ADJUSTABLE ENERGY ABSORPTION DEVICE

摘要

An adjustable energy absorption device includes an outer cylinder and a shock tube that is rotatably secured within the outer cylinder. The shock tube includes a series of groups of holes passing from the interior to the exterior surface of the tube. The device is also provided with a piston slidably retained within the shock tube for engaging contact with a body in motion. An accumulator for collecting fluid from the interior of the shock tube is provided within the sealed outer cylinder. A spiral groove is formed on the interior wall of the outer cylinder and extends from adjacent the distal end of the cylinder to the accumulator. The spiral groove forms a corresponding land segment between consecutive turns of the groove so that rotation between the shock tube and the outer cylinder moves each group of holes relative to the groove and land to adjustably vary the orifice area between the shock tube and the outer cylinder.