VEHICLE WITH BUMPER AND IMPACT BOX

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a vehicle bumper, and an impact box for supporting the vehicle bumper to the vehicle frame. The impact box may contain an inflation chamber that can be inflated from an uninflated to an inflated state. The vehicle may also include an inflation device in fluid connection with the inflation chamber of the impact box.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bumper and impact box assembly in vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles include bumpers designed to absorb and / or transfer energy during certain vehicle events, such as certain frontal impacts. Impacts can occur with objects of varying sizes and masses. Vehicle bumpers can have a stiffness determined by the material and / or construction of the bumper and other vehicle components. SUMMARY

[0003] In one example, a vehicle may include a vehicle frame and a vehicle bumper. The vehicle may also include an impact box supporting the vehicle bumper to the vehicle frame, the impact box including an inflation chamber and inflatable from a deflated state to an inflated state. The vehicle may also include an inflator in fluid communication with the inflation chamber of the impact box.

[0004] The vehicle's impact box can elongate from the uninflated state to the inflated state along a vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0005] The vehicle's impact box can be made of a metallic material.

[0006] The vehicle's impact box may be tubular, with a central axis extending forward of the vehicle from the vehicle frame to the vehicle bumper. The impact box may include a first base, a second base, and a sidewall extending from the first base to the second base about the central axis, wherein the first base, the second base, and the sidewall surround the inflation chamber.

[0007] The vehicle's impact box may include a side wall that is generally cylindrical.

[0008] The vehicle impact box may include a side wall sealed to the first base and the second base.

[0009] The vehicle's impact box may include a side wall that includes ribs extending in a ring around the central axis.

[0010] The vehicle bumper may include a cavity facing the vehicle frame, wherein the impact box is arranged in the cavity.

[0011] The impact box can be fixed directly to the vehicle bumper and the vehicle frame.

[0012] The vehicle frame may include a frame member extending longitudinally along a vehicle longitudinal axis, and the impact box may be fixed to a front surface of the frame member.

[0013] The vehicle may include a second impact box spaced transversely from the impact box, the second impact box supporting the vehicle bumper to the vehicle frame, the second impact box having an inflation chamber and being inflatable from a deflated state to an inflated state.

[0014] The vehicle frame may include a first frame member and a second frame member, each extending longitudinally along a vehicle longitudinal axis and spaced apart from each other transversely of the vehicle, wherein the impact box is located on the first frame member and the second impact box is located on the second frame member.

[0015] The vehicle's inflation device may be configured to generate a pressure between 138 kilopascals and 241 kilopascals in the inflation chamber of the impact box.

[0016] The impact box may be operable to support a load of approximately half a weight of the vehicle bumper in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the impact box.

[0017] In one example, a vehicle bumper assembly may include a vehicle bumper and a first impact box having a first base and positioned within a cavity of the vehicle bumper. The first impact box may include an exposed (second) base for attachment to a front surface of a first frame rail of the vehicle. The first impact box may additionally include a first inflation chamber for transitioning from a deflated state to an inflated state. The vehicle bumper assembly may additionally include a second impact box having a first base positioned within the cavity of the vehicle bumper. The second impact box may also include an exposed (second) base for attachment to a front surface of a second frame rail of the vehicle. The second impact box may additionally include an inflation chamber for transitioning from a deflated state to an inflated state.The first impact box and the second impact box are operable to support a combined load including a weight of the vehicle bumper when the first impact box and the second impact box are in the deflated state.

[0018] The vehicle bumper assembly may further include a first inflator in fluid communication with the inflation chamber of the first impact box. The first inflator is operable to transition the first impact box from the deflated state to the inflated state in response to a first electrical signal. The vehicle bumper assembly may further include a second inflator in fluid communication with the inflation chamber of the second impact box, operable to transition the second impact box from the deflated state to the inflated state in response to a second electrical signal.

[0019] The vehicle bumper assembly may further include a first inflator in fluid communication with the first inflation chamber, wherein the first inflator may be configured to generate a pressure between 138 kilopascals and 241 kilopascals for a duration between 20 milliseconds and 40 milliseconds.

[0020] The first impact box and the second impact box of the vehicle bumper assembly may include a substantial percentage of a material that allows for elongation between the uninflated state and the inflated state of between 15% and 150%.

[0021] The first impact box and the second impact box may have a circular cross-section with a diameter between 40 millimeters and 60 millimeters and a length of 60 millimeters to 90 millimeters in the deflated state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a front portion of a vehicle including a bumper and frame rails of the vehicle shown in dashed lines. Fig. 2 is a rear view of a vehicle bumper, impact boxes in a deflated state, and part of the vehicle's frame rails. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle bumper, an impact box in a deflated state, and a portion of the frame rails of the vehicle. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle bumper, an impact box in an inflated state, and a portion of the frame rails of the vehicle. Fig. 5 is a rear view of impact boxes in an inflated state. Fig. Figure 6 is a side view of an impact box in an uninflated and inflated state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to the figures, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 20 includes a frame 22 and a bumper 24. The vehicle frame 22 may include one or more frame rails 34 that support other components of the vehicle 20. Frame rails 34 may extend longitudinally along a longitudinal axis A1. The frame rails 34 may be spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis A2, e.g., a first frame rail 34 on the right side of the vehicle 20 and a second frame rail 34 on the left side of the vehicle 20. The frame rails 34 may be hollow, e.g., defining an internal channel. The frame rails 34 may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0023] A vehicle bumper assembly of the vehicle 20 includes a first impact box 26 attached to a front surface of the first frame rail 34. The vehicle bumper assembly additionally includes a second impact box 28 attached to a front surface of the second frame rail 34. The first impact box 26 may be positioned between the front surface of the first frame rail 34 and the bumper 24. In one example, the first impact box 26 may be positioned within a cavity 48 of the bumper 24. The vehicle 20 also includes a second impact box 28 ( Fig. 5) attached to a second frame rail 34. The second impact box 28 may be positioned between the second frame rail 34 and the bumper 24. The first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28, positioned transversely to each other across the vehicle, may support the weight of the bumper 24 when the first and second impact boxes are in a deflated state. In the context of this disclosure, "supporting" or forming thereof means supporting the weight of an object. As in Fig. 3, the combination of the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 accordingly supports the weight of the bumper 24 and is operated to transfer such weight to the respective front sides of the first and second frame rails 34.

[0024] The vehicle 20 includes one or more inflators 56. In the example shown in the figures, the vehicle 20 includes two inflators, namely a first and a second inflator 56. The first inflator 56 may be mounted to the first frame rail 34 and may be in fluid communication with the first impact box 26, and the second inflator 56 may be mounted to the second frame rail 34 and may be in fluid communication with the second impact box 28. The inflators 56 may each include a pyrotechnic charge that is operated in response to actuation to inflate the first impact box 26 and second impact box 28 in response to a signal from the pre-impact sensor 60A.Thus, one or more of the impact boxes 26 and 28 may elongate prior to certain vehicle impacts to exert a force in a vehicle forward direction, such as along the longitudinal axis A1, which serves to translate the bumper 24 in a vehicle forward direction relative to the first and second frame rails 34. Accordingly, the impact boxes 26 and 28 may provide the vehicle 20 with a kinetic energy absorption capability in response to translation of the bumper 24 in a vehicle forward direction. The impact boxes 26 and 28 are configured to elongate along the longitudinal axis A1 upon inflation by the respective inflator 56. The impact boxes 26 and 28 may have a geometry to promote elongation upon inflation, e.g., annular ribs 131 (described in more detail below), accordion folds, annular corrugations, etc.The impact boxes 26 and 28 may be constructed from a metallic material, such as copper, brass, mild steel, or low-carbon steel (e.g., a steel with a carbon content between about 0.05% and 2.1%). The geometry, wall thickness, and material type facilitate elongation along the longitudinal axis A1 upon inflation by the respective inflator 56. In one example, the impact boxes 26 and 28 may elongate by an amount between 15% and 100% in response to transitioning from an uninflated state to an inflated state.

[0025] The vehicle 20 may be any suitable type of motor vehicle, e.g., a passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a sedan, a coupe, a truck, an SUV, a crossover, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle 20 may have a chassis-and-body construction (also referred to as a cab-on-frame construction) in which the vehicle body and the vehicle frame 22 are separate components, i.e., modular, and the vehicle body is supported by and attached to the vehicle frame 22. In another example, the vehicle body and the vehicle frame 22 may have a one-piece construction, with the vehicle frame 22 being integrally formed with the vehicle body (including the frame rails 34, pillars, roof rails, etc.). In other examples, the vehicle frame 22 and the body of the vehicle 20 may have any suitable construction.The vehicle frame 22 and the vehicle body may be made of any suitable material, for example steel, aluminum and / or fiber reinforced plastic, etc.

[0026] The frame supports 34 can extend longitudinally along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1. The frame supports 34 can be spaced apart from one another in a vehicle transverse direction (e.g., along the vehicle transverse axis A2). The cross members of the vehicle frame 22 can extend across a crossover along the vehicle transverse axis A2 from the first frame support 34 to the second frame support 34.

[0027] The frame rails 34 may define the transverse vehicle boundaries of the vehicle frame 22. The frame rails 34 may extend longitudinally along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1 from a rear end of the vehicle 20 to a front end of the vehicle. For example, the frame rails 34 may extend substantially the entire length of the vehicle 20. In other examples, the frame rails 34 may be segmented and extend beneath portions of the vehicle 20, e.g., extending at least from beneath a passenger compartment of the vehicle 20 to the front end of the vehicle. In some examples, the frame rails 34 may be integral from the rear end of the vehicle 20 to the front end of the vehicle. In other examples, the frame rails 34 may include segments that are fixed together (e.g., by welding, threaded fasteners, etc.).) and in combination extend from a rear end of the vehicle 20 to the front end of the vehicle.

[0028] As stated above, the vehicle frame 22 may include a frame construction with the vehicle body supported on and secured to the vehicle frame 22. In such an example, the frame rails 34 may include cab mounting brackets (not shown) on which the vehicle body is supported and secured. The cab mounting brackets are fixed to the frame rails 34, e.g., welded to the frame rails 34. The cab mounting brackets may extend outwardly from the frame rails 34. The cab mounting brackets may be operable to support the vehicle body in a frame-construction configuration. During assembly of the vehicle 20, the body of the vehicle is placed on the vehicle frame 22 with attachment features of the vehicle body aligned with the cab mounting brackets for engagement with the cab mounting brackets.

[0029] The vehicle frame 22 may include suspension and steering mounting points (not shown) that support suspension and steering components of the vehicle 20. As one example, the suspension and steering mounting points may be suspension towers. The suspension and steering components of the vehicle 20 are at least partially connected to the vehicle frame 22 at the suspension towers. The suspension and steering components include suspension dampers, struts, steering arms, steering knuckles, vehicle wheels, etc.

[0030] The frame rails 34 and vehicle cross members may be extruded, roll formed, etc. The frame rails 34 and cross members of the vehicle frame 22 may be made of any suitable material, e.g., suitable types of steel, aluminum, and / or fiber-reinforced plastic, etc. The frame rails 34 and cross members may be hollow. The frame rails 34 and cross members may have a rectangular cross-section (e.g., a hollow rectangular cuboid), a round cross-section (e.g., hollow, like a hollow cylinder), etc. The vehicle bumper 24 extends transversely to the frame rails 34, e.g., in a vehicle transverse direction C. The vehicle bumper 24 extends longitudinally along the vehicle transverse direction C. The vehicle bumper 24 is supported by the vehicle frame 22, i.e., the weight of the bumper is carried by the vehicle frame 22. The vehicle bumper 24 may be a front bumper assembly as shown in the figures.In other words, the vehicle bumper 24 may be located at a front portion of the vehicle 20, and in such examples, the impact boxes 26 and 28 are inflatable for certain frontal impacts of the vehicle.

[0031] The vehicle bumper 24 has a vehicle-forward surface and a vehicle-rearward surface. The vehicle-forward surface may be a Class A surface, meaning a surface specifically manufactured to have a high-quality, aesthetically finished appearance without defects. As one example, the vehicle-forward surface may be chrome-plated. The vehicle bumper 24 may include a mounting bracket on the vehicle-rearward surface of the vehicle bumper 24 for attachment to the impact boxes 26 and 28. The vehicle bumper 24 includes a cavity 48 that faces the vehicle frame 22. The cavity 48 faces the vehicle rearward. For example, as shown in the example in the figures, the vehicle bumper 24 may be U-shaped to define the cavity 48.In some examples, the cavity 48 extends from one end of the vehicle bumper 24 to the other end of the vehicle bumper 24 transversely of the vehicle such that the cavity 48 is open from the first impact box 26 to the second impact box 28. In other examples, the vehicle bumper 24 may include more than one cavity spaced transversely of the vehicle and accommodating the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28, respectively.

[0032] The vehicle 20 may include at least one pre-impact sensor 60A for detecting specific vehicle impacts (e.g., impacts of a specific magnitude, direction, etc.). The vehicle 20 may additionally include a computer 54 in communication with the pre-impact sensor 60A and inflators 56. The first inflator 56 may be in fluid communication with the first impact box 26, and a second inflator 56 may be in fluid communication with the second impact box 28. Thus, in response to the pre-impact sensor 60A detecting specific vehicle impacts, the computer 54 may activate one or more of the inflators 56, e.g., via generating an electrical signal to a pyrotechnic charge of the inflator. In this context, a “specific vehicle impact” is an impact of the type and / or magnitude for which inflation of the impact boxes 26 and 28 is configured, i.e.,"Specified" indicates the type and / or magnitude of the impact. The type and / or magnitude of such "specific vehicle impacts" may be pre-stored in computer 54, e.g., a restraint control module and / or a body control module. Pre-impact sensor 60A may be configured to detect specific vehicle impacts prior to impact using, for example, output data from one or more of sensors 60.

[0033] The sensors 60 of the vehicle 20, in addition to the pre-impact sensor 60A, may include a variety of devices known to provide data to the vehicle computer. For example, the sensors 60 may include vehicle sensors for optical distance and speed measurement (light detection and ranging - LIDAR), etc., disposed on a top of the vehicle, behind a windshield of the vehicle, around the vehicle, etc., that provide relative locations, sizes, and shapes of objects surrounding the vehicle. As another example, the sensors 60 may include one or more radar vehicle sensors mounted on bumpers of the vehicle that provide data for providing locations of objects, second vehicles, etc., relative to the location of the vehicle. The sensors 60 may further alternatively or additionally include camera vehicle sensor(s), e.g., a front-facing camera, a rearview camera, etc.that provide images of an area surrounding the vehicle. In the context of this disclosure, an "object" means a physical, tangible, item that can be represented by physical phenomena (e.g., light or other electromagnetic waves or sound, etc.) detectable by vehicle sensors. Thus, vehicles, as well as other objects, including those discussed below, fall within the definition of "object" in this document.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 is a rear view of the vehicle bumper 24, the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 (both in a deflated state) and a portion of the frame rails 34 of the vehicle 20. As described in more detail in Fig. 3, the first impact box 26 is disposed within the cavity 48 of the bumper 24. Accordingly, the body of the bumper 24 substantially surrounds a first base 126 ( Fig. 3) of the impact box 26, while a second base 127 ( Fig. 3) remains exposed. The second base 127 may thus be able to be fixed to a front surface of the first frame support 34. Likewise, the impact box 28 is within the cavity (e.g., the cavity 48 in Fig. 3) of the bumper 24. The second base of the impact box 28 may be fixed to the second frame rail 34. In one example, the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 may include a circular cross-section with a diameter between 40 millimeters and 60 millimeters and a length of 60 millimeters to 90 millimeters in an uninflated state. In one example, the combination of the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 may support the weight of the bumper 24, with the bumper 24 including a weight between 15 kilograms and 40 kilograms. In one example, the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 may be made of a metallic material suitable for supporting the weight of the bumper 24. In one example, the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 are each configured to support at least one half of the weight of the bumper 24, e.g., B.in a direction parallel to the plane of the first base 126 of the first impact box 26. The impact boxes 26 and 28 may be fixed to the vehicle bumper 24, e.g., the vehicle rear surface of the vehicle bumper 24, in any suitable manner, e.g., by welding, a bracket, a threaded fastener, and / or adhesive, etc. The impact box 26 may be fixed to the first frame rail 34 in any suitable manner, e.g., by welding, a bracket, a threaded fastener, and / or adhesive, etc., and the impact box 28 may also be fixed to the second frame rail 34.

[0035] The impact boxes 26 and 28 each define an inflation chamber 128. The walls of the impact boxes 26 and 28 completely enclose the inflation chamber 128, i.e., without fluid flow through or between the walls, so that the inflation medium from the inflator 56 pressurizes the inflation chamber 128 to expand the impact boxes 26, 28 from the deflated state to the inflated state. The walls of the impact boxes 26 and 28 can be sealed to each other, for example, by integral formation, welding, adhesives, bonding, etc.

[0036] As in Fig. 2, the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 are each coupled to an inflator 56. The first inflator 56 may be attached to the first frame rail 34 and in fluid communication with the first impact box 26 via a fluid line 57. In this context, the term "fluid communication" means the ability to receive a fluid input from a source. In this context, the term "fluid" may mean a compressible fluid, such as a gas. A second inflator 56 may be attached to the second frame rail 34 and in fluid communication with the second impact box 28 via a second fluid line 59. As described with reference to Fig. 1, the inflators 56 may receive an electrical signal from the pre-impact sensor 60A, which may, for example, activate a pyrotechnic charge within the first and second impact boxes 26 and 28, operable to expand the impact box, thereby extending the bumper 24 away from the frame rails 34. Accordingly, the bumper 24 may extend away from the frame rails 34 prior to impacting an object. As a result of the extension of the bumper 24 away from the frame rails 34, at least a portion of the kinetic energy caused by impacting the object may be absorbed.

[0037] The inflators 56 may be supported by any suitable component. For example, the inflators 56 may be supported by a housing that is fixed to the frame beam 34, e.g., by a threaded fastener, a bracket, etc. The inflators 56 may, for example, include a pyrotechnic inflator that initiates an exothermic chemical reaction to generate the inflation medium. A pyrotechnic inflator may include a charge formed from a solid mixture that, when ignited, reacts to produce a gaseous inflation medium. For example, the pyrotechnic charge may be formed from sodium azide (NaNO3), potassium nitrate (KNO3), and silicon dioxide (SiO2), which react to form nitrogen gas (N2). In another example, the inflators 56 may include a storage gas inflator that may contain stored (e.g.,pressurized) gas as the inflation medium, e.g., via a pyrotechnically triggered valve. In another example, the inflators 56 may be operated via a hybrid process utilizing a stored gas and a gas generated by an ignitable exothermic chemical reaction. In one example, the inflator 56 may be disposed within the inflation chamber 128 (. Fig. 3) the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 may be arranged to deliver an inflation medium from within the inflation chamber 128. In one example, the inflator 56 may be configured to generate a pressure between 138 kilopascals and 241 kilopascals for a duration between 20 milliseconds and 40 milliseconds.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle bumper, an impact box in a deflated state, and a portion of the frame rails 34 of the vehicle 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the impact box 26 includes the first base 126 positioned on a first side of the impact box 26 and the second base 127 positioned on an opposite side of the first impact box 26. The first base 126 is positioned to contact and rest within the cavity 48 of the bumper 24. The bumper 24 thus substantially surrounds the body of the impact box 26, leaving the second base 127 exposed and mountable to the front surface of the frame rail 34. Mounting the impact box 26 to the front surface of the frame rail 34 via the second base 127 may be accomplished by securing the second base 127 to a metallic plate and mounting the metallic plate to the front surface of the frame rail 34.During transition between an uninflated state and an inflated state, the annular ribs 131 in the side wall of the impact box 26 serve to maintain a generally cylindrical shape of the impact box 26. The side wall of the impact box 26 is sealed at the first base 126 and the second base 127.

[0039] The impact box 26 includes a central axis 130 that extends substantially perpendicular to the first base 126 and the second base 127 such that it is aligned parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1. The impact box 26 may be constructed using a metallic material capable of supporting the weight of a portion, e.g., approximately 50%, of the weight (W) of the bumper 24. Accordingly, the impact box 26 may include shear stress properties to be capable of supporting the portion of the weight of the bumper 24 in a direction parallel to the surface of the first base 126, such as along direction 132. In one example, the inflation chamber 128 may be elongated in response to a flow of fluid, such as a gas, from the inflator 56 to increase to a volume suitable for elongating the first impact box 26 by an amount between 15% and 100%.In some examples, the inflation chamber 128 may be lined with a flexible nylon fabric, a high-strength low-alloy steel, or other suitable material surrounding the inflation chamber 128 between the inflation chamber and the walls of the impact box 26, 28.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle bumper 24, an impact box 26, 28 in an inflated state, and a portion of the frame rail 34 of the vehicle 20. The impact boxes 26 and 28 support the vehicle bumper 24 on the frame rails 34 in both the uninflated and inflated states of the impact boxes 26 and 28. As shown in Fig. 4, after the impact box 26 is transferred from a deflated to an inflated state, the first base 126 of the impact box 26 remains in contact with the bumper 24 and the second base 127 remains in contact with a front surface of the frame rail 34. The inflation of the first impact box 26 serves to displace the bumper 24 away from the frame rail 34, thereby allowing the first impact box 26 to absorb a portion of the kinetic energy caused by an impact between the vehicle 20 and an object. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, inflation of the first impact box 26 causes the impact box to elongate, thereby increasing the distances between adjacent sidewall ribs of the ribs 131. In one example, the impact box 26 may elongate by an amount between 15% and 150% in an inflated state. The impact boxes 26 and 28 may include valleys between the ribs 131 to allow the ribs to expand away from each other as the impact boxes 26 and 28 elongate.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a rear view of the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 in an inflated state. As in Fig. 5, in response to actuation of the inflator 56, the bumper 24 may extend the elongation of the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 away from a front surface of the frame rail 34 to absorb kinetic energy resulting from the vehicle 20 striking an object. In one example, the translation of the first impact box 26 and the second impact box 28 may cause the bumper 24 to translate in a vehicle forward direction between 5.0 centimeters and 25.0 centimeters.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a side view of the impact box 26 in a deflated and inflated state. As in Fig. 6, in response to actuation of the inflator 56, a compressible fluid (e.g., a gas) is delivered through the fluid conduit 57 to the chamber 128. Consequently, the chamber 128 expands to propel the first base 126 of the first impact box 26 toward the bumper 24. In response to the expansion of the chamber 128, the bumper 24 may be translated a distance D. In one example, a distance D may include a distance between, for example, 5.0 centimeters and 25.0 centimeters.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 1, the vehicle 20 includes the vehicle computer 54, which includes at least a processor and memory. The vehicle computer 54 may be a restraint control module and / or a body control module. The computer 54 may be a body control module. The memory accessed by the computer 54 includes one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions executable by the computer to perform various operations, including those disclosed herein.In one example, the computer 54 may be a generic computer with a processor and memory, as described above, and / or may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or controller for a specific function or set of functions, and / or a dedicated electronic circuit including an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) manufactured for a specific operation, e.g., an ASIC for processing sensor data and / or communicating the sensor data. In another example, the vehicle computer 54 may include an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), which is an integrated circuit manufactured to be configurable by a user.Typically, a hardware description language such as VHDL (Very High-Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) is used in electronic design automation to describe digital and mixed-signal systems, such as FPGAs and ASICs. For example, an ASIC is manufactured based on VHDL programming provided prior to manufacturing, whereas logical components inside an FPGA may be configured based on VHDL programming, e.g., stored on memory electrically connected to the FPGA circuitry. In some examples, a combination of processor(s), ASIC(s), and / or FPGA circuitry may be included in the computer. The memory may be of any type, e.g.,Hard disk drives, solid-state drives, servers, or any volatile or non-volatile media. The collected data sent by the sensors can be stored in the memory. The memory can be a separate device from the computer, and the computer can retrieve information stored by the memory via a vehicle communications network 62, e.g., via a CAN bus, a wireless network, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the memory can be part of the computer, e.g., as the computer's memory.

[0044] As in Fig.1, the computer 54 is generally arranged for communication within the vehicle communication network 62, which may include a communication bus, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or the like, and / or other wired and / or wireless mechanisms. Alternatively or additionally, in cases where the computer 54 includes a plurality of devices, the vehicle's communication network 62 may be used for communication between devices, which are depicted in this disclosure as the computer. Further, as noted below, various controllers and / or sensors may provide data to the computer via the vehicle communication network 62.

[0045] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. It should be noted that the use of "in response to," "based on," and "when determined" herein indicates a causal relationship rather than a purely temporal one. As used herein, the adverbial phrase "substantially" means that a shape, design, measure, amount, time, etc. may vary from an exact geometry, spacing, measure, amount, time, etc., described due to imperfections in materials, workmanship, manufacturing, etc.

[0046] In light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0047] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided comprising: a vehicle frame and a vehicle bumper; and an impact box supporting the vehicle bumper to the vehicle frame; the impact box having an inflation chamber and being inflatable from a deflated state to an inflated state; and an inflator in fluid communication with the inflation chamber of the impact box.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the impact box elongates from the uninflated state to the inflated state along a vehicle longitudinal axis.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the impact box is made of metal.

[0050] According to one embodiment: the impact box is tubular, with a central axis extending vehicle-forward from the vehicle frame to the vehicle bumper; the impact box may include a first base, a second base, and a sidewall extending from the first base to the second base about the central axis; and wherein the first base, the second base, and the sidewall surround the inflation chamber.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the side wall is generally cylindrical.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the impact box is made of metal.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the side wall is sealed to the first base and the second base.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the side wall includes ribs extending annularly around the central axis.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the vehicle bumper has a cavity facing the vehicle frame and the impact box is arranged in the cavity.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the impact box is fixed directly to the vehicle bumper and the vehicle frame.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the vehicle frame includes a frame member extending longitudinally along a vehicle longitudinal axis, and the impact box is fixed to a front surface of the frame member.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a second impact box spaced transversely from the impact box, the second impact box supporting the vehicle bumper to the vehicle frame, the second impact box having an inflation chamber and being inflatable from a non-inflated state to an inflated state.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the vehicle frame includes a first frame member and a second frame member, each of which extends longitudinally along a vehicle longitudinal axis and is spaced apart from one another transversely to the vehicle, wherein the impact box is located on the first frame member and the second impact box is located on the second frame member.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the inflation device is designed to generate a pressure between 138 kilopascals and 241 kilopascals in the inflation chamber of the impact box.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the impact box is operable to support a load of approximately half a weight of the vehicle bumper in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the impact box.

[0062] A vehicle bumper assembly comprising: a vehicle bumper; a first impact box positioned within a cavity of the vehicle bumper, the first impact box having an exposed base for attachment to a front surface of a first frame rail of the vehicle, the first impact box having a first inflation chamber for transitioning from a deflated state to an inflated state;and a second impact box positioned within the cavity of the vehicle bumper, the second impact box having an exposed base for attachment to a front surface of a second frame rail of the vehicle, the second impact box having a second inflation chamber for transitioning from a deflated condition to an inflated condition, the first impact box and the second impact box operable to support a combined load including a weight of the vehicle bumper when the first impact box and the second impact box are in the deflated condition.;

[0063] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a first inflator in fluid communication with the first inflation chamber, the first inflator transitioning the first impact box from the deflated state to the inflated state in response to a first electrical signal; and a second inflator in fluid communication with the second inflation chamber, the second inflator transitioning the second impact box from the deflated state to the inflated state in response to a second electrical signal.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a first inflator in fluid communication with the first inflation chamber, the first inflator configured to generate a pressure between 138 kilopascals and 241 kilopascals for a duration between 20 milliseconds and 40 milliseconds.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first impact box and the second impact box include a substantial percentage of a material that allows an elongation between the uninflated state and the inflated state of between 15% and 150%.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first impact box and the second impact box include a circular cross-section with a diameter between 40 millimeters and 60 millimeters and a length of 60 millimeters to 90 millimeters in the uninflated state.

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame and a vehicle bumper and an impact box that supports the vehicle bumper to the vehicle frame; wherein the impact box has an inflation chamber and is inflatable from an uninflated state to an inflated state; and an inflation device in fluid communication with the inflation chamber of the impact box. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the impact box elongates from the deflated state to the inflated state along a vehicle longitudinal axis. [3] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the impact box is made of metal. [4] A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: the impact box is tubular, with a central axis extending vehicle-forward from the vehicle frame to the vehicle bumper; the impact box includes a first base, a second base, and a side wall extending from the first base to the second base about the central axis; and the first base, the second base and the side wall surround the inflation chamber. [5] A vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the side wall is generally cylindrical. [6] A vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the impact box is made of metal. [7] The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the side wall is sealed to the first base and the second base. [8] A vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the side wall includes ribs extending annularly around the central axis. [9] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle bumper has a cavity facing the vehicle frame and the impact box is arranged in the cavity. [10] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the impact box is fixed directly to the vehicle bumper and the vehicle frame. [11] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle frame includes a frame member extending longitudinally along a vehicle longitudinal axis, and the impact box is fixed to a front surface of the frame member. [12] The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a second impact box spaced transversely from the impact box, the second impact box supporting the vehicle bumper to the vehicle frame, the second impact box having an inflation chamber and being inflatable from a deflated state to an inflated state. [13] The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the vehicle frame includes a first frame member and a second frame member, each extending longitudinally along a vehicle longitudinal axis and spaced apart from each other transversely of the vehicle, the impact box being located on the first frame member and the second impact box being located on the second frame member. [14] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the inflator is configured to generate a pressure of between 138 kilopascals and 241 kilopascals in the inflation chamber of the impact box. [15] A vehicle according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the impact box is operable to carry a load of approximately half a weight of the vehicle bumper in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the impact box.

Images