Energy Dissipating Device with Sequential Cutting Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy dissipating devices for multi-car vehicles are limited in their ability to effectively dissipate energy across different locations and scenarios, particularly in crash conditions, and lack versatility in design.
Innovation Solution
The energy dissipating device features a first part with a separate second surface that the knife can cut into after initial cutting, allowing for a sequence of cutting actions and enhanced energy dissipation, with adjustable force levels and modular design for different applications, including use in connection devices with joints and guides for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single cutting surface is used in the energy dissipating device, then the device structure is simple, but the energy dissipation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The first part is divided into multiple surfaces (first surface and second surface) that are sequentially cut by the knife. This segmentation allows the energy dissipation process to occur in stages, with each surface contributing to the overall energy absorption, thereby enhancing the total energy dissipation capability without requiring a completely new device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a sequential dimensional progression by arranging the first and second surfaces at different positions along the movement path. The knife transitions from cutting the first surface to cutting the second surface, effectively adding a temporal and spatial dimension to the energy dissipation process, which increases energy absorption capacity.
2Reliability
If the energy dissipation is designed for high force levels only, then crash protection is improved, but low-force coupling operations are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic response mechanism where the knives are initially held in a retracted position by a holding force. When a predetermined force is applied, the holding force is overcome and the knives move to their operative position. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to remain passive during normal low-force operations and activate only when required for crash protection or significant energy dissipation events.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the energy dissipation device by introducing a force threshold mechanism. The device transitions from a non-operative state to an operative state when the applied force exceeds the holding force, allowing it to adapt to different operating conditions (normal coupling vs. crash scenarios) by adjusting its mechanical state based on the magnitude of applied force.
3Loss of energy
If the knife continuously cuts through the first part, then energy dissipation is maximized, but chip accumulation interferes with the cutting process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the chips and flakes from the cutting zone by allowing them to fall away between the first and second surfaces. This removal of debris prevents accumulation and interference with the cutting process, ensuring that the knife maintains effective contact with the second surface without obstruction from previously generated chips.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting process is divided into periodic stages: cutting the first surface, then a brief interval where chips fall away, followed by cutting the second surface. This periodic action with intermittent chip removal maintains cutting efficiency throughout the energy dissipation process.
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 design enhances energy dissipation efficiency by allowing continuous cutting action beyond initial joints, facilitating controlled movement and adaptable energy release across various force levels, improving safety and performance in multi-car vehicle connections.
Implementation Method 1
the second part has four knives 3 that are arranged such that they cut into the first surface 4 of the first part 1, if the first part 1 is made to move relative to the second part 2 by application of a force of a predetermined magnitude
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an energy dissipating device suitable to dissipate energy while a first part (1) of a car of a multi-car vehicle moves relative to a second part (2) of the car, the energy dissipating device comprising a first part and a second part, the first part being arranged to move relative to the second part, if a force of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the first part, the second part comprising a knife (3) that is arranged such that they cut into a first surface (4) of the first part as the first part moves relative to the second part, wherein the first part has a second surface (5) that is separate from the first surface and arranged in such a manner that the knife cuts into the second surface after having cut the first surface, if the force is continued to be applied to the first part.