Upright Protector with Composite Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uprights in various environments, such as warehouses and scaffolding systems, are prone to damage from impact forces due to accidental collisions with heavy machinery or loads, leading to permanent wear and potential structural deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A protector device comprising a body made of energy-absorbing and damping material, with an embedded shim providing structural support and a column spacer that can buckle upon impact, designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces, thereby reducing the energy transferred to the upright.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid protector body is used to withstand impact forces, then the structural strength is improved, but the energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protector body is constructed from composite materials including an elastomeric outer layer for energy absorption and a rigid inner core for structural support. This composite structure allows the protector to simultaneously absorb impact energy through the elastomeric material while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid core, resolving the contradiction between strength and energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector employs materials with varying stiffness parameters - the elastomeric outer layer has low stiffness for energy absorption while the inner core has high stiffness for structural support. This parameter differentiation across different regions of the protector body enables simultaneous achievement of both energy absorption and structural strength.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the protector body is made completely rigid to provide structural support, then the durability is improved, but the impact force damping capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-material construction with elastomeric outer layer and rigid inner core enables the protector to dampen impact forces through the elastomeric material's viscoelastic properties while the rigid core maintains structural integrity and durability over extended periods of use.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protector body have different material properties - the outer layer is designed with elastomeric material for maximum impact damping, while the inner core uses rigid material for structural support and durability. This local differentiation of material quality allows simultaneous optimization of both durability and impact force damping.
3Loss of energy
If a thick protector body is used to absorb more impact energy, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity and material usage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure with distinct elastomeric and rigid layers provides efficient energy absorption without requiring excessive thickness. Each layer contributes differently to energy absorption - the elastomeric outer layer absorbs surface impacts while the rigid core provides structural support - allowing for optimized thickness that balances energy absorption capability with device simplicity and material efficiency.
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 protector effectively diminishes the impact force by absorbing and damping energy, minimizing stress on the upright and preventing damage from frontal and side impacts, allowing for prolonged durability and reduced wear.
Implementation Method 1
The protector body is also at least partially constructed of an energy absorbing and damping material
Implementation Method 2
The protector body is also at least partially constructed of an energy absorbing and damping material
Implementation Method 3
The shim has a stiffness that is different than the stiffness of the protector body
Implementation Method 4
The column spacer can be made to partially buckle after the outer surface has received the impact force
Data Source
AI summary
A protector allows for the engagement and protection of a segment of an upright from an impact force by an external object and for absorbing and damping the resulting impact force. The protector comprises a protector body and a shim. The protector body allows engagement and positioning of the protector on at least a segment of the upright. The protector body is also partially constructed of an energy absorbing and damping material and having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is positionable to receive the impact force from the external object. The inner surface is positionable to abut the upright, when the protector is in engagement with the upright. The shim is least partially embedded in the protector body and provides increased structural support for the protector body. The shim also has a stiffness different than the stiffness of the protector body.