NZ724829B2 - Method and assembly for absorbing energy from loads being applied during an overload event in order to prevent damage - Google Patents
Method and assembly for absorbing energy from loads being applied during an overload event in order to prevent damage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ724829B2 NZ724829B2 NZ724829A NZ72482915A NZ724829B2 NZ 724829 B2 NZ724829 B2 NZ 724829B2 NZ 724829 A NZ724829 A NZ 724829A NZ 72482915 A NZ72482915 A NZ 72482915A NZ 724829 B2 NZ724829 B2 NZ 724829B2
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- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- overload event
- energy absorber
- energy
- loading unit
- damping
- Prior art date
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- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 130
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 54
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
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- 230000002829 reduced Effects 0.000 claims description 20
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- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000002035 prolonged Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 13
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- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 6
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- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 206010022114 Injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
- B60N2/4207—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats characterised by the direction of the g-forces
- B60N2/4242—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats characterised by the direction of the g-forces vertical
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
- B60N2/427—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash
- B60N2/42709—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash involving residual deformation or fracture of the structure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/50—Seat suspension devices
-
- 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
- F16F13/00—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs
- F16F13/005—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a wound spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper
- F16F13/007—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a wound spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper the damper being a fluid damper
-
- 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
- F16F15/00—Suppression of vibrations in systems; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion
- F16F15/002—Suppression of vibrations in systems; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion characterised by the control method or circuitry
-
- 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
- F16F7/127—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using plastic deformation of members by a blade element cutting or tearing into a quantity of material; Pultrusion of a filling material
-
- 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
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/32—Details
- F16F9/50—Special means providing automatic damping adjustment, i.e. self-adjustment of damping by particular sliding movements of a valve element, other than flexions or displacement of valve discs; Special means providing self-adjustment of spring characteristics
- F16F9/504—Inertia, i.e. acceleration,-sensitive means
-
- 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
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/32—Details
- F16F9/53—Means for adjusting damping characteristics by varying fluid viscosity, e.g. electromagnetically
-
- 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
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/32—Details
- F16F9/53—Means for adjusting damping characteristics by varying fluid viscosity, e.g. electromagnetically
- F16F9/532—Electrorheological [ER] fluid dampers
-
- 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
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/32—Details
- F16F9/53—Means for adjusting damping characteristics by varying fluid viscosity, e.g. electromagnetically
- F16F9/535—Magnetorheological [MR] fluid dampers
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and an assembly for absorbing energy during an overload event using an energy absorber (2) in order to reduce loads on an object (103) being transported on a loading unit (100). The energy absorber (2) is suitable for absorbing energy during a single overload event, which introduces such a high degree of energy that there is an overwhelming likelihood the object would be damaged without an energy absorber, in order to reduce the resulting load on the object during the overload event by means of the energy absorption of the energy absorber (2). Measurement values (62) on the current state of the loading unit (100) are detected using a sensor device (61), and the energy absorber (2) is controlled. A control device (48) detects an overload event (63) from the detected measurement values (62), and a damping of the energy absorber (2) is set to a high value after the detection of the overload event (63). The damping is maintained for a specified prolonged time period (67). The damping is then controlled dependent on the measurement values (62) detected during the overload event in order to increase the load for objects (103) transported on the loading unit (100) during the specified time period (67) initially to a specified threshold load (64) and to control the load after the specified time period (67) dependent on the measurement values (62) detected during the overload event. which introduces such a high degree of energy that there is an overwhelming likelihood the object would be damaged without an energy absorber, in order to reduce the resulting load on the object during the overload event by means of the energy absorption of the energy absorber (2). Measurement values (62) on the current state of the loading unit (100) are detected using a sensor device (61), and the energy absorber (2) is controlled. A control device (48) detects an overload event (63) from the detected measurement values (62), and a damping of the energy absorber (2) is set to a high value after the detection of the overload event (63). The damping is maintained for a specified prolonged time period (67). The damping is then controlled dependent on the measurement values (62) detected during the overload event in order to increase the load for objects (103) transported on the loading unit (100) during the specified time period (67) initially to a specified threshold load (64) and to control the load after the specified time period (67) dependent on the measurement values (62) detected during the overload event.
Description
METHOD AND ASSEMBLY FOR ABSORBING ENERGY FROM LOADS BEING APPLIED
DURING AN OVERLOAD EVENT IN ORDER TO PREVENT DAMAGE
The present invention relates to a method for absorbing or dissipating energy to
damp loads during an overload event in particular on a loading unit for transporting
objects, in order to protect the objects being transported, such as persons or items,
from being damaged. Said single overload event occurs when a mine detonates.
Different methods are known for absorbing energy in order to reduce loads
during overload events, such as explosions underneath armoured vehicles, to protect
the objects being transported, in particular persons and sensitive devices. Typically,
mechanical systems are used for protection which absorb energy by being deformed or
torn open in order to absorb energy and protect passengers correspondingly during an
overload event.
However, their disadvantage is that with said systems it is impossible to control
the damping or energy absorption during an overload event when its impulse intensity
and progression are unknown. The intensity and duration of the impulse caused by mine
explosions cannot be predicted before the explosion, since the type and power of the
mine, the place, its exact positioning, its depth in the soil and the material surrounding
the mine are unknown during a real overload event. Monitoring and evaluating the
speed of the vehicle or other parameters before the overload event occurs, i.e. before
the explosion of a mine, does not enable any estimate to be made about the power of
an explosion. Therefore, it is impossible to exactly plan the process of the energy
absorption during an overload event before said event occurs.
A method for regulating an energy absorber of a steering column is known in
AI, wherein a sensor measures the relative velocity of parts which are
movable relative to one another. The energy absorber is then controlled in such a way
that the delay is as constant and low as possible, so that the relative velocity of the parts
that are movable relative to one another is close to 0 at the end of their movement
path. Moreover, this document also indicates the possible use of said energy absorber in
safety belt assemblies, mine blast protection seats, bumpers, tool machinery, arresting
gear for aircraft landing on aircraft carriers, damping systems for helicopters and
damping systems for shoes. Said method, wherein the energy absorber is controlled in
such a way that the relative movement of the parts of the energy absorber that are
moveable relative to one another is slowed down to 0 at the end of their movement
path, can only be carried out if the parameters are known beforehand. If a vehicle on
the road drives into the back of a car in front of it, the relative velocity can be directly
determined and the entire vertical lift can be optimally used to specifically slow down
the relative movement. The same applies to arresting gear for an aircraft landing on an
aircraft carrier and even to helicopter crashes, where drop height and drop velocity are
known.
Each of the applications makes optimal use of the maximum movement path in
order to enable the load to be preferably minimal, e.g. during a car crash, so that the
driver experiences the lowest possible force when colliding with the steering column.
Such a system works well for regulating the energy absorber in steering columns or in
other applications, for which the velocities occurring and consequently the loads are
known and, accordingly, the available movement path can be correlated with the
current relative velocity.
In applications in mine blast protection seats, for example, when the strength of
the explosion is unknown, as it is when a mine explodes underneath an armoured
vehicle, said regulation can yield the desired results if the explosion is weak. The forces
being applied can be damped and passed on to the body of a person seated on the mine
blast protection seat. The load can be reduced considerably. The delay or relative
velocity is adjusted so that the load along the movement path is low and constant.
Said method requires knowledge of the initial and marginal conditions. If there
are outside influences, the strength and duration of which are initially unknown, the
application can lead to correspondingly unexpected results with the damping being too
strong or too weak.
The task of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and an
assembly for damping, enabling better control during overload events when not all the
data needed for ideal control are known before said event occurs.
This task is solved by means of a method for damping with the features in claim
1 and an assembly with the features in claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the
invention are detailed in the sub-claims. Further advantages and features result from
the general description and the description of the embodiments.
A method according to the invention is used for absorbing energy during an
overload event and is carried out in particular with an energy absorber. By absorbing
energy, the load on an object being transported on a loading unit is reduced during an
overload event.
The energy absorber is in particular suitable in such case to absorb energy
during a single overload event with such a high amount of energy being introduced that
it is probable or overwhelmingly probable or even almost certain or certain that the
object will be damaged, so that said energy absorption by the energy absorber reduces
the load on an or the object resulting from an overload event, in order to prevent the
object from being damaged. In other words, the energy absorber is preferably suitable
to absorb energy during a single overload event introducing such a high amount of
energy that without the energy absorber the loads acting on the object being
transported would exceed an acceptable threshold value, so that said energy absorption
by the energy absorber reduces the load on the object resulting from an overload event.
The method according to the invention in particular involves a sensor device
that preferably periodically determines measurement values about the current state of
the loading unit. In doing so, the control unit detects an overload event from the
recorded measurement values and at least immediately after detecting the overload
event, the damping of the energy absorber is set to a considerably high value and in
particular to a high value that is closer to a maximum than to a minimum possible value
for damping. Said damping set to the considerable or high value is maintained for a
specified time period. Preferably, the damping is constant but it can also be not constant
when appropriate. The damping can be subject to natural or stochastic variations, e.g.
when it should be attempted to avoid a constant value. In any case, during the specified
time period, the damping is maintained at the considerable and in particular at the high
value. The specified time period is calculated so that during said specified time period a
plurality of successive measurement values are detected. After the specified time
period, the energy absorber and/or the damping are controlled depending on the
measurement values detected during the overload event. This initially causes the load
on the objects being transported on the loading unit to be increased up to a specified
threshold load and after the specified time period the damping is controlled depending
on the measurement values detected during the overload event.
The specified time period is in particular longer than 1 ms and preferably longer
than 3 ms and can measure 4 ms, 5 ms, 6 ms, 7 ms or longer.
The method can be carried out in such a way that the damping by the energy
absorber is set to the high value at least immediately after the overload event and
reduced at a later time, in order to initially increase the load on the objects being
transported on the loading unit up to a specified threshold load and then to reduce it.
The reduction is carried out in particular to avoid exceeding the threshold load.
The method involves absorbing or converting an impulse or its energy
introduced during an overload event in order to reduce the resulting load on an or the
object or the object to be transported and prevent it from being damaged by means of
the energy absorber absorbing, dissipating or converting the energy.
The method according to the invention has several advantages. One
considerable advantage consists of the fact that the damping is set to a high and, in
particular, a specified high value after an overload event is detected.
It is also possible to adjust the specified high value beforehand. As an example, it
is possible that the high value corresponds to a basic setting and must be actively
reduced. At this time, the high damping value is closer to the maximum damping value
than to the minimum value thereof. In particular, the high damping value is at least
twice or four times further away from the minimum damping value than from the
maximum damping value. Therefore, there is only a limited amount of energy being
absorbed initially during the specified time period, so that the possible energy
absorption is materially or almost entirely or entirely conserved for the time after the
specified time period.
Initially, said high value will be approximately or at least materially or exactly
maintained after the overload event is detected. In doing so, the spine of a person
seated on a loading unit identified as, for example, a seat assembly, is preloaded due to
the shock being introduced during the explosion of a mine, since the energy absorber is
set to a high or the maximum value. Any relative movement of the energy absorber is
materially suppressed during this process. Therefore, it is easier to regulate the load on
the spine, since the initially unloaded spine can be preloaded. The load is initially
increased up to a specified threshold load. The load is then maintained around the
specified threshold load. After this, the damping of the energy absorber is reduced, in
order for a relative movement to occur of the loading unit or seat assembly relative to
the frame or body of a means of transport. This achieves that the load on the spine of a
user seated on the loading unit is not increased beyond the specified threshold value,
but instead remains constant or almost constant.
This method considerably reduces the risk of injury to a user as the object being
transported. In conventional mechanical systems, however, energy is immediately
absorbed by the mechanical system, until the mechanical system reaches an abrupt end
stop. This can lead to unacceptably high loads being passed on to the user’s spine.
However, the method according to the invention works the opposite way: no energy is
absorbed initially and the spine of the user identified as the object is preloaded and then
the energy absorber absorbs the energy, since the damping is reduced from the
originally high damping value.
Furthermore, the method according to the invention makes optimal use of the
possible movement path during particularly powerful overload events. After the
mechanical components involved are preloaded, the entire movement path is still
available. The mechanical components involved include, for example, the mechanically
deformable suspension of the seat assembly. Said seat assembly is usually fitted with a
cushion on the seating surface and/or a sprung seating surface, in order to increase
comfort including during normal use. In addition, the spine of a person seated thereon
can also be considered to be said mechanical component. The control device only
intervenes by controlling or regulating once the mechanical components involved are
preloaded.
According to the invention, the damping is in all cases set to a high value closer
to the maximum value than to the minimum value when an overload event is detected.
The maximum damping is deemed to mean a value at which (at least almost) no relative
movement takes place of the parts of the energy absorber that are movable relative to
one another for absorbing energy. Starting from said value, any increase in power serves
no further purpose. A reduction of power would, however, result in a relative
movement of the parts of the energy absorber movable relative to one another for
absorbing energy. The high value is preferably adjusted in a way that does not result in a
relative movement of the parts of the energy absorber movable relative to one another
for absorbing energy.
In all embodiments, the loading unit is formed in particular as a seat assembly
for the purpose of transporting persons as the objects. However, it is also possible that
loads, animals or sensitive devices or other articles are transported. In an embodiment
as a seat assembly, the mounting unit corresponds to the loading unit of the seating
surface and the seat assembly is attached to the means of transport using the bearing
unit. The loading unit is preferably attached to the means of transport as close to its top
as possible. The loading unit can be attached to the means of transport’s roof or the
upper portion of its lateral wall.
According to this application, damage to an object is deemed to mean a state in
which the object was or is at least temporarily altered in a way considered
disadvantageous or undesirable. This could be a temporary damage. Permanent or
irreparable damage are also possible.
If the object is a person, damage is deemed to mean an impairment to the
health of said person. In the case of a person, permanent damage is deemed to mean an
at least prolonged impairment of the wellbeing thereof. Damage to an object or a device
can be temporary, however, in particular, it is long-lasting and can also be a permanent
defect, such as a component being fractured.
Preferably, the control device periodically derives the characteristic parameters
of loads on the loading unit or the seat assembly from the measurement values. It is also
possible and preferred that the control unit periodically derives the characteristic
parameters of loads on an object and particularly a user’s spine from the measurement
values. This involves in particular determining the characteristic parameters from the
measurement values that at least approximately reflect the acceleration of the loading
unit. As an example, sensors measuring the path could be provided that detect the
respective position in short intervals and derive the current acceleration from the
known interval between two measurements. It is also possible to consider individual or
a combination of sensors for path and/or power and/or acceleration.
In simple cases, the loading unit is fitted with at least one shear device that is
sheared when the load applied to the loading unit exceeds a specified value. An
advantage of said shear device is that the vertical lift provided by the energy absorber is
completely conserved until an overload event occurs. This leads to the entire vertical lift
being available during an overload event, so that even large loads can be damped and
their energy can be absorbed.
In preferred embodiments, the control unit recognises an overload event when
the shear sensor detects the shear device being sheared. Said embodiment is very easy
to execute, since the shear device, such as a shear pin, being sheared can be used as a
starting point for the method. As an example, the sensor device only periodically records
measurement values when the shear sensor has detected the shear device being
sheared. This can be done, as an example, by means of the shear pin providing an
electrically conductive connection, the interruption of which initiates the starting signal
for periodically recording measurement values.
It is preferred that the control unit detects an overload event when a
characteristic parameter exceeds a specified value. Said embodiment works both with
and without using a shear device. It is possible that the control unit in said embodiment
constantly records measurement values from the sensor device and detects the
overload event by means of the value of the derived characteristic parameters. If the
measured or detected acceleration of the seat assembly exceeds a certain value, an
overload event is detected.
The damping, which is set to a high value before or immediately after an
overload event is detected, is preferably maintained for the specified time period after
an overload event is detected.
In advantageous embodiments, the damping is reduced to a lower level and/or
zero after the specified time period has ended and is then adapted depending on the
characteristic parameter or increased again. Doing so enables flexible and optimal
control of the load on a person seated on the seat assembly or an object placed on the
loading unit. In the case of damage, damping is adjusted to a setting that is sufficiently
rigid so that the previously unloaded spine of the user is preloaded. Only then is the
damping reduced after the specified time period, so that a relative movement on the
energy absorber is made possible. The damping of the energy absorber is then increased
and/or reduced according to the characteristic parameter, using the constantly recorded
measurement values. This enables, with a specified lift of the energy absorber, the
object or user to be prevented from being exposed to unacceptable forces and loads.
It is preferred in all embodiments that the energy absorber is initially damped to
the maximum in order to conserve the maximum vertical lift if possible.
It is possible and preferred that after an overload event is detected or the
specified time period has ended, the energy absorber is controlled in a time-dependent
manner by means of the respective latest characteristic parameter that was derived.
This results in an optimal progression of the overload event.
It is possible and preferred that the damping of the energy absorber is reduced
when the characteristic parameter reaches or exceeds a specified threshold load for
objects, persons, or devices.
In special embodiments, the acceptable threshold load is preferably specified for
a standard person. It is possible and preferred that the acceptable threshold load is
individually adjusted or determined for objects or users.
It is also possible, in particular, to consider sensor values from a sensor unit
placed on a person or an object. In such case, multiple sensor units can be included in
order to enhance the reliability of the measurement values and to take more
parameters into consideration.
In all embodiments, the loading unit or seat assembly is preferably coupled with
at least one sensor means, in order to, as an example, determine the weight of an object
or person being transported and/or the acceleration of the seat assembly. The sensor
means is in particular part of the sensor device. It is also possible to use flat sensor
means on the seating surface of the loading unit or seat assembly that measure several
values distributed over the surface. It is preferred in all cases to use an energy absorber
with a magnetorheological absorber valve, wherein the level of damping of the
magnetorheological absorber valve is controlled according to the strength of a magnetic
field applied to the absorber valve.
An assembly according to the invention includes a loading unit for transporting
objects and at least one energy absorber for absorbing energy during an overload event,
in order to reduce loads on an object being transported on the loading unit. During a
single overload event, which introduces such a high amount of energy that without an
energy absorber it would be likely or in particular overwhelmingly likely or even almost
certain or certain that a load exceeding a threshold value and in particular damage to
the object being transported would occur, the energy absorber is suitable and arranged
to absorb energy, in order to reduce the resulting load on the object and prevent it from
being damaged at the time of or during the overload event by means of the energy
absorption of the energy absorber. A control device and at least one sensor device are
provided in order to detect measurement values on the current state of the loading unit.
At least one energy absorber is provided. The energy absorber can be controlled by the
control device according to the measurement values. The control device is formed and
equipped to detect an overload event from the recorded measurement values and, at
least immediately after an overload event is detected, to set damping of the energy
absorber to a considerably high value and in particular a high value that is closer to the
maximum adjustable value of the damping than to the minimum adjustable value
thereof and to at least approximately or roughly maintain the damping for a specified
time period. Said specified time period is calculated so that during this specified time
period a plurality of successive measurement values is recorded. After the specified time
period, the damping is controlled or can be controlled depending on the measurement
values recorded during the overload event, in order to initially increase the load on
objects being transported on the loading unit up to a specified threshold load during the
specified time period and then to control said load after the specified time period
depending on the measurement values recorded during the overload event.
The assembly according to the invention also has many advantages, since it
enables the energy absorber to be individually controlled during an overload event. The
sensor device is preferably placed on the undamped part of the assembly.
Preferably, at least one sensor unit is provided that can be placed on an object
and in particular a person as the object, which can be coupled with the control device by
means of a wire or wirelessly. At least one sensor means is preferably provided and
coupled to the loading unit, in order to measure the weight of an object being
transported and/or the acceleration of the loading unit and/or the force being applied.
The energy absorber is preferably fitted with at least one magnetorheological
absorber valve, the damping of which is controlled according to the strength of a
magnetic field acting on the absorber valve.
The loading unit can in all cases be fitted with a shear device that can be sheared
when the load on the loading unit exceeds a specified value.
The control method can in all cases be programmable. The method can be
adapted to different frames or seat frames. The regulation can be optimised according
to the threat scenario or risk potential. It is also possible to variably adapt it to the
assembly situation, e.g. when the possible vertical lift is altered or when components
are altered or fitted at a later time.
In all embodiments, the damping is preferably controlled by the flow of current
in an electric coil provided for generating a magnetic field. This involves initially
generating a very strong force, which results in the spine of a person as the object and
any seat cushions and/or springs and similar elements possibly provided being
preloaded. Doing so achieves a preferably short movement path until the whole system
is preloaded and the spine has reached a certain and specified force. This is followed by
the force being rapidly reduced, in particular before the maximum acceptable spinal
force is reached. Said rapid reduction of the force is preferably achieved by switching off
the connected electric current. By rapidly reducing the force, the force or load is
prevented from overshooting. The load or spinal force is then preferably maintained
until the first disruptive event of the overload event has ended. This reliably prevents
the system from bottoming out in most of the possible cases.
It is possible in all embodiments that an additional comfort function is provided,
wherein part of the vertical lift or the movement path of the energy absorbers is used
for suspension and damping of minor impacts and increasing comfort. This can possibly
involve a central control, wherein an adjustable proportion of the entire path is available
for the comfort function. This means that the entire movement path is available for
overload events when there is a high risk potential, whereas in safe situations a larger
proportion of the movement path is available for damping to increase comfort.
It is also possible to enable the seat height to be adjusted in an embodiment as a
seat assembly. This can offer increased safety for smaller or lighter persons because a
longer movement path is available.
In all embodiments, in the case of persons as the object, regulation is preferably
carried out according to the measured and estimated spinal force. The force being
applied to the spine should not be greater than 4000 N.
In further embodiments, two successive and connected disruptive events of an
overload event are damped. As an example, the first disruptive event is the direct effect,
i.e. when the armoured vehicle is initially launched into the air by the explosion. The
effects are damped accordingly. The vehicle then hits the ground. This is the second
disruptive event of the overload event and it is also damped. Therefore, an automatic
resetting of the energy absorber to its initial position is preferably provided.
In all cases, the loading unit is in particular formed as a seat assembly of a
vehicle or motor vehicle. The seat assembly comprises a mounting unit formed as a seat
and a bearing unit formed as a seat frame. The energy absorber is mounted between
the seat and the seat frame.
According to the present invention, a single overload event is preferably
deemed to mean the explosion of a mine. In particular, other single overload events
involving energy being introduced can also be considered according to the invention, for
which, in particular, the strength and duration of the impulse cannot be estimated
based on previous measurement values. Said single overload event can also occur, as an
example, in run-off-road collisions of a vehicle, e.g. when the driver loses control and
the vehicle unexpectedly and unpredictably crashes down, for example, an embankment
or similar. In said collisions, the force of the energy being introduced during the overload
event cannot be derived from the velocity of the vehicle but instead depends on the
drop height which, however, cannot be derived from, for example, the velocity of the
vehicle.
With the present invention it is therefore also possible and preferred to protect
or reduce loads on the passengers of a motor vehicle in so-called “run-off-road”
accidents, which, for example, in the USA, are responsible for 50% of traffic deaths.
Departures of road vehicles such as cars, SUVs, lorries etc. from an asphalt
roadway due to distraction, tiredness, or adverse weather conditions are a frequent
occurrence. Vehicles with an assembly according to this invention are preferably fitted
with a seat construction including a seat and a seat frame, wherein the energy absorber
described above in particular absorbs the vertically or materially vertically applied
impact energy to a large extent. In order to prevent the passengers’ spines being
dangerously injured, at least one energy absorber is placed between the seat and the
seat frame so that the forces vertical forces are absorbed and/or the forces are
absorbed parallel to the back rest of the seat and/or the forces are absorbed in a right
angle to the seating surface. Said forces are generated during a forceful (at least partially
vertical) impact of the vehicle off the roadway. In said overload events, the energy to be
absorbed is applied in a considerable proportion or to a large extent or almost entirely in
a vertical direction.
The invention is not primarily provided to absorb energy during a frontal impact.
However, for level, frontal impacts crumple zones or airbags are provided in the vehicle.
The strength of vertically applied loads during overload events and accidents
when departing from the roadway or the strength of vertical loads during mine
explosions cannot, however, be derived from parameters prior to the overload event,
since they cannot be estimated or measured.
The energy absorber can in all cases be fitted vertically, horizontally or obliquely.
In the state of the art, however, a sensor in motor cars detects the vehicle
departing from the roadway and activates the relevant safety systems, such as the
seatbelt pretensioner. However, the severity of the collision and the optimal load
reduction resulting therefrom cannot be derived from said sensor. What is important is
what happens after the vehicle has departed from the roadway, where and how it lands
or with what kind of surface it comes into contact and in which position in space the car
is at the moment of impact. The method according to the invention involves reacting to
the impact/impulse in the manner described above and below, resulting in a material
improvement over, or reduction of injury compared with the state of the art.
Further advantages and features of the present invention can be seen from the
description of the embodiment examples that are explained below with reference to the
attached figures.
The figures show:
Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of an assembly according to the invention;
Fig. 2 a front view of the assembly according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 a side section of the assembly according to Fig. 1 in the damping state;
Fig. 4 a front section of the assembly according to Fig. 1 in the resting state;
Fig. 5 a vehicle with assemblies according to the invention for protecting
passengers from explosions;
Fig. 6 a chronological sequence of a damping force of the assembly according to
Fig. 1 during an overload event; and
Fig. 7 a schematic flowchart of the assembly’s control during an overload event
according to Fig. 6.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an assembly 1 according to the
invention. The assembly comprises an absorber cylinder 5, on one end of which an
attachment device 3 and on the other end of which a retention device 4 is provided. The
retention device 4 und the attachment device 3 each have two laterally protruding arms,
with a preloading spring 43 of a preloading device 38 placed on either of them, in order
to reset the assembly after an overload event 63 to the resting state 40, which is also
shown in Figure 1.
The assembly 1 is provided to absorb energy or damp relative movements
between the attachment device 3 and the retention device 4. For such purpose, the
retention device 4 is connected with the piston device 6 of the energy absorber, while
the attachment device 3 is securely connected with the absorber cylinder 5. At the
upper end, an end cap 39 can be seen that closes off from the outside and limits the
second chamber of the absorber chamber 9 concealed in the interior. The assembly 1 is
in particular inserted in a loading unit 100 between a mounting unit 101 and a bearing
unit 102 (see Fig. 5).
Figure 2 shows the assembly 1 in a front view. A symmetry axis 30 extends
centrally through the absorber cylinder 5, the section in Figure 3 running through said
symmetry axis.
Figure 3 shows a section according to Figure 2 in a resting state 40. In addition, a
seat assembly 21 is schematically shown as a loading unit 100. The loading unit 100 has
a mounting unit 101 or seating surface 21a, on which an object 103 such as a person
105, e.g. a soldier in a personnel carrier, can be seated.
In the interior of the absorber cylinder 5, the section shows the absorber piston
7 and the piston rod 8 of the piston device 6 connected therewith. The absorber piston 7
divides the absorber chamber 9 located in the interior of the absorber cylinder 5 into a
first chamber 10 and a second chamber 11. The second chamber 11 is limited from the
outside by the end cap 39 and sealed airtight.
In the resting state, the first chamber 10 is at least partially and in particular
entirely filled with absorber fluid 12. When an overload event 63 occurs, the piston rod
8 is retracted from the absorber cylinder 5, so that the absorber fluid 12 in the first
chamber 10 passes through the absorber channel 14 in the absorber piston 7 and into
the second chamber 11. In the resting state, the second chamber 11 can already be filled
to a certain extent with absorber fluid 12. However, it is also possible that in the resting
state, the second chamber 11 is filled with only little absorber fluid 12 or none at all, but
with air or another compressible gas or medium.
It is clearly visible that the piston rod 8 has a very large diameter, so that for the
first chamber 10 only a relatively small annular gap remains around the piston rod. Thus,
when the absorber piston 7 is extended, only a relatively small volume of absorber fluid
12 is displaced from the first chamber 10. Therefore, the flow velocities of the absorber
fluid 12 in the absorber channel 14 remain low even during overload events 63 caused
by explosions, so that the length of the absorber pistons 7 is sufficient to influence the
flow as desired using the magnetic field of the electric coil as the field generation device
When the flowing fluid 12 passes from the first chamber 10 into the second
chamber 11, the absorber fluid 12 is diverted towards the interior by the radial flow
openings 44 that radially obliquely extend towards the interior from the outside. This
means that the flow channel or absorber channel 14 is radially placed further inside than
the first chamber 10. This enables the effective use of the interior of the absorber piston
7 for generating the required magnetic field and for the absorber channel 14.
The piston rod 8 is shown here with a considerably greater thickness than would
be necessary for ensuring stability. Therefore, an empty space 22 is provided in the
piston rod 8, which is shown here as a blind hole. The blind hole 22 extends from the
end 26 opposite the piston into the piston rod 8. The empty space 22 can extend up to
just in front of the absorber piston 7, so that the length of the empty space 22 extends
over three-quarters or more of the length of the piston rod 8 up to the absorber piston
7. The empty space 22 can be used accordingly. The control device 48 and an energy
device 47 are located here in the interior of the empty space 22. The control device 48 is
connected to the electric coil 16, in order to control it. Moreover, the control device 48
is connected to a sensor device 61 in order to accept and process the load on the
loading unit 100 identified as a seat assembly 21.
The energy storage device 47 ensures that even in the event of a loss of power
on board the means of transport, the assembly 1 holds sufficient energy to control the
energy absorber 2. The energy storage device can be a capacitor or a rechargeable
battery.
The absorber piston 7 not only separates the first chamber 10 from the second
chamber 11, but also forms a flow valve 13, which can be controlled by means of the
control device 48.
Figure 4 shows another cross section of assembly 1, whereas in this case it also
shows the preloading device 38 as the resetting device 32 to 43 in section. For the sake
of clarity, the energy storage device 47 and the control device 48 in the empty space 22
are not shown in this figure. The first chamber 10 forms an annular gap 28 around the
piston rod 8. In this case, a radial extension of the annular gap 28 is smaller of than the
wall thickness of the hollow piston rod 8.
Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a means of transport 50, such as a personnel
carrier, provided with assemblies 1 according to the invention, in order to protect the
passengers during explosions. The means of transport 50 has a body 51, with mine blast
protection seats 60 attached thereto as assemblies 1. The vehicle 50 can be driven using
wheels with tyres 52. During an overload event 63, e.g. an explosion, the vehicle 50 is
launched into the air, a damped movement occurs of the loading unit 100 of the
assemblies 1 which, identified here as a seat assembly 21, in order to protect the
persons seated on it from permanent damage.
Figure 6 shows the chronological progression 70 of the relative adjusted electric
current of the energy absorber 2 during an overload event 63. Said overload event
occurs, as an example, when an armoured personnel carrier moves over a land mine and
said mine detonates.
The overload event 63 is detected, for example, when the shear pin of the shear
device 42 is sheared, because the load being applied to it exceeds the shear force. This
results in the electrically conductive contact being interrupted by the shear device 42,
which is detected by the control device 48. A corresponding control sequence is then
activated. This point in time is designated t0.
Alternatively, or additionally, the control device 48 can also run an alternative
routine for detecting an overload event. The control device 48 can also poll and evaluate
the respective current measurement values in certain intervals from the sensor device
61 and the sensor unit 68 and further sensor means, to periodically derive a parameter
65 from a single measurement value from one sensor or multiple measurement values
from different sensors. The parameter 65, as an example, can be determined every 10
ms or other suitable intervals. After an overload event 63 is detected, it is preferable
that a shorter interval be selected.
At the point in time t0, a strong electric current is directly applied to the electric
coil 16. In particular, the maximum possible current is immediately applied to the
electric coil 16, in order to preferably immediately block the energy absorber 2. The
magnetic field generated by the electric coil 16 chains up the magnetorheological
particles in the magnetorheological absorber fluid 12 within the absorber channel 14. In
order to force the absorber fluid 12 through the absorber channel 14, the force being
applied must be sufficiently great so that the chained up magnetorheological particles
(reversibly) shear off. The maximum force is therefore adjusted in such a way that
during an overload event it is normally also sufficient to prevent the relative movement
of the retention device 4 relative to the attachment device 3. The electrical current
remains at 100% for a pre-set time period 67. The length of the specified period 67 can
be pre-set, however, it can also be variable depending on, for example, the weight of
the person 105 seated on the seat assembly 21. It is also possible that the weight of a
device 104 as the object 103 is recorded and taken into consideration. By such means,
the forces being applied can be determined for a detected acceleration. In many cases,
an acceptable maximum force may not be exceeded. The force is calculated as the
product of acceleration and mass.
The specified period 67 is preferably chosen based on measurements,
calculations and experience in a way that within said period 67, the load on the back or
the spine of a typical person is not exceeded in the case of damage 63. The previously
unloaded spine of a person 105, seated on the seat assembly 21, is then preloaded
during an overload event 63. Likewise, various springs and cushions of the seat assembly
21 and mechanical components acting as springs are also preloaded. If articles 104 are
being transported, this will be taken into consideration accordingly, in order to enable
the protection of sensitive devices during transport.
After the time period 67 has ended, the load on the person at the point in time
t1 may have reached the maximum specified load threshold 81. At the same time, the
threshold load 64 is also reached, which may not be exceeded. In order to achieve
optimal control, the electrical current of the electric coil 16 is heavily reduced down to a
reduced value 72. In particular, the electric current of the electric coil 16 is abruptly
reduced to zero. This prevents the load progression 80 from overshooting.
Initially, the load progression 80 rises rapidly and then reaches a plateau 82. The
energy absorber 2 now allows a relative movement of the seat assembly 21 to the body
51 of the vehicle 50. At the point in time t2, the electric current is first increased to the
value 78 and from that moment on the current of the electric coil 16 progresses in a
ramp-like manner. The damping increases correspondingly, so that the movement speed
of the absorber piston 7 is reduced and the load is maintained at the high plateau 82. By
this method, the load is constantly maintained as high as is acceptable. This ensures that
the largest possible reserves remain available at all times, in order to damp the overload
event without any permanent damage to a person seated on the mine blast protection
seat. If an energy absorber or damper abuts, the load increases abruptly and can
continue to increase beyond acceptable thresholds. The invention significantly reduces
risks of injury. At the point in time t3, the overload event is over and the current is
switched off again.
During the time interval starting at the point in time t1, the damping is
controlled in a regulated manner. For this purpose, the measurement values from the
sensors 61 and 68 are periodically retrieved. A parameter 65 is periodically derived from
the measurement results, which is used for subsequent control. A current load is derived
from the parameter 65, if the parameter does not directly reflect the current load. By
means of the current load the electric current is controlled so that the load is preferably
maintained just under the threshold load 64 and preferably does not exceed it.
If it is detected that the maximum load of the overload event has been
exceeded, the damping can be adjusted to a softer setting in order to increase comfort.
Figure 6 additionally contains a dot-dashed line 83 that reflects a different load
progression. The progression of the line 83 also begins at the point in time t0, when an
overload event 63 is detected. The electric current is increased to 100% once again and
at the point in time t1 it is reduced to zero. At the point in time t2, the electric current is
increased up to the value 78 and subsequently, it is increased in a ramp-like manner (73)
until the point in time t2a. The load then decreases, so that the damping can be
adjusted to a softer setting and the electric current can be reduced.
In one version, the parameter 65 is periodically determined at least from the
point in time t0 also during the specified period 67 at its respective current value.
Control is then carried out at all times by means of the respective determined
parameter 65, until, for example, it falls back below an overload event threshold 69.
If no shear device 42 is provided, the overload event threshold 69 can also be
used as the threshold for detecting an overload event 63. For loads smaller than the
overload event threshold 69, the energy absorber can be used in a comfort function and
absorb minor impacts. A certain proportion of the vertical lift may be reserved for
overload events. The proportion reserved can be dependent on the current level of
hazard.
Fig. 7 shows a highly schematic representation of a control progression in a
specific embodiment. The process is initiated at the starting point 84. In this case, for
example, the shear device 42 is polled in an endless loop in order to detect an explosion.
If an explosion or similar disruption was detected during step 85, the endless loop is
interrupted at the branching 94 and the control 48 is initialised. This is carried out in
step 86. At this time, the control algorithm 87 is also caused to then apply the maximum
damping 66 or 71 to the energy absorber during the specified time period 67. Said time
period 67 is used to preload all (mechanical) components involved, including the object
103. Starting from the point in time t0 and in particular after the time period 103 has
ended, characteristic parameters 65 are periodically derived from measurement values
from measurement 89 in a parameter determination 90. The parameters 65 and, in this
case, also the measurement values themselves are passed on to the regulation
algorithm 88. The regulation algorithm 88 passes on the data and a control variable is
calculated in step 91. In order to calculate the control variable and, in this case, the
value of the current, data from the control algorithm 87, which is also provided the
measurement values, are used in addition. Finally, the actor in step 92 is powered. The
control circuit is then run through again, then returning to step 88. At this time, the
current measurement values are received. The actual value is compared with the
desired value and re-adjusted when appropriate. If it is detected during step 95 that the
overload event or explosion has ended, the end 93 of the control is initiated by means of
the branching 95. The end 93 can lead directly back to the start 84, in order to detect
further disruptions.
In all embodiments, the object being transported on a loading unit can be
directly or indirectly coupled on and/or with the loading unit and/or placed thereon. The
connection can be permanent and/or releasable. Or, the object is placed on the loading
unit and held in place by the force of its weight.
List of reference numerals:
1 assembly 62 measurement values
2 energy absorber 63 overload event
3 attachment device 64 threshold load
4 retention device 65 parameter
absorber cylinder 66 predetermined amount
6 piston device 67 specified time period
7 absorber piston 68 sensor unit
8 piston rod 69 overload event threshold
9 absorber chamber 70 electric current progression
first chamber 71 maximum amount
11 second chamber 72 reduced amount
12 absorber fluid 73 ramp
13 absorber valve 80 load progression
14 absorber channel 81 maximum load
16 electric coil 82 plateau
16a permanent Magnet 83 decreasing load
21 seat assembly 84 start
21a seating surface 85 detection of explosion
22 empty space (in 8) 86 initialisation
wall 87 control algorithm
26 end 88 regulation algorithm
28 annular gap 89 measurement
30 symmetry axis (from 5, 8) 90 parameter determination
32 resetting device 91 determining control variable
38 preloading device 92 applying current to actor
39 end cap 93 end
40 resting state 94 branching
41 absorber state 95 branching
42 shear device to point in time
43 preloading spring tl point in time
45 guide bushing t2 point in time
46 seal t2a point in time
47 energy storage device t3 point in time
48 control device 100 loading unit
50 means of transport, vehicle 101 mounting unit
51 body 102 bearing unit
52 tyre 103 object
60 mine blast protection seat 104 article
61 sensor device 105 person
Claims (19)
1. Method for absorbing energy during an overload event using an energy absorber (2) in order to reduce loads on an object (103) being transported on a loading unit (100), wherein the energy absorber (2) is suitable for absorbing energy during a single overload event, which introduces such a high degree of energy that there is 5 an overwhelming likelihood that the object would be damaged without an energy absorber, in order to reduce a resulting load on the object during the overload event by means of the energy absorption of the energy absorber (2), wherein a sensor device (61) detects measurement values (62) about a current state of the loading unit (100), characterised in that a control device (48) detects an overload 10 event (63) from the recorded measurement values (62) and that, at least immediately after an overload event (63) is detected, a damping of the energy absorber (2) is set to a high value that is closer to a maximum value than to a minimum value and the damping is maintained for a specified time period (67), wherein the specified time period (67) is calculated in such a way that during said 15 specified time period (67) a plurality of successive measurement values (62) is detected and that after the specified time period (67) the damping is controlled dependent on the measurement values (62) detected during the overload event, in order to initially increase the load on objects (103) being transported on the loading unit (100) up to a specified threshold load (64) during the specified time 20 period (67) and to control said load after the specified time period (67) dependent on the measurement values (62) detected during the overload event.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the control device periodically derives characteristic parameters (65) for a load on the loading unit (100) from the 25 measurement values (62).
3. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein a shear device (42) is provided in the loading unit (100), which is sheared off when the load being applied to the loading unit (100) exceeds a predetermined amount (66), wherein 30 the control device (48) detects an overload event (63) when a shear sensor (67) detects the shear device (42) being sheared.
4. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control device (48) detects an overload event (63) when a characteristic parameter exceeds a predetermined amount (66).
5 5. Method according to the previous claim, wherein the damping is reduced to a lower value of the damping (71) immediately after the specified time period (67), and then controlled and/or increased again dependent on the characteristic parameter (65). 10
6. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the damping is maintained at the high value beyond the specified time period.
7. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the energy absorber (2) is maximally damped during the specified time period (67) after an overload event 15 (63) is detected.
8. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein after the specified time period (67) has ended, the energy absorber (2) is time-dependently controlled dependent on the respective currently derived characteristic parameter (65).
9. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the damping of the energy absorber (2) is reduced when the characteristic parameter (65) reaches or exceeds a specified threshold load (64) acceptable for persons. 25
10. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sensor values of a sensor unit (68) located on an object (103) are taken into consideration.
11. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein a sensor means is coupled with the loading unit (100), in order to determine a weight of an object 30 (103) being transported and/or an acceleration of the loading unit (100).
12. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein a comfort function is provided and minor impacts below an overload event threshold (69) are damped.
13. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the energy absorber (2) has an absorber valve (13), the damping of which is controlled by means of the strength of an applied magnetic field. 5
14. Assembly (1) with a loading unit (100) for transporting objects (103) and an energy absorber (2) for absorbing energy during an overload event, in order to reduce loads on an object (103) being transported on a loading unit (100), wherein the energy absorber (2) is suitable and arranged for absorbing energy during a single overload event, which introduces such a high degree of energy 10 that there is an overwhelming likelihood the object would be damaged without an energy absorber, in order to reduce a resulting load on the object during the overload event by means of the energy absorption of the energy absorber (2), wherein a control device (48) and at least one sensor device (61) are provided to detect measurement values (62) about a current state of the loading unit (100) 15 and at least the energy absorber (2), wherein the energy absorber (2) can controlled with the measurement values (62) using the control device (48), characterised in that the control device (48) is arranged and formed to detect an overload event (63) from the detected measurement values (62) and, at least immediately after an overload event (63) is detected, to set a damping of the 20 energy absorber (2) to a high value that is closer to a maximum value than to a minimum value and to maintain the damping for a specified time period (67), wherein said specified time period (67) is calculated in such a way that during said specified time period (67) a plurality of successive measurement values (62) is detected and that after the specified time period (67) the damping can be 25 controlled dependent on the measurement values (62) detected during the overload event, in order to initially increase the load on objects (103) being transported on the loading unit (100) up to a specified threshold load (64) and to control said load after the specified time period (67) dependent on the measurement values (62) detected during the overload event.
15. Assembly (1) according to the previous claim, wherein the sensor device (61) is attached to the assembly (1) and/or a sensor unit (68) is provided that can be placed on an object (103), which can be coupled using a wire or wirelessly.
16. Assembly (1) according to any of the two previous claims, wherein a sensor means is coupled with the loading unit (100), in order to determine a weight of an object (103) being transported and/or an acceleration of the loading unit (100). 5
17. Assembly (1) according to any of the three previous claims, wherein the energy absorber (2) has at least one absorber valve (13), the damping of which is controlled by means of the strength of an applied magnetic field.
18. Assembly (1) according to any of the four previous claims, wherein a shear device 10 (42) is provided in the loading unit (100), which can be sheared off when the load being applied to the loading unit (100) exceeds a predetermined amount (66).
19. Assembly (1) according to any of the five previous claims, wherein the loading unit (100) is formed as a seat assembly (21) of a vehicle, wherein the seat assembly 15 (21) comprises a mounting unit (101) formed as a seat and a bearing unit (102) formed as a seat frame seat assembly (21), wherein the energy absorber (2) is fitted between the seat and the seat frame. WO
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102014103462.7A DE102014103462A1 (en) | 2014-03-13 | 2014-03-13 | Method and assembly for damping loads acting in case of overload for protection against damage |
DE102014103462.7 | 2014-03-13 | ||
PCT/EP2015/055364 WO2015136105A1 (en) | 2014-03-13 | 2015-03-13 | Method and assembly for absorbing energy from loads being applied during an overload event in order to prevent damage |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ724829A NZ724829A (en) | 2020-09-25 |
NZ724829B2 true NZ724829B2 (en) | 2021-01-06 |
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