Vehicle Bumper Energy Absorbing Member with Movable Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle bumper assemblies are inadequate in effectively absorbing impact energy and reducing the force transmitted to the vehicle body structure during an impact event.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle bumper assembly incorporates a first energy absorbing member, a reinforcement member, and a second energy absorbing member with a retaining member and compression members that move within the retaining member to absorb energy, reducing the force transmitted to the vehicle body structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional bumper assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the energy absorption capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly is divided into multiple energy absorbing members (first and second energy absorbing members) with distinct functions. The first energy absorbing member handles initial impact while the second member with compression members handles subsequent energy absorption, creating a segmented approach to energy management that improves overall absorption capability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second energy absorbing member incorporates movable compression members that can dynamically adjust their compression state during impact events. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying impact forces and durations, maximizing energy absorption efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Force
If energy absorption is maximized, then the impact force transmitted to vehicle body structure is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is segmented across multiple members with the first energy absorbing member providing initial cushioning and the second energy absorbing member with compression members providing additional force reduction. This segmentation allows force transmission to be managed in stages, reducing peak forces without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the bumper assembly have specialized properties optimized for their specific functions. The compression members in the second energy absorbing member have specific material properties and geometric configurations tailored for force reduction, while other components are optimized for their respective roles, allowing effective force management through localized optimization rather than uniform complexity
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 configuration enhances energy absorption and reduces rebound energy, maximizing the time over which energy is absorbed, thereby minimizing the impact force transmitted to the vehicle body structure.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first compression member is configured to move through the retaining member responsive to an impact event
Implementation Method 2
at least one compression member configured to move during an impact event to absorb energy associated with the impact event
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle bumper assembly includes a first energy absorbing member extending in a lateral direction of a vehicle. A reinforcement member extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle and is connected to the first energy absorbing member. A second energy absorbing member is connected to the reinforcement member. The second energy absorbing member includes a first bracket member configured to be connected to a vehicle body structure of the vehicle. A retaining member extends outwardly from the first bracket member. The retaining member has a first portion having a substantially constant first height and a second portion having a second height less than the first height. At least one first compression member is movably disposed in the retaining member. The at least one first compression member is configured to move through the retaining member responsive to an impact event.