Vehicle Impact Energy Absorber Variable Thickness Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active energy absorbers in vehicles have a large footprint due to their design, which limits their compactness and deployment speed within the limited interior space of a vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A compact active energy absorber design featuring a thicker panel for durability and a thinner intermediate portion for rapid deployment, with a pyrotechnic actuator and impact sensing system, allowing for efficient packaging and rapid deployment while maintaining aesthetic appeal and reducing stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a uniform thickness design is used for the energy absorber panel, then manufacturing is simpler, but deployment speed is slower and stress concentrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber panel employs variable thickness design where different regions have different thickness values. The center region has a first thickness while edge regions have a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. This local quality variation enables faster deployment speed and reduced stress concentrations at critical regions without requiring complex overall structural changes.
2Strength
If the energy absorber is designed with sufficient thickness for durability, then strength is improved, but footprint and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panel uses variable thickness design where the center region maintains greater thickness for strength and durability, while edge regions have reduced thickness to minimize footprint. This allows the energy absorber to maintain adequate strength for its function while occupying less space in the stowed position and during packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorber transitions from a compact stowed configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. In the stowed state, the reduced edge thickness allows for tighter packaging and smaller footprint. Upon deployment, the panel expands to provide sufficient surface area and thickness for its energy absorption function, dynamically adapting its effective size to operational requirements.
3Speed
If the energy absorber deploys rapidly, then response time is improved, but structural integrity and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The variable thickness design places greater thickness at the center region where structural integrity is most critical during rapid deployment, while edge regions have reduced thickness to facilitate faster deployment. This localized thickness distribution enables the panel to deploy rapidly while maintaining structural integrity at key load-bearing regions.
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 design achieves a reduced footprint, enhanced durability, and faster deployment speed of the energy absorber, improving occupant safety and aesthetic integration within the vehicle's interior.
Implementation Method 1
A compact active energy absorber design featuring a thicker panel for durability and a thinner intermediate portion for rapid deployment, with a pyrotechnic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A seat includes a seat back having a frame and a cover, an impact absorbing device, and an actuator in communication with the impact absorbing device. The impact absorbing device is movable from a stowed position to a deployed position. The impact absorbing device includes a base connected to the frame, a panel adjacent to the cover in the stowed position and spaced from the cover in the deployed position, and an intermediate portion connected to the base and the panel. The intermediate portion defines a chamber between the base and the panel. The intermediate portion has a portion thickness and the panel has a panel thickness greater than the portion thickness.