Energy absorption through mass redistribution and magnetic manipulation

Abstract

An energy absorption system, for absorbing an impact energy imparted to a subject upon landing on a surface, includes a mass containment vessel fixed to the subject and a plurality of electromagnets disposed at fixed positions relative to the mass containment vessel. The mass containment vessel may contain one or more mass elements movably disposed therein. A controller may be configured to charge one or more of the electromagnets upon an impact of the subject with the surface to move the mass element(s) toward the surface by electromagnetic force. Alternatively, the energy absorption system may include a pulley system operable to mechanically move one or more mass elements along an axis, a multi-axis joint connecting the pulley system to the subject, and a controller configured to operate the pulley system upon an impact of the subject with the surface to mechanically move the mass element(s) toward the surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.