Bumper Air Deflectors for Engine Cooling and Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bumper assemblies with energy absorbers allow air to leak through gaps, leading to inefficient heating and cooling of the engine compartment as air is diverted away from the radiator, reducing the efficiency of engine cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating integrated air deflectors into the bumper assembly, which extend from the upper surface of the low force energy absorber between the bumper cover and the reinforcement beam, to isolate air flow and direct it through the radiator, preventing leakage and ensuring efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If energy absorbing structures are used in bumper assemblies, then impact energy absorption is improved, but air leakage through openings between structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
An air deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the energy absorbing structures and the radiator. This deflector redirects air flow that would otherwise leak through openings between energy absorbing structures, channeling it instead through the radiator to maintain proper cooling function while preserving the energy absorption capability of the bumper assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: energy absorbing structures for impact mitigation, air deflectors for flow control, and radiator passages for cooling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others, resolving the conflict between energy absorption and air flow management
2Device complexity
If air passes through openings in bumper structure, then device simplicity is improved, but heating and cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Air deflectors serve as intermediary elements that modify air flow paths without requiring complete structural redesign of the bumper. These deflectors are integrated into the existing bumper framework, adding minimal complexity while effectively redirecting air through the radiator to maintain cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The air deflector is positioned specifically at strategic locations where air leakage occurs between energy absorbing structures. This localized intervention addresses the cooling efficiency problem only where needed, rather than requiring comprehensive redesign of the entire bumper assembly, thus minimizing added complexity
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 integrated air deflectors effectively prevent air leakage, ensuring that air flows directly through the radiator, enhancing the cooling efficiency of the engine compartment and maintaining optimal HVAC system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more air deflectors are configured to substantially isolate a portion of the bumper assembly from air leakage through the bumper assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper assembly includes a bumper cover, a bumper reinforcement beam spaced apart from the bumper cover, a low speed bumper energy absorber that extends along a front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam between the bumper cover and the bumper reinforcement beam, and a low force energy absorber positioned below the low speed bumper energy absorber. The low force energy absorber includes a body portion extending along the front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam and one or more air deflectors extending from an upper surface of the body portion between the low speed bumper energy absorber and the bumper cover. The one or more air deflectors are configured to substantially isolate a portion of the bumper assembly from air leakage through the bumper assembly.