ENERGY ABSORBER FOR A VEHICLE BUMPER

Abstract

A bumper includes a crossmember that extends along a transverse axis of the vehicle. A trim panel is located forward of the bumper. The bumper includes an energy absorber supported on the crossmember between the crossmember and the trim panel. The energy absorber includes deformable elements arranged in a repeating pattern. Each deformable element includes a base segment and an extension segment. The base segment includes a base wall and side walls that extend forward of the base wall to the distal ends of the side walls. The base segment includes a V-shaped groove that extends backward of the vehicle from the distal ends of the side walls. The extension segment is located within the V-shaped groove and extends forward of the V-shaped groove to a distal end of the extension segment.The extension segment is compressible relative to the base segment.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure concerns an energy absorber for a vehicle bumper. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The desired stiffness of a bumper can vary depending on the vehicle speed. At low vehicle speeds, for example, greater stiffness may be desirable to prevent damage to the bumper, while at high vehicle speeds, less stiffness may be desirable in certain collisions with a pedestrian and / or another vehicle.

[0003] Several automotive research institutions publish crash test standards for vehicles that focus on specific outcomes. One example test focuses on low-speed damageability (LSD), such as damage to vehicle components at relatively low speeds. However, as described above, the stiffness required for the bumper system for LSD may differ from the stiffness required for pedestrian kinematics, including those at relatively higher speeds than those used in LSD-type impacts. For example, other protocols for a pedestrian leg impact may benefit from lower bumper stiffness compared to that required for LSD. In other words, the requirements for LSD and pedestrian kinematics can lead to conflicting design principles.One possibility remains to design a vehicle bumper that takes into account the susceptibility to damage at low speeds and pedestrian kinematics. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided comprising: a first frame member and a second frame member spaced apart from the first frame member along a transverse axis of the vehicle; a bumper comprising a cross member extending along a transverse axis of the vehicle, the cross member being supported by the first frame member and the second frame member; and a fairing located in front of the bumper with respect to the vehicle; wherein the bumper includes an energy absorber supported on the cross member between the cross member and the fairing; wherein the energy absorber includes deformable elements arranged in a repeating pattern along the transverse axis of the vehicle, each deformable element comprising a base segment and an extension segment; the base segment comprising a base wall extending along the transverse axis of the vehicle;the base segment includes side walls that extend forward, relative to the vehicle, from the base wall to the distal ends of the side walls; the base segment includes a V-shaped notch that extends from the distal ends of the side walls in the rearward direction of the vehicle; the extension segment is located in the V-shaped notch and extends forward of the vehicle, relative to the vehicle, to a distal end of the extension segment; and the extension segment is compressible relative to the base segment.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the extension segments each have a diamond shape.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the rhombic shape for each deformable element has a vehicle-forward section and a vehicle-rearward section that meet at opposite vertices, the opposite vertices being located at the distal end of the side walls of the base segment.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the diamond shape has a line for each deformable element that extends through the opposite vertices, the vehicle-rear section of the diamond shape has a vehicle-rear vertex, and the vehicle-forward section of the diamond shape has a vehicle-forward vertex, wherein the distance from the line to the vehicle-forward vertex is greater than the distance from the line to the vehicle-rear vertex.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the vehicle-forward section of the rhombic shape has vehicle-forward walls for each deformable element, each extending from one of the distal ends of the side walls to a vehicle-forward vertex of the rhombic shape, wherein the vehicle-forward walls of the rhombic shape are coplanar with the side walls of the base segment.

[0009] According to one embodiment, adjacent deformable elements define a V-shaped gap between the adjacent deformable elements.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the V-shaped notch for each deformable element includes a vehicle-rear vertex, and the diamond shape has a vehicle-rear vertex adjacent to the vehicle-rear vertex of the V-shaped notch.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the base segment for each deformable element extends from the vehicle-rear apex of the V-shaped notch to the base wall of the base segment.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the base wall of the base segment of each deformable element is located adjacent to the crossbeam.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the base wall of the base segment of each deformable element abuts the base wall of the base segment of an adjacent deformable element.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the energy absorber includes a casing that defines a cavity which accommodates the deformable elements.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the casing has a vehicle-rear wall proximal to the cross member and a vehicle-forward wall distal to the cross member, wherein the base segment of each deformable element abuts the vehicle-rear wall and the extension segment of each deformable element abuts the vehicle-forward wall.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cladding abuts the casing.

[0017] According to the present invention, a vehicle bumper is provided comprising: a crossmember extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and an energy absorber supported on the crossmember between the crossmember and the vehicle and arranged in a forward direction; wherein the energy absorber includes deformable elements arranged in a repeating pattern along the longitudinal axis, each deformable element comprising a base segment and an extension segment; the base segment comprising a base wall extending along the longitudinal axis; the base segment comprising side walls extending in the forward direction from the base wall to distal ends of the side walls; the base segment comprising a V-shaped notch extending in a backward direction opposite to the forward direction from the distal ends of the side walls;wherein the extension segment is arranged in the V-shaped notch and extends, relative to the vehicle, in front of the V-shaped notch to a distal end of the extension segment; and the extension segment is compressible relative to the base segment.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the extension segments have a rhombic shape, and for each deformable element, the rhombic shape has a forward section and a backward section that meet at opposite vertices, the opposite vertices being located at the distal end of the side walls of the base segment.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the forward section of the rhombic shape has forward walls for each deformable element, each extending from one of the distal ends of the side walls to a forward vertex of the rhombic shape, the forward walls of the rhombic shape being coplanar with the side walls of the base segment.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the V-shaped notch for each deformable element includes a rear vertex and the diamond shape has a rear vertex of the V-shaped notch, and the base segment extends from the rear vertex of the V-shaped notch to the base wall of the base segment.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the base wall of the base segment of each deformable element is located adjacent to the crossbeam.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the energy absorber includes a casing that defines a cavity which accommodates the deformable elements.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the casing has a rear wall proximal to the crossbeam and a front wall distal to the crossbeam, wherein the base segment of each deformable element abuts the rear wall and the extension segment of each deformable element abuts the front wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of a vehicle that includes a bumper and fairing. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bumper and trim. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of deformable elements of an energy absorber of the bumper. Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of a vehicle in an example vehicle impact. Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view before impact in Fig. 4. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view at the point of impact. Fig. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the impact at a later time than Fig. 5B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring to the figures, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts in the multiple views, a vehicle 10 includes a first frame member 12 and a second frame member 12, which is spaced apart from the first frame member 12 along a transverse axis A of the vehicle. The terms "first" and "second" are identifiers of the frame member 12, and both the first and the second frame member 12 are identified by the same reference numeral. The bumper 14 includes a cross member 16, which extends along a longitudinal axis L of the vehicle. The cross member 16 is supported by the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12. A fairing 18 is located forward of the bumper 14. The bumper 14 includes an energy absorber 20, which is supported on the cross member 16 between the cross member 16 and the fairing 18.The energy absorber 20 comprises deformable elements 22 arranged in a repeating pattern along the vehicle's transverse axis A. Each deformable element 22 comprises a base segment 24 and an extension segment 26. The base segment 24 comprises a base wall 28 elongated along the vehicle's transverse axis A. The base segment 24 comprises side walls 30 extending forward from the base wall 28, relative to the vehicle, to distal ends 32 of the side walls 30. The base segment 24 comprises a V-shaped notch 34 extending backward from the distal ends 32 of the side walls 30. The extension segment 26 is located in the V-shaped notch 34 and extends forward of the vehicle, relative to the V-shaped notch 34, to a distal end 32 of the extension segment 26. The extension segment 26 is compressible relative to the base segment 24.

[0025] Since the extension segment 26 extends forward from the V-shaped notch 34 in the vehicle, the force on the energy absorber 20 during certain vehicle impacts is transferred to the extension segment 26 in front of the base segment 24. Referring to the [reference to the] Fig. In the diagram shown in Figures 5A-5C, the extension segment 26 transfers the force to the base segment 24 at the V-shaped notch 34. The V-shaped notch 34 distributes the force from the extension segment 26 to the base segment 24. Since the extension segment 26 is compressible relative to the base segment 24, a portion of the extension segment 26 located in front of the base segment 24 can deform relative to the base segment 24. If the force is of sufficient magnitude, the force exerted by the extension segment 26 on the base segment 24 deforms the base segment 24. The dual stiffness of the energy absorber 20, defined by the differences in shape, position, orientation, and compressibility of the extension segment 26 and the base segment 24, provides low-speed impact performance, e.g.,such as those associated with damage susceptibility tests at low speeds and during a high-speed impact. This configuration also takes into account space constraints on the bumper 14 of the vehicle 10 to reduce limitations regarding the size, shape, and style of the vehicle.

[0026] Relative vehicle orientations and directions, for example, forward, backward, up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are from the perspective of an occupant seated in the vehicle 10 and facing forward, e.g., in the direction of a forward-facing instrument panel and / or windshield of the vehicle 10. "Vehicle forward" is parallel to the direction of movement of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is moving forward and its wheels are straight. "Vehicle backward" is a direction opposite to "vehicle forward." Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is identified by the identifier VF when facing forward of the vehicle and by the identifier VR when facing rearward of the vehicle. Orientations and directions relative to the assembly are specified with respect to when the assembly is supported by the vehicle 10, as described below and shown in the figures. With respect to the bumper 14, “forward” and “rearward” refer to the front and rear sides of the bumper 14, respectively. When the bumper 14 is mounted to the frame of the vehicle 10, “forward” and “rearward” are synonymous with “vehicle-front” and “vehicle-rear,” respectively.

[0027] Vehicle 10 defines a longitudinal axis L, extending between a front side and a rear side of vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 defines a transverse axis A, extending between a left side and a right side of vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 defines a vertical axis V, extending between a top and a bottom of vehicle 10. The transverse axis A, the longitudinal axis L, and the vertical axis V are perpendicular to each other.

[0028] The vehicle includes a body (not numbered). The body and frame of vehicle 10 can be of unibody construction. In unibody construction, the body, e.g., the sills, pillars, roof rails, etc., serves as the frame, and the body (including the sills, pillars, roof rails, etc.) is a single unit. As another example, the body and frame can be of frame construction (also known as cabin-mounted construction). In such an example, the body and frame are separate components, i.e., modular, and the body is supported and attached to the frame. In other examples, the body and frame can be of any suitable construction. The body and / or frame can be made of any suitable material, for example, steel, aluminum, etc.

[0029] The body includes body panels (without reference numerals). The body panels may include structural panels, e.g., sills, pillars, roof rails, etc. The body panels may include exterior panels. The exterior panels may, for example, represent a Class A surface, i.e., a finished surface exposed to customer inspection and specifically manufactured to have a high-quality, finished aesthetic appearance free from unsightly blemishes and defects. The body panels include, for example, trim panels (e.g., trim panel 18, described below), a roof panel, door panels, fenders, a hood, a trunk lid, etc. The vehicle body defines an occupant compartment to accommodate the occupants of the vehicle 10.

[0030] The vehicle frame comprises the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12. The vehicle frame may include cross members that extend transversely from the first frame member 12 to the second frame member 12. The first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 are elongated along the longitudinal axis L of the vehicle. The first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 are transverse within the vehicle, i.e., along the longitudinal axis A of the vehicle.

[0031] With further reference to Fig. 1. The first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 can define the transverse boundaries of the vehicle frame. The first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 can extend along the longitudinal axis L of the vehicle from a rear end to a front end. In some examples, the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 can extend substantially along the entire length of the vehicle 10. In other examples, the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 can be segmented and extend beneath sections of the vehicle 10, e.g., extending at least from below a passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 to the front end of the vehicle 10. In some examples, the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 can each be a single piece extending from the rear end to the front end of the vehicle 10.In other examples, the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 can each include segments that are fixed to one another (e.g., by welding, threaded fasteners, etc.) and extend in combination from the rear end of the vehicle 10 to the front end of the vehicle 10. The first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 and / or the bumper 14 can include pinch sockets at the front end of the vehicle 10, as shown in the example in the figures. In such examples, the pinch sockets can support the bumper 14 directly on the frame members 12. For example, the bumper 14 can rest against the pinch sockets, and the weight of the bumper 14 can be supported by the pinch sockets, as shown in the example in the figures. As explained above, the vehicle frame can have a frame construction in which the vehicle body is supported on and attached to the vehicle frame.In such an example, the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12 may include cab mounting brackets (not shown) on which the vehicle body is supported and to which it is attached. The cab mounting brackets are fixed to the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12, for example, welded to the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12. The cab mounting brackets may extend outwards from the respective first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12. The cab mounting bracket may be cantilevered from the respective first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12. The cab mounting brackets are configured to support the vehicle body in a body-on-frame configuration. For example, the cab mounting brackets may include a bar or a hole that provides a hole ora bar of the vehicle body is used to connect the vehicle body to the vehicle frame. In particular, the vehicle body can be fixed to the cabin mounting brackets. During the assembly of vehicle 10, the vehicle body is placed onto the vehicle frame, with the mounting features of the vehicle body aligning with the cabin mounting brackets to engage with them.

[0032] The vehicle frame may include suspension and steering mounting points that support the suspension and steering components of the vehicle 10. For example, the suspension and steering mounting points may be suspension strut towers. The suspension and steering components of the vehicle 10 are connected to the vehicle frame, at least partially, via the suspension strut towers. The suspension and steering components include suspension dampers, shock absorbers, steering arms, steering knuckles, wheels of the vehicle 10, etc.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 1. The vehicle 10 has a front-end structure. The front-end structure includes the bumper 14 and the body panel 18 and may include a radiator grille. The radiator grille is located above the bumper 14. The radiator grille may be a component of the vehicle body and may be supported by other components of the vehicle body.

[0034] The trim panel 18 is an outer body panel of the vehicle body and is located in the vehicle in front of the bumper 14. The bumper 14 is located between the trim panel 18 and the crossmember 16 of the bumper 14. The trim panel 18 provides an aesthetic covering for the bumper 14. In particular, the trim panel 18 has an outer surface 36, which is a Class A surface, i.e., a machined surface that is visible to a customer and is free from unsightly blemishes and defects. In some examples, the trim panel 18 may extend along the vehicle's transverse axis A. The trim panel 18 may be supported by the frame of the vehicle 10 and / or other components of the vehicle 10's body.

[0035] The trim panel 18 and the bumper 14 are designed to manage energy during high-speed and low-speed vehicle impacts. For example, a high-speed impact test might be a high-speed pedestrian impact test simulating an impact between a pedestrian's leg and the vehicle 10. Such tests might, for example, use a leg test mold, which is a test device with a variety of sensors (not shown) designed to simulate a human leg. The bumper 14 assembly can absorb energy during a low-speed vehicle impact test. A low-speed vehicle impact test might be a low-speed damage susceptibility test. The trim panel 18 might be made of metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) or it might be made of a polymer (e.g., polymer, polymer, etc.).B. plastic, composite material, SMC, etc.).

[0036] The bumper 14 is connected to the vehicle frame. In particular, the bumper 14 is connected to the vehicle frame. The bumper 14 can be directly connected to the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12. In particular, in such an example, the frame members 12s extend longitudinally along the vehicle's longitudinal axis L, and the bumper 14 extends transversely to the frame members 12s, e.g., along the vehicle's transverse axis A. The bumper 14 can, for example, be directly connected to the vehicle frame and in any suitable manner, including fasteners, welding, etc. The bumper 14 is supported by the vehicle frame, i.e., the weight of the bumper 14 is borne by the vehicle frame. The bumper 14 is a forward-facing bumper 14 in the example shown in the figures. In other words, the bumper 14 is located on a forward side of the vehicle 10.In another example, the bumper 14 can be an assembly of a rear bumper 14, i.e., the bumper 14 can be located at the rear of the vehicle 10.

[0037] The bumper 14 includes the crossmember 16. The crossmember 16 is elongated along the vehicle's transverse axis A, i.e., in such examples, the longest dimension of the crossmember 16 is located along the vehicle's transverse axis A. The crossmember 16 includes a longitudinal axis B, which may be parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis A. The longest dimension of the crossmember 16 is located along the longitudinal axis B of the crossmember 16. The crossmember 16 can be supported by the vehicle frame 10, i.e., the weight of the crossmember 16 can be borne by the vehicle frame (for example, by the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12, as shown in the example in the figures). The crossmember 16 can be supported directly by the vehicle frame, and in particular by the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12, i.e., without intermediate components between the crossmember 16 and the first and second frame members 12.The crossbeam 16 can be attached to the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12, e.g., via a fastener, a weld, etc. The crossbeam 16 can be attached directly to the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 12, i.e., without any intermediate components between the crossbeam 16 and the first and second frame members 12. For example, as shown in the example in the figures, the crossbeam 16 can be directly supported by and attached to the clamping connectors of the first and second frame members 12, as described in the examples above. The crossbeam 16 can be made of any suitable material, for example, steel, aluminum, etc.

[0038] The energy absorber 20 of the bumper 14 is supported on the crossmember 16 of the bumper 14; that is, the weight of the energy absorber 20 is borne by the crossmember 16. The energy absorber 20 can be directly connected to the crossmember 16, e.g., by fasteners, welding, adhesives, bonding, etc. In such an example, the energy absorber 20 rests against the crossmember 16. The energy absorber 20 is located between the crossmember 16 and the trim panel 18.

[0039] The energy absorber 20 comprises a casing 38 and deformable elements 22 arranged in a repeating pattern within the casing 38. The casing 38 is connected to the crossbeam 16 and supports the deformable elements 22 against the crossbeam 16. In other words, the weight of the deformable elements 22 is supported by the casing 38 against the crossbeam 16. The casing 38 can be made of metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) or polymer (e.g., plastic, composite material, SMC, etc.). The casing 38 can have relatively thin walls. As an example, the casing 38 can have a front wall 40, a rear wall 42, an upper wall 44 and a lower wall 46, which enclose the deformable elements 22 around an axis of the deformable elements 22 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crossbeam 16.The forward wall 40 is vehicle-facing when it is assembled with the frame of the vehicle 10; that is, it can be referred to as a vehicle-forward wall 40. The rear wall 42 is vehicle-rearing when it is assembled with the frame of the vehicle 10; that is, it can be referred to as a vehicle-rear wall 42. In some examples, the forward wall 40 may abut the cladding 18, that is, an inner surface 48 of the cladding 18. The forward wall 40 of the casing 38 may coincide with at least some of the contours of the cladding 18. In some examples, the rear wall 42 may abut the cross member 16, in particular a forward surface of the cross member 16. The rear wall 42 of the casing 38 may coincide with at least some of the contours of the cross members 16.In some examples, the casing 38 can include end walls over the front wall 40, the rear wall 42, the upper wall 44, and the lower wall 46 to completely enclose the deformable elements 22. When mounted on the frame of the vehicle 10, the rear wall 42 is located proximal to the cross member 16, and the front wall 40 is located distal to the cross member 16.

[0040] The casing 38 defines a cavity 50, and the deformable elements 22 are arranged within the cavity 50. In some examples, the cavity 50 may contain only the deformable elements 22 and may otherwise be empty, i.e., filled with nothing but air. The cavity 50 is defined by walls of the casing 38, e.g., the front wall, the rear wall, the upper wall 44, and the lower wall 46. The deformable elements 22 are supported by the casing 38. As an example, one or more of the deformable elements 22 may be connected to the casing 38, e.g., by a threaded fastener, adhesive, bonded joint, etc. The deformable elements 22 are arranged in a repeating pattern along the vehicle's transverse axis. For example, each of the deformable elements 22 is individually arranged along the longitudinal axis B of the crossmember 16, e.g., B. arranged side by side along the vehicle's transverse axis A.In some examples, including those shown in the figures, the deformable elements 22 can be identical in shape, size, and material. In the example shown in the figures, each deformable element 22 is adjacent to a neighboring deformable element 22. In the example shown in the figures, neighboring deformable elements 22 define a V-shaped gap 52 between them. The V-shaped gap 52 can be empty, i.e., occupied by nothing but air.

[0041] Each deformable element 22 comprises a base segment 24 and an extension segment 26. The base wall 28 of the base segment 24 of each deformable element 22 abuts the base wall 28 of the base segment 24 of an adjacent deformable element 22. In some examples, the base segments 24 can be formed integrally. In such examples, the base segments 24 can all be a single piece of material without any seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives holding the base segments 24 together; that is, the base segments 24 are formed simultaneously as a single, continuous unit, for example, by molding as one piece, machining from a single blank, forging, casting, etc. In other examples, the base segments 24 can be formed separately and subsequently assembled, for example, by attaching them to the casing 38.

[0042] The base wall 28 of each base segment 24 is elongated along the longitudinal axis B, e.g., the vehicle's transverse axis A. In other words, the longest dimension of the base wall 28 lies along the longitudinal axis B. The base wall 28 can be planar, as shown in the example in the figures.

[0043] The base segment 24 includes side walls 30 that extend forward from the base wall 28 to the distal ends 32 of the side walls 30. The base wall 28 abuts the cross member 16, and the distal ends 32 are located in front of, for example, the vehicle-facing side, the base wall 28 and the rear wall 42 of the casing 38. The distal ends 32 are spaced apart from the base wall 28 and the rear wall 42. The side walls 30 can be planar, as shown in the example in the figures. The deformable element 22 tapers from the base wall 28 in the forward direction. In particular, the side walls 30 of each deformable element 22 can extend forward from the base wall 28 toward each other without touching one another.

[0044] The V-shaped notch 34 extends posteriorly from the respective distal end 32, e.g., in the rearward direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the V-shaped notch 34 includes an apex 54 located posterior to the distal ends 32, e.g., in the rearward direction of the vehicle. The base segment 24 includes inner walls 56, each extending from the distal ends 32 to the apex 54 of the V-shaped notch 34. During impact on the extension segment 26, the extension segment 26 distributes force to the inner wall 56, and the inner walls 56, due to their size, shape, and angle, distribute the force to the base segment 24.

[0045] The base segment 24 extends from the vertex 54 of the V-shaped notch 34 to the base wall 28 of the base segment 24. In other words, material of the base segment 24 is located between the vertex 54 of the V-shaped notch 34 and the base wall 28. The thickness of the base segment 24 from the rear vertex of the V-shaped notch 34 to the base wall 28 is designed to support the extension segment 26 during impact in a backward direction, as in the example in the Fig. 5A-5C is shown.

[0046] The extension segment 26 is arranged in the V-shaped notch 34 and extends, relative to the vehicle, in front of the V-shaped notch 34 to a distal end 32 of the extension segment 26. In some examples, including those shown in the figures, the extension segments 26 each have a rhombus shape. A portion of the rhombus shape may coincide with the shape of the V-shaped notch 34, so that the extension segment 26 fills the entire V-shaped notch 34. The extension segment 26 may be abutting the inner walls 56 of the base segment 24 continuously from the distal ends 32 to the apex 54 of the V-shaped notch 34. As shown in the example in the figures, the rhombus shape has a rear apex 58, for example, a vehicle-rear apex that abuts the apex 54 of the V-shaped notch 34.

[0047] The rhombic shape has a forward section 60, e.g., a vehicle-forward section 60, and a rearward section 62, i.e., a vehicle-rearward section 62, which meet at opposite vertices 64. The opposite vertices 64 are vertices of the rhombic shape spaced apart from each other across the interior of the rhombic shape. In some examples, including the example shown in the figures, the opposite vertices 64 are located at the distal end 32 of the side walls 30 of the base segment 24. In such an example, a line D extends through the vertices of the rhombic shape through the distal ends 32 of the base segment 24. In such examples, the forward section 60 of the rhombic shape has forward walls 40, e.g., B. vehicle-forward walls 40, each extending from a corresponding distal end 32 of the side walls 30 to a forward vertex 66, e.g.one, extending forward-facing apex of the rhombus shape. The forward walls 40 of the rhombus shape are each coplanar with the side walls 30 of the base segment 24 in the example shown in the figures.

[0048] Line D divides the diamond shape between the forward section 60 and the rear section 62. The forward section 60 of the diamond shape can be larger than the rear section 62 of the diamond shape. In particular, in the example shown in the figures, the distance from line D to the forward vertex 66 is greater than the distance from line D to the vehicle's rear vertex.

[0049] The vertices 54, 58, 64, 66 of the base segment 24 and the extension segment 26 can generally be vertically elongated. In other words, the longest dimension of each vertex 54, 58, 64, 66 is generally vertical. The vertices 54, 58, 64, 66 can be elongated along parallel lines.

[0050] The extension segment 26 is compressible relative to the base segment 24. In other words, when a force is applied to the extension segment 26, e.g., a rearward force on the forward vertex 66 of the extension segment 26, the extension segment 26 is compressed before the base segment 24 is compressed. As an example, the material properties of the extension segment 26 and the base segment 24 can be such that the extension segment 26 is compressible relative to the base segment 24. In other words, the material of the extension segment 26 can have a Young's modulus that is lower than the Young's modulus of the base segment 24.

[0051] The extension segment 26 and / or the base segment 24 can be polymeric. For example, the extension segment 26 and / or the base segment 24 can be a polymeric elastomer, i.e., a natural or synthetic polymer that has elastic properties. For example, the extension segment 26 and / or the base segment 24 can be polyurethane. In some examples, the extension segment 26 and / or the base segment 24 can be foam, e.g., polyurethane foam. In some examples, the extension segment 26 and / or the base segment 24 can be solid polyurethane (i.e., not foamed). As another example, the extension segment 26 and / or the base segment 24 can be rubber. The extension segment 26 and the base segment 24 are made of a material that deforms during impact before or without fracture, as in the Fig. 4-5C shown.

[0052] As shown in the example in the figures, the deformable elements 22 can, in some examples, abut both the rear wall 42 and the front wall 40 of the casing 38. In particular, the base segments 24 of the deformable elements 22 abut the rear wall 42, and the front segments of the deformable elements 22 abut the front wall 40. In such an example, the deformable elements 22 reinforce the casing 38 between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 in order to transfer a force through the energy absorber 20 from the casing 38 to the crossbeam 16.

[0053] The Fig. Figures 5A-5C show a curve of the force F exerted on the energy absorber 20 in Fig. 4. As an example, the Fig. 4-5C Examine the course of the impact with an object, e.g. a leg test object, during a high-speed impact. Fig. Figure 5A shows the object before it impacts energy absorber 20. Fig. Figure 5B shows a further progression of the impact after the object deforms the forward wall 40 of the casing 38, thereby transferring force to the extension segments 26. The extension segment 26, which receives the direct effect of the force, deforms and transfers force to the base segment 24. In particular, the forward vertex 66 of the extension segment 26 is compressed backward, and the forward walls 40 bulge. The rear section 62 bulges against the inner walls 56 of the base segment 24 and the vertex 54 of the V-shaped notch 34. The inner walls 56 can deform to distribute the force into the base segment 24. The side walls 30 of the base segment 24 bulge when a force is exerted on the inner walls 56 by the rear section 62. The base segment 24 transmits force to the rear wall 42 of the housing 38 and the crossbeam 16. Fig. Figure 5C shows a further progression of the impact. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5C, the forward section 60 of the extension segment 26 continues to bulge, and the rear section 62 of the extension segment 26 further deforms the inner walls 56 of the base segment 24. The inner walls 56 distribute the force into the base segment 24, and the side walls 30 of the base segment 24 bulge. In particular, the inner walls 56 deform in Fig.5C the side walls 30 of the base segment 24 bulge into and abut the side walls 30 of adjacent deformable elements 22. In examples where the object impacting the energy absorber 20 simultaneously impacts several deformable elements 22, the side walls 30 of adjacent base segments 24 can bulge towards each other. This abutment of the side walls 30 increases the stiffness (i.e., reduces the compressibility) of the base sections and delivers a force to the rear wall 42 of the casing 38 and the crossbeam 16.

[0054] The revelation has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive and not restrictive. In light of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of the present revelation are possible, and the revelation can be implemented differently than specifically described.

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