Vehicle Bumper Absorption Element with Movable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle bumper systems are inefficient in space usage and fail to effectively absorb kinetic energy during collisions, particularly in scenarios involving pedestrians or other vehicles, leading to inadequate protection and potential damage to vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A bumper system featuring a cross member with a pedestrian protection element and movable absorption elements that can be locked in place by a locking device, allowing for parallel force connection during collisions, thereby optimizing space and energy absorption, and an electronic controller to manage locking states based on vehicle speed and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If absorption elements are made movable relative to the cross member to optimize space usage, then space efficiency is improved, but the ability to effectively absorb kinetic energy during collisions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption elements are designed to be movable relative to the cross member along its longitudinal axis, transitioning between a retracted position (normal operation) and an extended position (collision absorption). This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize space during normal use while providing full absorption capability during collisions, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and energy absorption effectiveness
2Reliability
If absorption elements are locked in place during collisions, then kinetic energy absorption effectiveness is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device temporarily fixes the absorption elements in the extended position only during collision events, providing maximum absorption effectiveness. Between collisions, the elements return to their retracted position, maintaining space efficiency. This temporal separation of states resolves the contradiction between absorption effectiveness and space efficiency
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure absorption elements, then kinetic energy absorption effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on collision forces, eliminating the need for external control systems. The system self-regulates by using the collision force itself to trigger the locking mechanism, thereby improving absorption effectiveness while minimizing the increase in device complexity
4Volume of moving object
If absorption elements are connected in parallel with pedestrian protection elements, then space efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide variable protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel connection of absorption elements with pedestrian protection elements is combined with a locking mechanism that can selectively engage. This allows the system to maintain compact space usage while providing variable protection - the locking device enables full absorption capability when needed, while the parallel configuration maintains space efficiency during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters by transitioning between locked and unlocked states. In the unlocked state, the parallel configuration provides space efficiency; in the locked state, the same configuration provides enhanced absorption effectiveness. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between space efficiency and variable protection capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a space-efficient and effective kinetic energy absorption mechanism, ensuring variable and adaptive protection during collisions, minimizing pedestrian impact and reducing downstream component deformation, while meeting pedestrian protection requirements and adapting to different collision scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption element (14), which is arrangeable on the cross member (8) so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (2) relative to the cross member (8) between a front absorption position and a rear release position
Implementation Method 2
at least one locking device (17) which is arrangeable on the cross member (8) and by which the absorption element (14) is temporarily lockable in its absorption position
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for absorbing kinetic energy acting on a front bumper of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, includes at least one pedestrian protection element which can be arranged on a cross member of the bumper, at least one absorption element which can be arranged on the cross member and is movable on the cross member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the cross member between a front absorption position and a rear release position, and at least one locking device which can be arranged on the cross member by which the absorption element can be temporarily arrested in the absorption position thereof. The absorption element, in the absorption position thereof, is switched parallel to the pedestrian protection element in respect of a force initiated by the kinetic energy into the bumper.