Switchable Vehicle Crash Absorber for Variable Collision Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorption devices in vehicles face challenges in adjusting their strength to effectively absorb varying collision energies, leading to inadequate deformation in low-speed collisions and potential damage to the frame or transmission of shock to occupants, which complicates repairability and reduces vehicle value.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorption device with a first and second shock absorption member, and a switching unit that adjusts the installation state of the second member between avoiding and receiving shock loads, allowing the device to switch strength based on collision energy, ensuring adequate deformation and minimizing frame damage in low-speed collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the strength of the shock absorption device is increased to absorb large collision energy, then the device can protect occupants in high-speed collisions, but the device cannot be sufficiently deformed in light collision and may transmit shock to the occupant or deform the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption device is divided into multiple shock absorption members (first, second, and third members) with different strengths and deformation characteristics. Each member is configured to absorb collision energy at different levels, allowing the device to adapt to both light and heavy collisions by engaging different members based on the collision severity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorption device employs a dynamic configuration where the second shock absorption member can be switched between an installed state (for light collisions) and a non-installed state (for heavy collisions). This dynamic adjustment allows the device to optimize its strength characteristics based on the actual collision energy, preventing both insufficient deformation in light collisions and frame deformation in heavy collisions.
2Loss of energy
If the strength of the shock absorption device is high, then large collision energy can be absorbed, but the device requires large shock load to deform and cannot sufficiently absorb small collision energy
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the energy absorption function across multiple members with different strength levels. The first shock absorption member has lower strength for absorbing small collision energy, while the second and third members have higher strength for absorbing large collision energy. This segmentation allows the device to efficiently absorb collision energy across a wide range of intensities without requiring excessively high strength throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the effective strength parameter by selectively installing or removing the second shock absorption member based on collision severity. In light collisions, only the first member is engaged, providing lower strength for easy deformation. In heavy collisions, the second member is installed to provide higher strength, enabling the device to absorb large collision energy effectively.
3Loss of energy
If the shock absorption device deforms in light collision, then collision energy is absorbed, but the frame may deform or shock is transmitted to the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the shock absorption function to protect the frame and occupant. The first shock absorption member is specifically designed to absorb light collision energy through controlled deformation, preventing shock transmission to the frame and occupant. The second member provides additional protection in heavy collisions, ensuring the frame is protected from deformation across all collision scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorption device provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed between the frame and bumper beam with controlled deformation characteristics. The first shock absorption member is configured to deform preferentially over the frame in shock-receiving situations, absorbing collision energy before it can reach the frame or occupant. This prior cushioning arrangement ensures that even in light collisions, the frame and occupant are protected from harmful shock transmission.
4Reliability
If the shock absorption device is designed for high strength, then occupant protection in heavy collision is improved, but repairability is reduced as the frame is affected even in light collision
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the protection function across multiple replaceable shock absorption members. In light collisions, only the first member deforms and can be replaced, while the frame remains unaffected and reusable. In heavy collisions, the second member provides enhanced protection, and if damaged, can be replaced independently. This segmentation improves both occupant protection and repairability by allowing selective replacement of shock absorption members rather than requiring frame replacement.
5Device complexity
If the shock absorption device uses a single strength level, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to varying collision energies from low-speed to high-speed collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption device employs a dynamic configuration where the second shock absorption member can be switched between installed and non-installed states based on collision severity. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to adapt its strength characteristics to match the actual collision energy, providing both structural simplicity and adaptability through a controllable configuration rather than a permanently complex multi-member structure.
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 device effectively absorbs collision energy by adjusting its strength, reducing the risk of frame deformation and shock transmission to occupants, improving repairability and protecting occupants in both high and low-speed collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a first shock absorption member provided between a frame forming a framework of a vehicle and an outer structure positioned outside of the frame in the vehicle, the first shock absorption member being installed in a manner that the outer structure is deformed preferentially over the frame in a shock-receiving situation in which the outer structure is displaced or deformed toward a frame side due to a shock load against the outer structure
Implementation Method 2
a second shock absorption member provided between the frame and the outer structure, and a switching unit configured to switch an installation state of the second shock absorption member between a first installation state in which the second shock absorption member avoids the shock load in the shock-receiving situation and a second installation state in which the second shock absorption member receives the shock load and deforms together with the first shock absorption member in the shock-receiving situation
Data Source
AI summary
A first shock absorption member between a frame forming a framework of a vehicle and an outer structure positioned outside of the frame in the vehicle, the first shock absorption member being installed in a manner that the outer structure is deformed preferentially over the frame in a shock-receiving situation in which the outer structure is displaced or deformed toward the frame side due to a shock load against the outer structure, a second shock absorption member between the frame and the outer structure, and a switching unit to switch an installation state of the second shock absorption member between a first installation state in which the second shock absorption member avoids the shock load in the shock-receiving situation and a second installation state in which the second shock absorption member receives the shock load and deforms together with the first shock absorption member in the shock-receiving situation are provided.