Reconfigurable Bumper End Inserts for Vehicle Access and Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional bumper ends on vehicles lack functional versatility and do not provide additional safety or utility beyond serving as mounting locations for lights, failing to offer enhanced functionality during low-speed collisions or everyday use.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable bumper end system that includes a socketed design allowing for interchangeable inserts, such as a step insert for increased access and a safety indicator insert with warning features, enhancing both safety and usability by providing additional functionality like a step surface and visual alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional bumper ends are used with fixed mounting locations for lights, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the functionality is limited and lacks versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper end is designed with a universal socket interface that can accommodate multiple types of inserts (step inserts, safety indicator inserts, light mounts), allowing a single structural component to serve multiple functions including lighting, safety warnings, and pedestrian assistance features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bumper end is divided into a fixed body portion and removable insert portions, allowing the functional elements to be independently selected, replaced, or configured based on specific needs while maintaining a consistent mounting structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If bumper ends are designed with additional functional features, then safety and usability are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The socket structure is pre-formed as an integral part of the bumper end body during the primary manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps for the mounting interface and simplifying production of the complete assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insert portions are designed to be received within the socket of the bumper end body, with retention structures that nest the insert securely in place, allowing complex functional features to be added without requiring complex integration processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12109962B2Reconfigurable vehicle bumper ends

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 WHS ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A multi-purpose vehicle includes reconfigurable bumper ends each including a vehicle bumper end body configured to securely attach to a vehicle bumper and extend along a side of a vehicle on which the vehicle bumper is mounted. A socket formed within the vehicle bumper end body is configured to receive an insert portion of a bumper end insert. Bumper end inserts may include a step insert or a safety indicator insert.