Bumper Crush Can Layout for Sequential Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle bumpers struggle to effectively manage energy absorption and deformation during frontal impacts with objects of varying size and mass, as their stiffness is determined by material and structure, leading to inefficiencies in energy transfer and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design incorporating first and second crush cans with different deformation strengths, supported by a pyrotechnic device that detaches the first crush can upon impact, allowing controlled kinematics and energy absorption through sequential deformation of the second crush can.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bumper stiffness is increased to reduce damage, then the structural strength is improved, but the energy absorption capability during impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system is segmented into multiple crush cans with different deformation strengths (first crush can with lower strength, second crush can with higher strength). This segmentation allows the system to absorb energy through controlled deformation of individual segments while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the deformation strength parameter of different crush can components. By varying the wall thickness and material properties of each crush can, the system creates a gradient of deformation resistances that enables progressive energy absorption while maintaining adequate structural protection.
2Device complexity
If a single crush can design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different impact conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is divided into multiple crush cans positioned at different locations along the vehicle front. Each crush can is designed with specific deformation characteristics suited for different impact scenarios, enabling the system to adapt to varying impact conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bumper system have different deformation strengths tailored to local requirements. The first crush can has lower wall thickness for initial energy absorption, while the second crush can has higher wall thickness for subsequent energy management, creating local quality variations that enhance overall adaptability.
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
Enhances energy management during impacts by controlling bumper deformation, ensuring efficient energy absorption and reducing structural damage by utilizing sequential crush can engagement.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle includes a frame, a bumper, a first crush can attached to the frame, the first crush can between the frame and the bumper, the first crush can having a first length. The vehicle includes a second crush can attached to the frame, the second crush can between the frame and the bumper, the second crush can having a second length less than the first length. The vehicle includes a pyrotechnic device supported by the frame, the pyrotechnic device actuatable to detach the first crush can from the frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a frame and a bumper. The vehicle includes a first crush can attached to the frame. The first crush can is between the frame and the bumper. The first crush can has a first length. The vehicle includes a second crush can attached to the frame. The second crush can is between the frame and the bumper. The second crush can has a second length less than the first length. The vehicle includes a pyrotechnic device supported by the frame, the pyrotechnic device actuatable to detach the first crush can from the frame.