Vehicle Damping Device With Zigzag And Perforated Mass Dampers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle damping devices are complex to fabricate and can cause injuries due to rigid impact during collisions, and they do not provide uniform deceleration or minimize damage to vehicles and occupants.
Innovation Solution
A damping device with alternating sections of two types of mass dampers, one featuring zigzag-shaped sheet elements and the other a perforated duct, which work together to ensure smooth compression and efficient energy absorption, allowing for uniform deceleration and minimal damage in both frontal and tangential collisions, with a design that minimizes overloads and allows for reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex energy absorbing devices with corrugated sheet elements and swages are used, then safety and energy absorption capability are improved, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device is divided into multiple sections, each containing simpler mass dampers rather than complex corrugated sheet elements. This segmentation allows for easier fabrication while maintaining energy absorption capabilities through the collective action of multiple simpler units.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the energy absorbing elements from complex corrugated sheets with swages to simpler mass dampers with zigzag or perforated configurations. This parameter change simplifies fabrication while achieving comparable or superior damping performance through alternative geometric configurations.
2Strength
If rigid impact damping is used, then structural strength is improved, but harm to occupants increases due to non-uniform deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The mass dampers are designed to dynamically deform during impact, transitioning from a rigid structure to a controlled deformation process. The zigzag and perforated configurations allow progressive collapse that maintains structural integrity while providing uniform deceleration forces to protect occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device is pre-configured with zigzag and perforated mass dampers that are designed to deform in a controlled manner before impact occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the deceleration forces are uniformly distributed during collision, preventing harmful spikes in force that could injure occupants.
3Reliability
If multiple complex components are used to achieve uniform deceleration, then deceleration uniformity is improved, but device complexity and replacement cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses homogeneous mass dampers with consistent zigzag or perforated patterns throughout the device structure. This homogeneity ensures uniform deceleration characteristics while simplifying the overall design and reducing the variety of components that need to be manufactured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The mass dampers are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be easily manufactured and replaced after impact. Their simple geometric configurations (zigzag or perforated sheets) make them cost-effective to produce and replace, reducing long-term operational costs despite the complexity of achieving uniform deceleration.
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 damping device achieves uniform vehicle deceleration with minimal damage to vehicles and occupants, is reusable, and maintains a high preservation factor, reducing replacement costs and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
sections of mass dampers (5), each section (5) being limited by vertical plates (23) resting on a lower bar (24) of each rectangular frame (9), wherein each section (5) of mass dampers either represents a set of vertical non-contacting sheet elements (15) with zigzag shaped bends (16) oriented towards each other or represents a perforated end-to-end duct (20) oriented horizontally
Implementation Method 2
which work together to ensure smooth compression and efficient energy absorption
Data Source
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AI summary
The claimed damping device belongs to a group of safety devices that help to decelerate and stop a vehicle The damping device containing a front deflector representing a movable support installed on a guide with possibility of movement, sections of mass dampers and sectional side beams designed to provide the telescopic insertion of the front section of the side beam into the next one behind it. Each pair of sections of right and left side beams is limited by a horizontally oriented rectangular frame on a vertical base entering into a guide and fixed between relevant sections of right and left side beams. Ultimate rectangular frame of the damping device serves as a rear block, which is equipped with a rear fastening device rigidly connected to the guide. Damping device may contain mass dampers of the first and the second types. Each section of the mass damper of the first type is formed by twin vertical non-contacting sheet elements with zigzag shaped bends oriented towards each other, whereas each end of each element with zigzag shaped bend is bent outwards forming a through channel parallel to the centre line of the damping device. Each section of the mass damper of the second type represents a perforated end-to-end duct oriented horizontally relative to a through opening and perforation is made on each of four duct walls and at bends, with perforation at bends coming to both adjacent sides of the duct. Each section is limited by vertical plates, while several vertical plates rest on a lower bar of each rectangular frame. Front and rear vertical plates are fixed at front deflector and rear fastening, respectively. Sections of mass dampers of two types may be located in series. Sections of mass dampers of two types may be located alternately.