GB2510686A - An energy absorption device for a vehicle - Google Patents
An energy absorption device for a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2510686A GB2510686A GB201321904A GB201321904A GB2510686A GB 2510686 A GB2510686 A GB 2510686A GB 201321904 A GB201321904 A GB 201321904A GB 201321904 A GB201321904 A GB 201321904A GB 2510686 A GB2510686 A GB 2510686A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- energy absorption
- impact
- support element
- energy
- vehicle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F1/00—Springs
- F16F1/36—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers
- F16F1/37—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers of foam-like material, i.e. microcellular material, e.g. sponge rubber
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
- B60R19/02—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
- B60R19/18—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects characterised by the cross-section; Means within the bumper to absorb impact
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
- B60R19/02—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
- B60R19/18—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects characterised by the cross-section; Means within the bumper to absorb impact
- B60R19/22—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects characterised by the cross-section; Means within the bumper to absorb impact containing mainly cellular material, e.g. solid foam
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
- B60R19/02—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
- B60R19/24—Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles
- B60R19/26—Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles comprising yieldable mounting means
- B60R19/34—Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles comprising yieldable mounting means destroyed upon impact, e.g. one-shot type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F7/00—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers
- F16F7/12—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using plastic deformation of members
- F16F7/124—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using plastic deformation of members characterised by their special construction from fibre-reinforced plastics
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Vibration Dampers (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
An energy absorption device 10 for a vehicle is provided. The energy absorption device 10 comprises: a first energy absorption element 12 made of a first energy absorbing material 14; and at least one second energy absorption element 16 made of a second energy absorbing material 18 that is different from the first energy absorbing material 14. The energy absorption elements 12, 16 are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The energy absorption device 10 further comprises: a first support element 22; an impact element 24; a first guide 32 along which the impact element 24 is movable towards the first support element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to an impact; a second support element 34 connected to the structure 36 of the vehicle; a second guide 38 along which the first support element 22 is movable towards the second support element 34 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to an impact. The second energy absorption element 16 is arranged between the first support element 22 and the second support element 34.
Description
Energy Absorption Device for a Vehicle The invention relates to an energy absorption device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
Such an energy absorption device for a vehicle is known from DE 44 32 082 Al. The energy absorption device comprises a first energy absorption element made of a first energy absorption material. Moreover, the energy absorption device comprises at least one second energy absorption element made of a second energy absorbing material. The second energy absorbing material is different from the first energy absorbing material so that the energy absorbing materials have different levels of hardness. In other words, one of the energy absorption elements is harder than the other energy absorption element.
Moreover, the energy absorption elements are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy absorption device of the previously mentioned kind, which allows for absorbing a particularly high amount of impact energy in a controlled manner.
This object is solved by an energy absorption device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.
In order to provide an energy absorption device of the kind indicated in the preamble of patent claim 1, which allows for absorbing a particularly high amount of impact energy in a controlled manner, according to the present invention the energy absorption system comprises a first support clement and an impact element configured to take loads due to an impact of the vehicle, for example, a frontal impact of the vehicle. The impact element is especially configured to take loads in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The energy absorption device further comprises a first guide along which the impact element is movable towards the first support element in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the impact. In other words, the loads taken by the impact element effect a movement of the impact element in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the first support element. This means the impact element is movable in relation to the first support element in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first energy absorption element is arranged between the impact element and the first support element. For example, the first energy absorption element is supportable on the impact element on one side and on the first support element on the other side. Thus, the first energy absorption element is deformed, in particular compressed, when the impact element is moved towards the first support element.
Moreover, the energy absorption device comprises a second support element configured to be connected to the structure of the vehicle. With respect to an assembled state of the vehicle the second support element is fixed to the structure, wherein the impact element and the first support element are movable in relation to the structure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the loads resulting from an impact and acting upon the impact element. The impact element can take the loads and transfer the loads to the first energy absorption element. The first energy absorption element can absorb the loads at least partially by deforming. Thus, impact energy can be transformed into deformation energy at least partially. Moreover, the first energy absorption element transfers loads which cannot be absorbed by the first energy absorption element to the first support element. This results in a movement of the first support element.
The energy absorption device further comprises a second guide along which the first support element is movable towards the second support element in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the impact and as a consequence of a deformation of the first energy absorption element. In other words, loads transferred from the first energy absorption element to the first support element can effect a movement of the first support element along the second guide in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the second support element.
The second energy absorption element is arranged between the first support element and the second support element and supportable on the first support element on one side and the second support element on the other side. Thus, the second energy absorption element is deformed, in particular compressed, when the first support element is moved towards the second support element. Thereby, the loads transferred to the first support element can be transferred from the first support element to the second energy absorption element. Furthermore, the loads transferred to the second energy absorption element can be absorbed at least partially by the second energy absorption element by deforming. Hence, loads which cannot be absorbed by the first energy absorption element can be absorbed at least partially by the second energy absorption element. This means impact energy which cannot be transformed into deformation energy by means of the first energy absorption element can be transformed into deformation energy by the second absorption element at least partially.
Since the energy absorbing materials and, thus, the energy absorption elements have different levels of hardness the energy absorption device according to the present invention is a multi-stage energy absorption system by means of which a particularly high amount of impact energy can be absorbed. The guides of the energy absorption device effect a precise and controlled movement of the impact element and the first support element so that impact energy can be absorbed in at least two stages in a controlled manner. Since the deformation of the energy absorption elements and, thus, the absorption of the impact energy happen in a plurality of stages, part damage can be kept particularly low especially in comparison with a single energy absorption element or a single structural member. Hence, part servicing and replacement of damaged parts of the energy absorption device are feasible very easily since only parts being damaged need to be replaced instead of replacing the whole energy absorption device such as a single energy absorption element or structural member.
Moreover, the energy absorption capacity of the energy absorption device can be adjusted in a need-based manner. This means that in the stages the energy absorption capacity can be different depending on the structural strength of the vehicle. The energy absorption capacity can be adjusted by adjusting or choosing the respective energy absorbing materials. Additionally, the energy absorption device according to the present invention allows for incorporating a multi material approach of design particularly easily.
Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawing. The feature and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respective indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.
The drawing shows in the Fig. a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an energy absorption device for a vehicle, in particular passenger vehicle, the energy absorption device having two energy absorption elements arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which allow for a controlled multistage energy absorption.
The Fig. shows an energy absorption device 10 for a vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle. The energy absorption device 10 comprises a first energy absorption element 12 made of a first energy absorbing material 14. Moreover, the energy absorption device 10 comprises a second energy absorption element 16 made of a second energy absorption material 18.
The second energy absorbing material 18 is different from the first energy absorbing material 14. This means the energy absorbing materials 14, 18 and, thus, the energy absorption elements 12, 16 have different levels of hardness. In other words, one of the energy absorption elements 12, iSis harder than the other one of the energy absorption elements 12, 16.
As can be seen from the Fig. the energy absorption elements 12, 16 are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Said longitudinal direction of the vehicle is illustrated in the Fig. by directional arrow 20.
The energy absorption device 10 comprises a first support element 22. For example, the first support element 22 is designed as a plate or a disc. The first support element 22 can be made of a metallic material or a plastic material. For example, the first support element 22 is rigid.
The energy absorption device 10 further comprises an impact element 24. The impact element 24 has an impact tube 26, an impact head 28 and a base member 30. As can be seen from the Fig., the impact head 28 is arranged in front of the impact tube 26 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Moreover, the impact head 28 is connected to the impact tube 26. The impact tube 26 is arranged between the impact head 28 and the base member 30 in the longitudinal direction to the vehicle. Moreover, the base member is connected to the impact tube 26. For example, the base member 30 can be designed as a plate or a disc. The impact tube 26 and/or the impact head 28 and/or the base member 30 can be made of a metallic material or a plastic material. Preferably, the impact element 24 is ridged.
In the Fig., forces or energy or loads caused by a frontal impact of the passenger vehicle and acting upon the impact element 24 are illustrated by a directional arrow P. The impact element 24 is configured to take the loads acting upon the impact element 24 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the impact. Since the impact tube 26 is connected to the impact head 28 on one side and the base member 30 on the other side the loads taken by the impact head 28 are transferred via the impact tube 26 to the base member 30 at first.
The energy absorption device 10 further comprises a first guide 32 along which the impact element 24 is movable towards the first support element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the impact. This means the loads taken by the impact element 24 effect a movement of the impact element 24 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the first support element 22 since the impact element 24 is movable to the first support element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
As can be seen from the Fig., the first energy absorption element 12 is arranged between the impact element 24 and the first support element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first energy absorption element 12 is supported on the base member 30 on one side and the first support element 22 on the other side so that the loads taken by the impact element 24 can be transferred by the base member 30 to the first energy absorption element 12. Thus, the first energy absorption element 12 is deformed, in particular compressed, when the impact element 24 is moved towards the support element 22 due to the loads acting upon the impact element 24. Thereby, impact energy can be absorbed by means of the first energy absorption element 12 at least partially since impact energy can be transformed into deformation energy by the first energy absorption element 12.
The energy absorption device 10 further comprises a second support element 34 configured to be connected to the structure of the vehicle. In the Fig., a part 36 of the structure of the passenger vehicle can be seen, wherein the second support element 34 is fixed to the part 36. For example, the part 36 is a longitudinal member of the passenger vehicle. The second support element 34 can be made of a metallic material or a plastic material. Preferably, the second support element 34 is rigid.
Additionally, the energy absorption device 10 comprises a second guide 38 along which the first support element 22 is movable towards the second support element 34 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the impact and as a consequence of the deformation of the first energy absorption element 12. Loads or energy which cannot be absorbed by the first energy absorption element 12 are or is transferred via the first energy absorption element 12 to the first support element 22. This results in a movement of the first support element 22 along the second guide 38 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the second support element 34.
As can be seen from the Fig., the second energy absorption element 16 is arranged between the first support element 22 and the second support element 34 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The second energy absorption element 16 is supported on the first support element 22 on one side and the second support element 34 on the other side so that loads which cannot be absorbed by the first energy absorption element 12 are transferred from the first support element 22 to the second energy absorption element 16. Thus, the second energy absorption element 16 is deformed, in particular compressed, when the first support element 22 is moved towards the second support element 34. The loads taken by the first support element 22 can be transferred to the second energy absorption element 16 so the loads or energy transferred to the second energy absorption element 16 can be absorbed at least partially by the second energy absorption element 16. The second energy absorption element 16 can absorb said loads by deforming so that the loads or the impact energy are or is transformed into deformation energy.
Since the energy absorption elements 12, 16 have different levels of hardness and since the impact element 24 and the first support element 22 are guided by the guides 32 and 38 respectively, a particularly high amount of impact energy can be absorbed in a controlled manner and in two stages by means of the energy absorption device 10.
Preferably, at least one of the energy absorbing materials 14, iSis a foam. In an advantageous embodiment at least one of the energy absorbing materials 14, 18 is a fibre-reinforced plastic. Moreover, at least one of the energy absorbing materials 14, 18 can be a polymer.
In order to realize a very controlled energy absorption, the impact element 24 and/or at least one of the support elements 22, 34 and/or at least one of the guides 32, 38 is made of a metallic material.
Preferably, the first guide 32 is connected to the first support element 22. In other words, the first guide 32 is fixed to the first support element 22 so that the first guide 32 and the first support element 22 are movable together along the second guide 38 due to the impact and as a consequence of the deformation of the first energy absorption element 12. For example, if the first energy absorption element 12 is compressed and cannot be further compressed by loads acting upon the impact element 24 during an impact and/or if the impact head 28 bears against the first guide 32 as a consequence of a movement towards the first guide 32 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, loads acting upon the impact element 24 are transferred to the first support element 22 and/or the first guide 32 so that the first support element 22 and the first guide 32 are moved together along the second guide 38 towards the second support element 34 thereby compressing the second energy absorption element 16 since the second energy absorption element 16 is supported or supportable on the first support element 22 on one side and the second support clement 34 on the other side. Thus, the energy absorption device 10 is operable in a telescopic manner in which the impact element 24 is pushed into the first guide 32 and the first guide 32 is pushed into the second guide 38. In this case, for example, the second guide 38 is a solid rigid outer structure filled with the energy absorption elements 12, 16.
List of reference signs energy absorption device 12 first energy absorption element 14 first energy absorbing material 16 second energy absorption element 18 second energy absorbing material directional arrow 22 first support element 24 impact element 26 impact tube 28 impact head base member 32 first guide 34 second support element 36 part 38 second guide P directional arrow
Claims (6)
- Claims An energy absorption device (10) for a vehicle, the energy absorption device (10) comprising a first energy absorption element (12) made of a first energy absorbing material (14) and at least one second energy absorption (16) element made of a second energy absorbing material (18) being different from the first energy absorbing material (14), the energy absorption elements (12, 16) being arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, characterized in that the energy absorption device (10) comprises: -a first support element (22); -an impact element (24) configured to take loads due to an impact of the vehicle; -a first guide (32) along which the impact element (24) is movable towards the first support element (22) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the impact, wherein the first energy absorption element (12) is arranged between the impact element (24) and the first support element (22); -a second support element (34) configured to be connected to the structure (36) of the vehicle; -a second guide (38) along which the first support element (22) is movable towards the second support (34) element in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the impact and as a consequence of a deformation of the first energy absorption element (12), wherein the second energy absorption element (16) is arranged between the first support element (22) and the second support element (34).
- 2. The energy absorption device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the energy absorbing materials (14, 18) is a foam.
- 3. The energy absorption device (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the energy absorbing materials (14, 18) is a fibre-reinforced plastic.
- 4. The energy absorption device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the energy absorbing materials (14, 18) is a polymer.
- 5. The energy absorption device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the impact element (24) and/or at least one of the support elements (22, 34) and/or at least one of the guides (32. 38) is made of a metallic material.
- 6. The energy absorption device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first guide (32) is connected to the first support element (22) and movable together with the first support element (22) along the second guide (38) due to the impact and as a consequence of the deformation of the first energy absorption element (12).
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201321904A GB2510686A (en) | 2013-12-11 | 2013-12-11 | An energy absorption device for a vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201321904A GB2510686A (en) | 2013-12-11 | 2013-12-11 | An energy absorption device for a vehicle |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201321904D0 GB201321904D0 (en) | 2014-01-22 |
| GB2510686A true GB2510686A (en) | 2014-08-13 |
Family
ID=50000547
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201321904A Withdrawn GB2510686A (en) | 2013-12-11 | 2013-12-11 | An energy absorption device for a vehicle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2510686A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2536888A (en) * | 2015-03-27 | 2016-10-05 | T A Savery & Co Ltd | An energy absorption assembly |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1048484A (en) * | 1963-01-24 | 1966-11-16 | Angus George Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to impact buffers for vehicles |
| US4085832A (en) * | 1975-05-14 | 1978-04-25 | Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company | Multi-chambered foam energy absorber |
| DE4432082A1 (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 1996-03-14 | Bayer Ag | Safety bumper for cars, |
| EP1902907A1 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2008-03-26 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Energy absorbing device for a bumper beam of a vehicle |
-
2013
- 2013-12-11 GB GB201321904A patent/GB2510686A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1048484A (en) * | 1963-01-24 | 1966-11-16 | Angus George Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to impact buffers for vehicles |
| US4085832A (en) * | 1975-05-14 | 1978-04-25 | Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company | Multi-chambered foam energy absorber |
| DE4432082A1 (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 1996-03-14 | Bayer Ag | Safety bumper for cars, |
| EP1902907A1 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2008-03-26 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Energy absorbing device for a bumper beam of a vehicle |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2536888A (en) * | 2015-03-27 | 2016-10-05 | T A Savery & Co Ltd | An energy absorption assembly |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201321904D0 (en) | 2014-01-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| EP2411246B1 (en) | Bumper structure | |
| KR101173485B1 (en) | Crush energy absorbent structrue for railway vehicle having slip type end structure and crush energy absorbent device | |
| US11292407B2 (en) | Polymer element for absorbing impact for a vehicle and bumper structure | |
| US9598035B2 (en) | Impact absorber | |
| JP6480474B2 (en) | Energy absorbing device, in particular energy absorbing device for railway vehicles | |
| CN105992722A (en) | Collision energy absorption device for railway vehicle | |
| US7677372B2 (en) | Conductor clamp for a trailing line | |
| EP2698558A1 (en) | Impact absorption member | |
| DE102009033878A1 (en) | Device for removable holding of e.g. flat article in receptacle container of motor vehicle, has clamping elements spring-tensioned to support article with different diameters, where surfaces of elements are aligned in radial direction | |
| DE102015221739A1 (en) | Battery module with clamping mechanism | |
| DE102013016805A1 (en) | Energy absorbing vehicle mount for a user interface terminal | |
| CN108688815B (en) | Energy absorption device | |
| GB2510686A (en) | An energy absorption device for a vehicle | |
| GB2508979A (en) | Vehicle side impact beam having foam and sprung elements | |
| CN104632976A (en) | Elastic-plastic energy-absorption buffer component | |
| WO2008149044A3 (en) | Energy absorption assembly provided with two absorption devices | |
| US20170144691A1 (en) | Energy absorbing steering column assembly | |
| DE102008010541A1 (en) | Suspension strut- or shock absorber support for wheel suspension at body of car, has outer ring elements moved into each other when occurrence of forces lies over provided maximum interpretation forces | |
| CN103057498B (en) | Support meanss | |
| DK2943425T3 (en) | SHOCK BUFFER | |
| GB2448852A (en) | Crashbox apparatus | |
| EA030977B1 (en) | Friction shock absorber | |
| US20150375702A1 (en) | Device For Absorbing Energy In The Event Of A Vehicle Collision | |
| US9211835B2 (en) | Support system for a bulkhead | |
| CN208760391U (en) | Vehicle safety component |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |