Star-Shaped Compression Tubes for Higher Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorption technologies, such as those described in documents US9.637.212, EP-A-2505490, US-A-4593870, and US-A-4545172, are inadequate in absorbing a large quantity of energy due to their honeycomb geometry and orientation of tubes parallel to deformation, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A device for energy absorption by compression utilizing star-shaped absorption tubes with alternating protuberances and recesses, connected by junction walls, forming cells with larger cross sections, allowing for efficient energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If honeycomb geometry with tubes oriented perpendicular to skins is used, then resistance to compression is improved, but energy absorption capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional tube orientation: instead of tubes being perpendicular to the compression direction (as in honeycomb panels), the absorption tubes are oriented parallel to the compression direction. This inversion allows the tubes to buckle and deform axially, maximizing energy absorption while maintaining compression resistance through the star-shaped cross-section geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the tube cross-section from circular or hexagonal to a star-shaped configuration with alternating protuberances and recesses. This parameter change increases the cell cross-section area and creates mechanical interlocking with junction walls, enabling both high compression resistance and superior energy absorption through controlled buckling modes.
2Strength
If tubes with small section are used, then compression resistance is improved, but energy absorption capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from considering only tube diameter (one dimension) to incorporating the star-shaped cross-section geometry with multiple protuberances (multi-dimensional geometry). This dimensional change allows the structure to achieve both small effective tube sections for compression resistance and large cell cross-sections for energy absorption, as the star shape distributes load across multiple arms while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If cells with larger cross section are used, then energy absorption capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the absorption tube into multiple identical protuberances and recesses arranged symmetrically around the circumference. This segmentation allows the complex star-shaped cross-section to be manufactured from modular components (half-tubes that are assembled and connected), reducing overall device complexity while achieving large cell cross-sections for enhanced energy absorption.
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 star-shaped configuration enables the absorption of a greater quantity of energy by providing a larger cell cross section, enhancing the module's capacity to absorb energy effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a device for absorption of energy by compression... comprising a plurality of absorption tubes oriented in the direction of compression
Implementation Method 2
module for absorption of energy by compression that comprises a plurality of absorption tubes oriented in the direction of compression... enabling absorption of a great quantity of energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention has for object a device for absorption of energy by compression including a plurality of absorption tubes (36) spaced from one another, each having a star shape cross section oriented in a direction of compression and junction walls (38) parallel to the direction of compression and connecting the absorption tubes (36) in such a manner as, with the latter, to delimit at least one cell (40). This solution enables a greater quantity of energy to be absorbed. The invention also has for object an aircraft including at least one such device for absorption of energy.