates friction force from a fixed value to one that varies with the impact load. The normal force on the friction element is derived from the elastic element's deformation, which is proportional to the impact load, making the friction force and energy dissipation proportional to the impact magnitude
3Use of energy by moving object
If elastic elements are used for energy storage, then energy can be stored and released, but the mechanism does not dissipate energy proportionally to the load
Solution Approach 1:
The friction dissipation element acts as an intermediary between the elastic element and the impact load. It converts a portion of the elastic energy into heat through friction, creating a controlled energy dissipation path that is proportional to the load while the remaining energy is stored and returned by the elastic element
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 mechanism effectively dissipates energy proportionally to the impact load, reducing deformation and rebound speed, thereby mitigating damage to vehicles and structures, and can be easily scaled for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, and a friction dissipation element. The elastic element provides the self-centering force which is proportional to the deformation imposed by the impact load
Implementation Method 2
The dissipation element comprises a frictional element in which the normal force generating the friction force is proportional to the force exerted by the elastic element
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for mounting in ground, foundation or structure, to provide road, port, railway or similar passive safety for protection of the respective vehicles or structures, having at least one rigid element arranged as a side of a triangle whose basal side rests on the ground, with its first end at the apex of the triangle, its midpoint pivoted to an intermediate element, and with its second end pivoted with respect to at least one friction element; a friction dissipation member; at least one elastic element arranged with its axis in the direction of the degree of freedom; the at least one friction element and at least one rigid element are attached by a coupling element allowing sliding of each friction element perpendicular to the impact load when it compresses the elastic element.