Bumper Air Deflectors for Radiator Cooling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with bumper assemblies that include energy absorbing structures often experience air leakage around the radiator, leading to inefficient heating and cooling of the engine compartment due to gaps between energy absorbing components, which can result in recirculation of air and reduced radiator efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of air deflectors within the bumper assembly, specifically between the low speed bumper energy absorber and the bumper cover, which extends along the front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam, substantially isolates the bumper assembly from air leakage, forcing air to flow directly through the radiator rather than being diverted into other pathways.
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 around the radiator occurs leading to reduced cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing structure is segmented into multiple components: a first energy absorber with a first opening and a second energy absorber with a second opening. This segmentation allows for strategic placement of air deflectors at the interfaces between segments, enabling the system to maintain both impact absorption capability and air flow control. The segmented structure creates discrete zones where air leakage can be independently managed.
Solution Approach 2:
Air deflectors are introduced as intermediary elements positioned between the energy absorbing structures and the radiator. These deflectors serve as mediators that redirect air flow without compromising the energy absorption function of the bumper. The air deflectors create a controlled air path that prevents short-circuiting of cooling air while allowing the energy absorbers to maintain their deformation capability.
2Loss of energy
If openings are provided in energy absorbing structures, then air flow through the bumper is improved, but impact energy absorption capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing structures are designed with localized openings rather than complete solid structures. The first and second energy absorbers have strategically positioned openings that allow air passage in specific regions while maintaining structural integrity in other areas. This local quality modification enables simultaneous achievement of air flow penetration and impact energy absorption by optimizing the distribution and size of openings in different zones of the energy absorbers.
Solution Approach 2:
Air deflectors are positioned as intermediary elements that work in conjunction with the openings in the energy absorbing structures. The deflectors guide air through the openings in a controlled manner, ensuring that the openings serve their dual purpose of allowing air flow while maintaining the structural capability to absorb impact energy. The deflectors prevent air from taking unintended paths that would bypass the radiator.
3Loss of energy
If air deflectors are integrated into the bumper assembly, then air leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air deflectors are merged with the energy absorbing structures to form an integrated bumper assembly. Rather than being separate components, the air deflectors are combined with the first and second energy absorbers, creating a unified structure that performs both air flow control and impact energy absorption functions simultaneously. This merging reduces the overall number of discrete parts and simplifies the assembly process while achieving the desired air leakage reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing structures are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide impact energy absorption and simultaneously work with the air deflectors to control air flow. The first and second energy absorbers with their integrated openings and the air deflectors create a multi-functional system where the same structural elements contribute to both safety and thermal management, thereby reducing device complexity despite the added air flow control 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
This solution enhances the efficiency of engine compartment cooling by ensuring that air entering through the grille flows directly through the radiator, improving the heating and cooling performance of the engine compartment and reducing recirculation of air.
Implementation Method 1
one or more air deflectors extending between the body portion and the bumper cover, wherein the one or more air deflectors 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, and 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. The low speed bumper energy absorber includes a body portion extending along the front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam, wherein at least a portion of the body portion is space apart from the bumper cover, and one or more air deflectors extending between the body portion and the bumper cover, wherein the one or more air deflectors substantially isolate a portion of the bumper assembly from air leakage through the bumper assembly.