Open-Profile Bumper Cross Member for Offset Crash Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bumper arrangements in motor vehicles do not adequately address the challenge of improved crash behavior, particularly in offset crashes, where the cross member design fails to effectively divert impact energy and prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A cross member designed as a one-sided open hollow profile with obliquely downward end sections, which extend over approximately 10 to 30% of its length, providing additional load paths and resistance by hooking below the wheel center, thus diverting impact forces laterally and preventing intrusion into the wheel well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cross member is designed with a conventional horizontal profile, then the bumper arrangement provides basic structural support, but the crash energy cannot be effectively diverted in offset crashes leading to potential intrusion into the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member is designed with asymmetric end sections that extend diagonally downwards relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, creating an asymmetric profile that directs crash energy laterally away from the passenger compartment in offset crash scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The end sections of the cross member are extended in a diagonal direction combining both longitudinal and lateral dimensions, creating a three-dimensional load path that effectively diverts impact forces away from the vehicle's central structure
2Reliability
If the cross member end sections are extended diagonally downwards, then additional load paths are created to divert impact forces, but the structural complexity of the cross member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member integrates the diagonal end sections as an integral part of its structure, merging the load-diversion function directly into the main structural component rather than using separate auxiliary elements
3Reliability
If the end sections extend over 10 to 30% of the total length, then the load path for crash energy diversion is sufficiently long, but the amount of material and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal extension length is optimized to occupy 10 to 30% of the total cross member length, providing sufficient load path for effective energy diversion while controlling material consumption and manufacturing complexity within acceptable ranges
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 obliquely designed cross member enhances crash energy absorption and diversion, ensuring that the impact is directed laterally and providing additional resistance to intrusion, thereby improving safety by ensuring the cross member is supported by the wheel and sill, preventing the cross member from sliding off the wheel and effectively diverting impacting objects.
Implementation Method 1
the crash boxes fold, for example, like an accordion, and thus convert crash energy into deformation work
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bumper arrangement (14) for a motor vehicle, comprising a cross member (1) which can be coupled to a motor vehicle by means of crash boxes (8), wherein the cross member (1) is designed as a hollow profile open on one side, wherein an opening of the hollow profile points forward, and wherein the cross member (1) is designed to run obliquely downwards in its end sections with respect to the vertical direction.