Vehicle Head Component Energy Absorption Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head components for vehicles are expensive and space-consuming due to the use of separate energy-absorbing elements, which do not efficiently meet safety requirements and provide additional storage space for other vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
The integration of energy-absorbing elements into the support structure of the head component, where a ram beam and a crossbeam with a deformable material between them absorb kinetic energy, allowing for progressive deformation and energy dissipation, replacing separate energy-absorbing elements and providing additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate energy-absorbing elements are used, then safety requirements are met, but cost and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy-absorbing function with the support structure by making the ram beam part of the energy-absorbing element. The support structure itself is designed to deform and absorb energy during impact, eliminating the need for separate energy-absorbing components while meeting safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the head component and simultaneously acts as an energy-absorbing element. The ram beam and crossbeam configuration allows the support structure to perform both mechanical support and kinetic energy dissipation functions.
2Reliability
If separate energy-absorbing elements are used, then safety requirements are met, but interior space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the energy-absorbing function into the support structure, the patent eliminates separate energy-absorbing elements that would occupy interior space. The ram beam and crossbeam configuration absorbs energy within the existing structural framework, preserving interior volume for other vehicle components.
3Loss of energy
If the crossbeam is made more difficult to deform than the ram beam, then energy dissipation is optimized, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different deformation characteristics to different parts of the support structure. The ram beam is designed to deform more easily to absorb initial impact energy, while the crossbeam is made more difficult to deform to provide structural stability. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties optimizes energy dissipation without requiring complex overall structural design.
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 effectively reduces kinetic energy during impacts, is cost-effective, and allows for easy replacement of the head component after an accident, while maintaining safety standards and providing ample interior space.
Implementation Method 1
a material deformable by the impact extending between the ram beam and the cross beam
Implementation Method 2
energy-absorbing element has a crossbeam that is more difficult to deform than the ram beam, which crossbeam extends from the ram beam offset towards the connection means and extending in the transverse direction, a material deformable by the impact extending between the ram beam and the cross beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
In order to provide a head component (1) for attachment to the rear of a vehicle, with a support structure (2) comprising connection means (11) for mechanical fastening to the vehicle and with at least one energy absorption element (16, 23) for the dissipation of kinetic energy in the event of an impact with an impediment, said element designed such that the kinetic energy is continuously dissipated as deformation proceeds, the head component being cost-effective and meeting standard safety requirements, wherein additional storage space is provided at the same time for the housing of further vehicle components, it is proposed that at least one energy absorption element (16, 23) be part of the support structure (2).