Bumper Cross Member Protrusion for Small Overlap Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle bodies are inadequate in managing collisions with small overlap, where energy absorption and prevention of structural damage are critical, as they often result in excessive deformation and potential tearing of the bumper cross member during such incidents.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle body design featuring a longitudinal beam, a bumper cross member with an end section that protrudes transversely, and a cantilever beam positioned between the wheel mount and the bumper cross member, which cooperates to absorb collision energy by allowing partial deformation and preventing excessive deformation of the bumper cross member, thereby reducing transverse forces and facilitating lateral slip between collision partners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bumper cross member is made more robust to prevent deformation, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and collision energy absorption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper cross member features a variable cross-sectional design where the wall thickness is increased at the end section that protrudes beyond the longitudinal beam, while other sections maintain standard thickness. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength for collision energy absorption and prevents tearing at the critical impact zone without increasing the weight of the entire cross member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the bumper cross member by extending the end section beyond the longitudinal beam in the transverse direction. This parameter change creates a cantilever-like structure that enhances collision energy absorption capability while maintaining overall structural efficiency and minimizing weight increase.
2Loss of energy
If the bumper cross member is designed to absorb more collision energy through deformation, then collision energy absorption is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to excessive deformation and potential tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper cross member features a variable cross-sectional design where the wall thickness is increased at the end section that protrudes beyond the longitudinal beam, while other sections maintain standard thickness. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength for collision energy absorption and prevents tearing at the critical impact zone without increasing the weight of the entire cross member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the end section of the bumper cross member to intentionally deform during collision, converting the harmful impact energy into beneficial structural deformation that absorbs collision energy. The controlled deformation at the protruding end section protects the main vehicle structure by sacrificing a localized portion that can bend and buckle without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Force
If a deflector device with articulated beam construction is used to generate transverse force, then transverse force generation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the collision energy absorption function and transverse force generation function into the bumper cross member itself. The end section that protrudes beyond the longitudinal beam serves dual purposes: it absorbs collision energy through controlled deformation and generates transverse force by impacting the wheel mount or vehicle body during offset collisions. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate articulated beam constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding end section of the bumper cross member is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a collision energy absorber during frontal impacts, generates transverse force during offset collisions by contacting the wheel mount or vehicle body, and provides structural reinforcement at the critical impact zone. This multi-functional design replaces complex specialized devices with a versatile structural element.
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 design effectively absorbs collision energy, reduces the risk of structural damage, and allows collision partners to slide off laterally, enhancing safety and maintaining structural integrity during small overlap collisions while maintaining a lightweight construction.
Implementation Method 1
the end section of the bumper cross member is only deformed to a certain degree during a frontal collision, which is to say it is bent or buckles in the collision direction
Implementation Method 2
This partial deformation of the end section already causes a certain absorption of the collision energy
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle body includes a longitudinal beam, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to one end of the longitudinal beam, wherein an end section of the bumper cross member protrudes over the longitudinal beam in the transverse direction, and a cantilever beam, which protrudes into a space between a wheel mount and the bumper cross member. The cantilever beam and the end section of the bumper cross member are disposed so as to cooperate with each other such that, during a frontal collision, in particular during a frontal collision with small overlap, the end section of the bumper cross member deformed by the frontal collision impacts an end face of the cantilever beam and can be supported at this end face so that further deformation of the end section of the bumper cross member is prevented.