WO2022157724A1

WO2022157724A1 - Energy absorbing members and/or profiles using such members

Info

Publication number: WO2022157724A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/050574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amitai BEN HORIN; Alexander YUSHPRAKH; Tzion MOLLA
Original assignee: Arkal Automotive C.S. Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-01-24
Filing date: 2022-01-23
Publication date: 2022-07-28

Abstract

An energy absorbing profile (EAP) for a vehicle includes a hollow beam and a plurality of energy absorbing members (EAMs). The EAMs are located within the beam and the beam extends along a longitudinal axis X and has an imaginary plane IM that includes axis X and substantially divides the beam into two longitudinal halves. Each EAM being formed about a center axis C and the EAMs being located within the beam such that all axes C are substantially included in the imaginary plane IM or parallel thereto.

Description

ENERGY ABSORBING MEMBERS AND/OR PROFILES USING SUCH MEMBERS TECHNICAL FIELD [001] Embodiments of the invention relate to energy absorbing members and/or profiles using such members, in particular for a vehicle and/or in vehicle related applications. BACKGROUND [002] Energy absorbing profiles are typically used in various regions of a vehicle’s body, such as in the so-called crash-box or crumple-zones of a vehicle, so that in an event of a collision the load-bearing structure of the vehicle and/or passengers located within a vehicle may be damaged as little as possible. [003] In another example, energy absorbing profiles can be beneficial in protecting battery packs and/or batteries in electric vehicles (EV’s) that are used for powering motion of such EV’s - since batteries may e.g. rupture or flare up during a vehicle collision or the like. [004] Lithium-ion batteries for example if exposed to impact during an accident may be prone to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, which is a process where battery temperatures sharply increase to the point where they catch on fire or explode. [005] Therefore, it is desired to provide energy absorbing profiles that can be suitably fitted to the vehicle body during production and can withstand collisions. [006] Marcus Andersson and Petter Liedberg in a study entitled “Crash behavior of composite structures”; of the division of material and computational mechanics, chalmers university of technology (2014) – describe crashworthy designs for energy absorbing during crushing in composite structures. SUMMARY [007] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. [008] In an embodiment there is provided an energy absorbing profile (EAP) for a vehicle or related to a vehicle that comprises a hollow beam and a plurality of energy absorbing members (EAM’s) located within the beam, the beam extending along a longitudinal axis X and an imaginary plane IM including axis X substantially dividing the beam into two halves, each EAM being formed about a center axis C and the EAM’s being located within the beam such that all axes C are substantially included in the imaginary plane IM. [009] In an aspect of the present invention there is provided an energy absorbing member (EAM) for absorbing energy during impact of or relating to a vehicle, the EAM comprising a hollow interior extending along a center axis C between first and second open ends and being characterized as exhibiting measurable quantitative measures that define the way it absorbs energy as it axially deforms along a certain defined axial section thereof. [010] One such measurable quantitative measure may be a specific energy absorbed (SEA) that is computed according to S , where AE is the

absorbed energy of the EAM during the axial deformation, LS is the axial length of the EAM, CL is the crashed length of the EAM along a given axial section of LS, and SM is the mass of the EAM. [011] Preferably, the specific energy absorbed (SEA) of the EAM is larger than about 30 Joule/gram (i.e. SEA≥30J/g), and preferably larger than about 35 Joule/gram (i.e. SEA≥35J/g). [012] Such measurable quantitative measures may be measured in various test setups, one being taken in the disclosure herein as a benchmark for determining such “energy absorption” that characterizes an EAM in accordance with at least certain embodiments of the present invention. [013] Such benchmark test setup is characterized by taking a tested EAM sample of an axial extension (LS) of about 100 millimeters and placing it on a base table of the setup with its axis C oriented vertically upwards, an impactor of the setup of about 22.8 Kg is located axially above the EAM with its lower side at a drop height of about 2.98 meters above an axial upper side of the tested EAM, wherein the impactor is then released to fall and impact and deform the EAM along an extension CL (that is smaller than the axial extension LS of the sample) until it is preferably stopped by the setup from further deforming the EAM, and wherein force measurements are obtained by a 400 kN piezo load cell, displacement measurements are obtained by a laser Doppler vibrometer, and a sample frequency is about 250.000 Hz. [014] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed descriptions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [015] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which: [016] Fig.1 schematically shows a set-up of energy absorbing profiles according to an embodiment of the present invention, being assembled in this example to a region of a vehicle where a battery pack is located; [017] Fig. 2 schematically shows in isolation the set-up of energy absorbing profiles of Fig.1; [018] Fig. 3 schematically shows the assembly of Fig. 1 with the battery pack being shown in a partial exploded view; [019] Fig. 4A schematically shows an enlarged section of the assembly seen in Fig. 1, focusing in on a corner of the set-up of energy absorbing profiles where two energy absorbing profiles attach via a connector; [020] Fig. 4B schematically shows the enlarged section of Fig. 3A with the connector attaching the two energy absorbing profiles being removed; [021] Figs. 5A to 5C schematically show disassembly steps (when observing from Figs.5A towards 5C) or assembly steps (when observing from Figs.5C towards 5A) of an energy absorbing profile using energy absorbing members (EAMs) according to various embodiments of the present invention; [022] Fig. 6 schematically show various cross sectional shapes that embodiments an energy absorbing members (EAMs) of the present invention may assume; [023] Fig.7 schematically shows a schematic graph comparing between energy “absorbing” and “non-absorbing” characteristics of EAMs in accordance with at least certain embodiments of the present invention; [024] Fig. 8 schematically shows an embodiment of an energy absorbing member (EAM) made from thermoplastic material(s); [025] Figs. 9A to 9D schematically show trigger geometries that may be comprised in energy absorbing member (EAM) embodiments of the present invention; [026] Figs. 10 and 11 schematically show energy absorbing profiles and stacks of energy absorbing members according to various embodiments of the present invention; [027] Fig. 12 schematically shows a crash box comprising energy absorbing members (EAMs) according to the various embodiments of the present invention; [028] Fig.13 schematically shows a crash cushion comprising energy absorbing members (EAMs) according to the various embodiments of the present invention; and [029] Figs. 14 and 15 schematically show, respectively, a test setup for determining energy absorbing characteristics of EAMs of the at least certain embodiments of the present invention, and graphs obtained by such a set up. [030] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated within the figures to indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [031] Attention is first drawn to Fig. 1 schematically illustrating a possible set- up of “energy absorbing” profiles (EAPs) 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, being optionally assembled in this example to a region of a vehicle (vehicle not shown) where e.g. a battery pack 12 is located. [032] Such “energy absorbing” capability, e.g. of an EAP (but not only), may be mainly derived in the context of the present invention - from use of the various embodiments of energy absorbing members (EAMs) disclosed herein. [033] An energy absorbing member (EAM) 103, as seen e.g. in Fig.8, may have shape of a hollow shape, in the example of Fig. 8 a cylindrical hollow shape, that is formed about a center axis C, and may be designed to extend between first 1 and second 2 open ends. It is noted that other cross sectional formations for EAMs may be possible - such as those seen in Fig. 6 that may be: rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, hexagonal (or the like). [034] In a non-binding example, an energy absorbing member (EAM) may be formed from composite material (e.g. thermoset or thermoplastic). For example an EAM may be manufactured by winding laminates and/or fibers of composite material(s) about the center axis C, such as in the EAM seen in Fig.8. [035] Laminates used for such EAMs may be formed from thermoplastic materials including: Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polyamide (or the like) and may include synthetic fibers from KEVLAR, BASSALT (and the like) and/or natural fibers such as KENAF, JUTE, SISAL, HEMP (and the like). [036] Such an EAM may be formed by winding layers of laminates of width ‘W’ and thickness ‘t’ at a pitch ‘P’ and winding angle ‘alpha’ - one on top of the other - with a winding direction of some of the laminates being possibly opposite to others about axis C. A total thickness ‘T’ of such EAM(s) may be defined according to the accumulate thicknesses ‘t’ of all its layers and an internal diameter of an EAM may be defined as ‘ID’. [037] In a non-binding example, thickness ‘t’ may be about 0.15 to 0.25 millimeter, width ‘W’ may between about 6 and 25 millimeter, while angle ‘alpha’ being between about 20 and about 87 degrees. A diameter ID of an EAM may be about 15 millimeter in minimum and possibly larger such as about 70 millimeter (or the like) or possibly larger. [038] It is noted that energy absorbing members (EAMs) (and also EAPs) - may be fitted to various regions of any type vehicle, and not exclusively to Electric Vehicle (EV) types as in the examples shown in Fig. 1 to 5. As an example to additional regions within a vehicle, the energy absorbing members (EAMs) (as also EAPs) of the present disclosure may be used in so-called crash-box or crumple-zones of a vehicle, so that in an event of a collision e.g. the load-bearing structure of a vehicle and/or passengers within a vehicle may be damaged as little as possible. An example of such use in a vehicle’s crash-box can be seen in Fig. 12 that will be described in more detail herein below. Use of EAMs of the present disclosure also outside of a vehicle can be seen in the example of the crash cushion seen in Fig. 13 that will be described in more detail herein below [039] Energy absorbing members (EAMs) in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may be defined as members suited to plastically deform when exposed to impact above a certain threshold - so that resulting strains within the EAMs may generate a substantially constant counter force to substantially wipe out the energy generated by the impact/crash. [040] Fig. 7 depicts one example of a difference that may be observed between energy “non-absorbing” as opposed to “absorbing” characteristics that define a typical EAM in accordance with at least certain embodiments of the present invention. [041] As seen, a counter force applied by a “non-absorbing” element may rise substantially rapidly while exhibiting mainly elastic deformation with relative little plastic deformation to a point that it ‘gives in’ (forming a generally triangular shape beneath its graph indicative of relative small energies that are absorbed). [042] However, an energy “absorbing” member (EAM) according to at least certain embodiments of the present invention may be seen as having a ‘first mode’ where it rises to a relative low peak of counter force (FP) during which it exhibits mainly elastic deformation – while then entering into a ‘second mode’ of energy “absorbing” where it exhibits mainly plastic deformation with more moderate counter forces until it ‘gives in’ (forming a more rectangular shape beneath its graph indicative of relative larger energies that are absorbed). [043] Counter forces existing during the ‘second mode’ may exhibit a series of subsequent peaks and troughs that can be measured as having an average counter force (FA) that has an average width (FAW) generally measured between these peaks and troughs. [044] A quantitative measure of specific energy absorbed (SEA) has been found to be indicative of an energy “absorbing” member (EAM) according to at least certain embodiments of the invention. Such SEA may be measured by dividing the absorbed energy (AE) by crashed mass (CM) (i.e. SEA=AE/CM); or in other words by dividing the absorbed energy (AE) by the sum of: crashed length (CL) times specimen mass (SM) divided by length of specimen .

[045] Tests performed by the inventors have revealed that an energy “absorbing” member (EAM) may be characterized as exhibiting such quantitative measures. Fig. 14 shows an example of a test setup that will be used from hereon to determine such quantitative measures that have been found to define “energy absorbing” characteristics of at least certain EAM embodiments of the present invention. [046] Attention is drawn to Fig. 14 showing a test setup 500 for accordingly determining “energy absorbing” characteristics of at least certain EAM embodiments of the present invention. The test setup 500 can be seen having an impactor 501 that is arranged to fall vertically downwards to impact an EAM 103 that is supported by a base table 502 in an upright position where the EAM’s center axis C extends vertically upwards with one of EAM’s open ends 1 facing the incoming impactor 501. Possibly, open end 1 may be formed with a trigger geometry as will be described herein. [047] The following values show typical values that may be embodied in such a test setup. A mass of the impactor 501 may be about 22.8 Kg, a drop height (DH) measured between a lower side of the impactor 501 before it is released to fall and an upper open end of the EAM may be about 2.98 meter, a length of specimen (LS) of an EAM being tested along its center axis C may be about 100 millimeters, and a crashed length (CL) being the extension of the EAM that was crashed an hence measured during a test can be seen in the right hand side of Fig. 14 illustrating the impactor 501 at the lowest most position it reached during a test, possibly before it is stopped from further crushing and deforming the EAM. Such stopping of the impactor may be after it completed crushing and deforming about half or two thirds of the EAM along its axis C. [048] Stopping the impactor after a certain pre-defined distance CL that is smaller than LS (e.g. CL being 0.5*LS or the like) - has been found when testing at least certain EAM embodiments to assist in obtaining mainly “energy observing” characteristics of an EAM, while avoiding e.g. phenomena that may distort the results due e.g. to crushed material of the tested EAM filling the interior hollow passage of the EAM to affect the results. [049] The crashed mass (CM) and the absorbed energy (AE) used for determining the specific energy absorbed (SEA) are defined as following. The CM is computed by the equation CM ^^^V, where ^ is the density of the material of the tested EAM and V is the volume the EAM material being crushed and deformed during the test (i.e. V=ʌ*(OD^2-ID^2)*CL/4, where OD and ID are the outer and inner diameters, respectively, of the tested EAM). [050] The absorbed energy (AE) is the area below a graph derived by a test performed in test setup 500, which is the area below a measured graph such as the schematic one seen in Fig. 7 and the more realistic ones seen in Fig. 15. That is to say that AE is the result of applying an integral function to such graphs. Fig.15 shows examples of two such measured graphs obtained by a test setup such as 500. A first one of the graphs (represented by the solid line) may represent result measurements of a first tested EAM and the second graph (represented by the dashed line) may represent result measurements of a second tested EAM. [051] In such a setup 500, force measurements may be obtained by a 400 kN piezo load cell, a sample frequency may be defined as being about 250.000 Hz, and displacement measurement may be obtained by a laser Doppler vibrometer. [052] Reverting back to Fig, 7, the following ratios have been found to be indicative of suitable “energy absorbing” qualities for at least certain EAM embodiments of the present invention, when testing an EAM in such a setup 500 - and then deriving the FP, FA and FAW values from a resulting graph of ‘force’ versus ‘displacement’ that is measured by the setup 500. [053] A peak of counter force (FP) during the ‘first mode’ and an average counter force (FA) during the ‘second mode’ may be defined as having a ratio of FP divided by FA that is equal to or smaller than about 1.3 and preferably equal to or smaller than about 1.2 (i.e. FP / FA ≤ 1.3 and preferably FP / FA ≤ 1.2). [054] Alternatively or in addition, an average counter force (FA) and an average width (FAW) during the ‘second mode’ may be defined as having a ratio of FAW divided by FA that is equal to or smaller than about 0.3 and preferably equal to or smaller than about 0.2 (i.e. FAW / FA ≤ 0.3 and preferably FAW / FA ≤ 0.2). [055] And further alternatively or in addition, a specific energy absorbed (SEA) of an energy “absorbing” members (EAM’s) may be defined as being larger than about 30 Joule/gram (i.e. SEA≥30J/g), and preferably larger than about 35 Joule/gram (i.e. SEA≥35J/g). [056] In tests performed by the inventors in setup 500 (see, e.g., graphs in Fig. 15), a starting point (SP) of a ‘second mode’ in at least certain EAM embodiments, may be identified as occurring after a quarter, or possibly a third, of a crushed length (CL) of the specimen has been reached (i.e. SP § 0.25* CL, or possibly SP § 0.3* CL). [057] Attention is drawn to Fig.2 schematically showing a set-up 5 of EAP’s 10 such as the set-up seen in Fig.1. In this shown set-up 5, two energy absorbing profiles 10 are shown extending along a longitudinal extension L of the set-up, while two profiles that extend along a width extension W of the set-up (that is substantially orthogonal to extension L), may be chosen in this example to be less suited for ‘energy absorbing’ (but not necessary). Set-up 5 in this example is shown forming a rectangular shape. [058] The longitudinal and width extensions L, W of set-up 5 may be arranged to be generally co-axially aligned, respectively, with longitudinal and width extensions of a vehicle within which such set-up may be placed and/or installed (vehicle accordingly is not shown). Therefore, the longitudinal orientation of the energy absorbing profiles 10 in this example may be aimed at absorbing incoming energy arriving as indicated by the ‘dotted arrows’ generally along a direction generally orthogonal to the extension of the EPA, here generally along the width direction W, which may be representative of a side collision to the vehicle. [059] Suitability for ‘energy absorbing’ of a profile in particular due to inclusion of EAMs in it, can be seen being discussed herein, and nevertheless in certain embodiments most or all profiles within a set-up may be chosen to be suitable for ‘energy absorbing’. It is further noted that in certain cases a single energy absorbing profile may be used, and thus such single energy absorbing profile may not necessarily be part of a set-up as here described. [060] Still remaining with Fig.2, profiles in set-up 5 may be seen being attached to each other at the corners of the set-up via connectors 14. Such connectors may be formed by various methods, such as also via the methods described in applicant’s PCT applications no. IB2019/050763 and/or IB2019/052736 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. [061] Attention is drawn to Fig.3 schematically illustrating the assembly of Fig. 1 with a cover 121 of the battery pack 12 being removed revealing in this optional example battery modules that are located within the battery pack’s interior. Also in the enlarged sections provided in this view, the cover of the battery pack is seen including a peripheral rim 1211 that is arranged to substantially overlap a peripheral rim 1221 of a bottom floor of the battery pack within which the battery modules are located. [062] Attention is drawn to Figs.4A and 4B showing a corner region of set-up 5 with (Fig. 4A) and without (Fig. 4B) the connector 14. As seen in Fig. 4B, a beam 102 of an energy absorbing profile 10 may be hollow and preferably include a through-going passage 101 along its extension. In a non-binding example, beam 102 may be formed from any metallic alloy, such as aluminum material, steel, titanium (etc.). In addition, the beam 102 may be formed from any thermoset composite of thermoplastic composite material. [063] Attention is drawn to Figs. 5A to 5C. The discussion relating to these figures will start from Fig. 5C through 5B to 5A to describe possible steps that may be taken in manufacturing and/or assembling an embodiment of an energy absorbing profile and possibly a set-up of energy absorbing profiles. [064] It is noted that although the battery pack is seen in these figures, the manufacturing and/or assembly of an energy absorbing profile may be performed prior to attaching the profiles to other parts such as a battery pack. As already stated herein, energy absorbing profiles (EAPs) and members (EAMs) may be attached to other regions of a vehicle and may be used in isolation or as a group of several profiles in a set-up (see set-up 5 as an example). Also energy absorbing profiles (EAPs) and members (EAMs) may be used not necessarily in a vehicle as seen e.g. in Fig.13. [065] Such manufacturing and/or assembly may be implemented in one example in a shop-in-shop manufacturing solution e.g. between OEM and Tier 1 companies and/or between Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies (or the like). [066] With attention drawn to Fig. 5C, a first possible step of forming an embodiment of an energy absorbing profile (EAP) 10 may include inserting energy absorbing members (EAMs) 103 into a hollow beam 102 of an EAP that extends along a central axis X. An imaginary plane IM may be defined as including axis X and passing through a center of a side face 1021 of the beam that is arranged to face sideways out of a vehicle in which the EPA is located. In this example such side face 1021 faces a direction generally similar to the width direction W. Possibly, imaginary plane IM forms a median plane dividing beam 102 into symmetrical top and bottom longitudinal halves (see ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ directions indicated in this figure). [067] An energy absorbing member (EAM) according to at least certain embodiments of the present invention as aforementioned may be designed to exhibit a controlled gradual formation of deformation from an axial side of an EAM where incoming impact is expected to arrive. [068] To increase likelihood of occurrence of such pattern of deformation, an EAM may be designed to include a trigger geometry 55 to influence desired failure of the EAM - so that preferably a peak of counter force (FP) of the EAM during the EAM’s first mode will be as close as possible to an average counter force (FA) of the EAM during the EAM’s second mode. [069] Such trigger geometry 55 may be formed by weakening one of the axial ends (1 or 2) of an EAM e.g. by any one of: chamfering (see Figs. 9A, 9C and 9D), slit formation (see Figs.9B) – or the like. [070] Inserting the energy absorbing members (EAMs) into the hollow beam 102 may be performed by first banding together several EAMs to form an EAM stack 44 and then inserting the EAM stack into the beam. [071] In the example seen e.g. in Figs.5B and 5C, an EAM stack 44 can be seen being formed by placing one or more EAMs 103 within an organizer 104. An organizer 104 may include one or more pockets 1041, which are suited each to receive an EAM generally from a lateral direction L of the organizer. In this shown example each pocket 1041 may be in form of two apertures 10411 formed through spaced apart side walls 1042 of the organizer. In a non-binding example, organizer 104 may be formed by injection molding of e.g. polypropylene (possibly recycled polypropylene or the like). [072] An organizer 104 may include a primary direction P that is generally orthogonal to the lateral direction L along which EAM’s are inserted therein, and thus the EAM’s may be arranged within the organizer with their center axes C generally parallel to the organizer’s lateral direction L while being spaced apart one from the other in the organizer’s primary direction P. [073] It is noted that the pockets 1041 are arranged within the organizers preferably at a location suitable for orienting the center axes C of the EAM’s at a level where they are substantially included within the imaginary plane IM of the beam 102. At such a position, the energy absorbing members (EAMs’) are suitably aimed to receive and absorb incoming impact arriving from the side of the beam 102. [074] Attention is drawn to Fig. 5B showing each organizer 104 being loaded with energy absorbing members (EAMs) 103 it is suited to house to form respective EAM stacks 44. As seen, provision of EAM stacks 44 with different extensions in their primary directions P, may facilitate modularity in the sense of fitting an optimal amount of EAMs into a beam 102 of an energy absorber profile (EAP) 10. [075] Also seen in this view is that at least some of the organizers 104 may include depressions 1043 at their opposing primary sides, and bushings 1044 may be located within such depressions 1043 when placed between adjacent organizers that are loaded into the beam. Organizers 104 once loaded with a required amount of energy absorbing members (EAMs) 103 to form an EAM stack 44 may be inserted into the passage 101 of a beam 102 with one of their primary ends leading. [076] Fig. 5A illustrates a view of a beam 102 that received in its passage 101 several EAM stacks 44 including in this example organizers 104 with EAMs 103 loaded therein. Securing the location of at least some of the EAM stacks 44 within a beam of an EAP, may be accomplished by inserting several fastening members 105 in this example through apertures formed at a lower/bottom side of the beam. Each fastening member 105 may be threaded through a respective bushing 1044 located in-between adjacent EAM stacks 44 before projecting out at an upper tip region thereof 1051 through an aperture formed at an upper/top side of the beam. Such tip regions 1051 in the optional example of being secured to a battery pack - may be used (as seen e.g. in Figs.4A and 4B) for securing the peripheral rims 1211, 1221 of battery pack’s cover and floor one to the other. [077] In the example seen e.g. in Fig. 10, an EAM stack 44 can be seen being formed also by over molding plastic material over a group of EAMs, each arranged to extend with its center axis C being generally parallel to other center axes C of corresponding EAMs in the bundle. An EAM being over molded in an EAM stack 44 may be formed as e.g. the EAM seen and described in Fig.8. [078] As seen in the enlarged section at the upper side of Fig. 10, a trigger geometry 55 may be formed at an end of each EAM in such over molded EAM stack 44, by designing the geometry of the molded material in the trigger area in a formation (such as seen in Figs.9A, 9C and 9D) that influences desired failure of the EAM as already discussed herein. That is to say that the EAM itself may not be formed with the trigger geometry but rather the trigger geometry may be formed in the material that is molded upon the EAM at its edge when forming an EAM stack 44. [079] Also seen in Fig. 10 is that ribs 56 may be formed on both sides of the EAMs of the stack 44, as spacers that maintain the EAM stack 44 within the hollow beam 102 in a position where the center axes C of the EAMs are at a level where they are substantially included within the imaginary plane IM of the beam 102. In addition, at least some of the EAM stacks 44 may be formed with brackets 1048 at their primary sides to house bushings 1044 placed between adjacent stacks 44 that are loaded into the beam 102 when forming an energy absorber profile (EAP). [080] In the example seen e.g. in Fig. 11, an EAM stack 44 can be seen being formed also by applying foam material 700 over a group of EAMs, each arranged to extend with its center axis C being generally parallel to other center axes C of corresponding EAMs in the bundle. An EAM located within such a foamed type EAM stack 44 may be formed as e.g. the EAM seen and described in Fig.8 and may be formed with trigger geometries as already discussed herein. [081] Fig. 12 shows use of EAMs 103 according to the various embodiments disclosed herein in a crash box 900 of a vehicle typically placed in front or rear ends of a vehicle to absorb impact. The crash box in this example can be seen having fixing plates 901 from which front rail and crash box hollow components 902, 903 project in this order towards a bumper 904 here seen being formed as a hollow beam. As seen, EAMs 103 may be suitably placed within hollow structures of the crash box with their axes C generally oriented towards a direction from which an incoming collision may arrive from. [082] Attention is drawn to Fig. 13 illustrating possible use of EAM’s 103 in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention - in a crash cushion 1000 that is intended to reduce the damage resulting from a motor vehicle collision. [083] As seen, the axes C of the in EAMs are all generally aligned parallel to direction D along which the crash cushion is designed to absorb a colliding vehicle's kinetic energy. EAMs including trigger geometries at one of their axial ends may be placed with such trigger geometries located at the side from the crash cushion is designed to absorb energy. [084] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise” “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb. [085] Further more, while the present application or technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and non- restrictive; the technology is thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed technology, from a study of the drawings, the technology, and the appended claims. [086] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage. [087] The present technology is also understood to encompass the exact terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc., if in here such terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc. are referred to in connection with terms such as “about, ca., substantially, generally, at least” etc. In other words, “about 3” shall also comprise “3” or “substantially perpendicular” shall also comprise “perpendicular”. Any reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting the scope. [088] Although the present embodiments have been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An energy absorbing profile (EAP) for a vehicle or relating to impact by a vehicle and comprising a hollow beam and a plurality of energy absorbing members (EAMs’) located within the beam, the beam extending along a longitudinal axis X and an imaginary plane IM including axis X substantially dividing the beam into two longitudinal halves, each EAM being arranged to extend between first and second open ends while being formed about a respective center axis C, and the EAM’s being located within the beam such that all axes C are substantially included in the imaginary plane IM and/or parallel thereto. 2. The EAP of claim 1, wherein all axes C are substantially parallel to each other. 3. The EAP of claim 1 or 2, wherein groups of EAMs are bundled together to form respective EAM stack units that can be insertable into the beam. 4. The EAP of claim 3, wherein an EAM stack is formed by inserting a group of EAMs into an organizer. 5. The EAP of claim 3, wherein an EAM stack is formed by over molding plastic material and/or by applying foam material over a group of EAMs. 6. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when located within a vehicle the axes C of at least some of the EAM’s are arranged to extend such that at least one open end of each EAM is an operative open end that faces a sideways direction out of the vehicle. 7. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the open ends of the EAM’s comprise each a trigger geometry arranged to influence desired failure of such EAM. 8. The EAP of claim 6, wherein a trigger geometry is arranged to weaken the open end, for example by comprising a chamfering at the open end or a slit formation at the open end. 9. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the EAM’s when first exposed to incoming impact are arranged to exhibit a first-mode of mainly elastic deformation in which a measured counter force of the EAM rises to a peak of counter force (FP) before entering into a second-mode of mainly plastic deformation in which the EAM exhibits a series of subsequent peaks and troughs of counter forces that have an average counter force (FA), and wherein a desired failure of the EAM is characterized by the peak of counter force (FP) being generally similar to the average counter force (FA). 10. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some given EAMs when first exposed to incoming impact are arranged to exhibit a first-mode of mainly elastic deformation in which a measured counter force of each one of such given EAMs rises to a peak of counter force (FP) before entering into a second-mode of mainly plastic deformation in which each one of such given EAMs exhibits a series of subsequent peaks and troughs of counter forces that have an average counter force (FA) and an average width (FAW) generally measured between the peaks and troughs, wherein each one of such given EAMs that is axially crushed along a crushed length (CL) that is smaller than its total axial length (LS) exhibits a starting point (SP) of its second-mode that is about 0.25*CL or possibly about 0.3*CL, and wherein FP / FA ≤ 1.3 and preferably FP / FA ≤ 1.2 and/or FAW / FA ≤ 0.3 and preferably FAW / FA ≤ 0.2. 11. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a specific energy absorbed (SEA) of an EAM being larger than about 30 Joule/gram (i.e. SEA≥30J/g), and preferably larger than about 35 Joule/gram (i.e. SEA≥35J/g). 12. The EAP of claim 11, wherein the specific energy absorbed (SEA) is computed according to , where AE is the absorbed energy of the

EAM during an axial deformation, LS is the axial length of the EAM, CL is the crushed length of the EAM along a given axial section of LS, and SM is the mass of the EAM. 13. The EAP of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the absorbing of energy of an EAM is determined in a test setup, where a tested EAM of an axial extension (LS) of about 100 millimeters is placed on a base table of the setup with its axis C oriented vertically upwards, an impactor of the setup of about 22.8 Kg is located axially above the EAM with its lower side at a drop height of about 2.98 meters above an axial upper side of the tested EAM, wherein the impactor is then released to fall and impact and deform the EAM along the given extension CL until it is stopped by the setup from further deforming the EAM, and wherein force measurements are obtained by a 400 kN piezo load cell, displacement measurements is obtained by a laser Doppler vibrometer, and a sample frequency is about 250.000 Hz. 14. The EAP of claim 13 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the absorbed energy (AE) is the area below a graph derived by the test setup and is the result of applying an integral function to such a graph. 15. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims and being arranged to extend along a side of a battery pack of the vehicle. 16. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims and being arranged be part of a brash box of a vehicle or a crash cushion for protecting against impact by vehicles. 17. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein EAMs are formed from composite material, for example by winding laminates and/or fibers of composite material about the center axis C. 18. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam is formed from aluminum. 19. The EAP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each EAM is generally cylindrically formed about a respective center axis thereof. 20. A method of manufacturing and/or assembling an energy absorbing profile (EAP) comprising the steps of: providing a hollow beam having a longitudinal axis X, providing a plurality of energy absorbing members (EAMs) each being formed about a respective center axis C, banding together one or more EAMs to form EAM stacks in which axes C of EAMs are generally parallel one to the other, and sliding EAM stacks into the beam to position the axes C of the EAM’s generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the beam. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein each EAM stack comprises an organizer that is arranged to house therein one of more EAMs, possibly in respective one or more pockets each being arranged to receive therein an EAM from a lateral direction of the organizer. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein each organizer having a primary direction generally orthogonal to its lateral direction, and EAMs within an organizer are spaced apart one from the other in the primary direction. 23. The method of claim 20, wherein each EAM stack being formed by over molding plastic material on the one or more of its EAMs and/or applying foam on the one or more of its EAMs, to position the EAMs with their axes C facing a lateral direction of the EAM stack, and wherein each EAM stack comprising a primary direction that is generally orthogonal to its lateral direction. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein sliding an EAM stack into the beam is with a primary side of its EAM stack leading. 25. The method of any one of claims 20 to 24 and comprising a step of securing the location of EAM stacks within the beam. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein securing the location of an EAM stack comprises inserting securing means through the beam to secure the EAM stack in place within the beam. 27. The method of claim 26 and comprising a step of providing bushings located in-between adjacent EAM stacks within the beam and securing the location of EAM stacks comprises inserting securing means through the bushings. 28. The method of any one of claims 20 to 27 and comprising a step of cutting a beam along a plane generally perpendicular to its axis X prior to inserting EAM stacks therein. 29. An energy absorbing member (EAM) for absorbing energy during impact of or relating to a vehicle, the EAM comprising a hollow interior extending along a center axis C between first and second open ends and being characterized while exhibiting an axial deformation along a given axial section of the EAM due incoming impact arriving generally along axis C, as h^{aving a specific energy absorbed (SEA) that is computed according to}

,_{where AE is the absorbed energy of the EAM during the axial}

deformation, LS is the axial length of the EAM, CL is the crashed length of the EAM along a given axial section of LS, and SM is the mass of the EAM, and wherein the specific energy absorbed (SEA) of the EAM is larger than about 30 Joule/gram (i.e. SEA≥30J/g), and preferably larger than about 35 Joule/gram (i.e. SEA≥35J/g). 30. The EAM of claim 29, wherein the absorbing of energy of an EAM is determined in a test setup, where a tested EAM of an axial extension (LS) of about 100 millimeters is placed on a base table of the setup with its axis C oriented vertically upwards, an impactor of the setup of about 22.8 Kg is located axially above the EAM with its lower side at a drop height of about 2.98 meters above an axial upper side of the tested EAM, wherein the impactor is then released to fall and impact and deform the EAM along the extension CL until it is stopped by the setup from further deforming the EAM, and wherein force measurements are obtained by a 400 kN piezo load cell, displacement measurements are obtained by a laser Doppler vibrometer, and a sample frequency is about 250.000 Hz. 31. The EAM of claim 29, wherein the absorbed energy (AE) is the area below a graph derived by the test setup and is the result of applying an integral function to such a graph. 32. The EAM of any one of claims 29 to 31, and being characterized when first exposed to incoming impact along its axis C as exhibiting a first-mode of mainly elastic deformation in which a measured counter force of the EAM rises to a peak of counter force (FP) before entering into a second-mode of mainly plastic deformation in which the EAM exhibits a series of subsequent peaks and troughs of counter forces that have an average counter force (FA) and an average width (FAW) generally measured between the peaks and troughs, and wherein FP / FA ≤ 1.3 and preferably FP / FA ≤ 1.2 and/or FAW / FA ≤ 0.3 and preferably FAW / FA ≤ 0.2. 33. The EAM of any one of claims 19 to 32 and being formed from composite material. 34. The EAM of claim 33 and being formed by winding laminates and/or fibers of composite material about the center axis C. 35. The EAM of claim 34, wherein at least some of the laminates are winded in opposing counter directions about axis C. 36. The EAM of any one of claims 29 to 35 and comprising a trigger geometry at one of its open ends that is designed to influence desired failure of the EAM at that end. 37. The EAM of claim 36, wherein the trigger geometry is arranged to weaken the open end, for example by comprising a chamfering at the open end or a slit formation at the open end. 38. The EAM of claim 32, wherein a starting point (SP) of the second-mode is at about 0.25*CL or possibly at about 0.3*CL. 39. The EAM of any one of claims 29 to 39 and being generally cylindrically formed about its center axis C.