Variable-load energy absorber and method for making energy absorbers having variable-load capability

摘要

An inversion tube energy absorber, that absorbs energy by inverting a tube, is made to be capable of infinitely variable loading within a prescribed range by addition of a constricting device surrounding the inverted tube where it emerges from its housing. In this device, spherical balls in contact with the tube can be forced inwardly in radial directions by incline surfaces inside a rotatable ring surrounding the balls. This ring can be rotated as desired by turning a dial that is connected to the ring by a flexible shaft via gear systems. The invention also includes the method for making a variable-load energy absorber by addition of a device that creates additional force through plastic deformation in a selective manner in the basic device.