Shape Recoverable And Reusable Energy Absorbing Structures, Systems And Methods For Manufacture Thereof

摘要

An energy absorbing cell has a first structural element, a second structural element disposed parallel to and spaced apart from a first structural element, a first intermediate member, and a second intermediate member. Each intermediate member is disposed at an angle between the structural elements. A first end and a second end of each intermediate member are respectively attached to the structural elements. The intermediate members are formed from an elastic material. The angles of the intermediate members are selected such that application of a compressive force to displace the structural elements toward one another triggers a snap-through instability in both intermediate members. The energy absorbing cell is used, singly or in combination with one or more other energy absorbing cells, to form energy absorbing structures, such as vehicle bumpers or highway barriers, adapted to control the deceleration of an object impacting the energy absorbing structure.

主权项

1. An energy absorbing cell, comprising:
a first structural element, a second structural element disposed at least substantially parallel to the first structural element and spaced apart from the first structural element by a gap; a first intermediate member disposed at a first angle between the first structural element and the second structural element, the first intermediate member being attached at a first end to a first portion of the first structural element and being attached at a second end to a first portion of the second structural element; and a second intermediate member disposed at a second angle between the first structural element and the second structural element, the second intermediate member being attached at a first end to a second portion of the first structural element and being attached at a second end to a second portion of the second structural element; wherein at least the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member are formed from an elastic material, wherein the first angle and the second angle, and a thickness to length ratio of the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member, are selected so that application of a compressive force to displace the first structural element and the second structural element toward one another triggers a snap-through instability in both the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member.