Segmented Vehicle Bumper Structure for Collision Energy Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle bumper structures do not sufficiently absorb energy during collisions, as the inclined surface of the bumper absorber deflects colliding objects outward but fails to effectively manage energy absorption.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle bumper structure incorporates a first impact absorber with small and large reaction sections extending in the vehicle width direction, where the small reaction sections are disposed on the outer end and generate a predetermined reaction, while the large reaction sections, adjacent to them, generate a larger reaction, guiding colliding objects outward and increasing energy absorption capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bumper absorber uses an inclined surface to deflect colliding objects outward, then the colliding object is redirected away from the vehicle, but the energy absorption capacity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolliding object deflectionVSAvoidenergy absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The impact absorber is divided into multiple sections along the vehicle width direction, with each section having a different reaction characteristic (small reaction section on outer end, large reaction section on inner side). This segmentation allows the bumper to provide both deflection and energy absorption functions simultaneously by guiding the colliding object through a controlled path that increases stroke amount while maintaining outward deflection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the impact absorber are designed with different local properties - the small reaction section on the outer end provides gentle guidance and deflection, while the large reaction section on the inner side provides strong energy absorption. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate reaction characteristic at each location along the impact path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a single reaction force is applied to the colliding object, then the structure is simple, but the energy absorption capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorber structureVSAvoidenergy absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The impact absorber provides a dynamic reaction force that changes along the impact path. As the colliding object moves from the outer end toward the inner side, the reaction force transitions from small to large, creating a progressive energy absorption effect that increases overall capacity without requiring a complex multi-component system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reaction force is distributed along the vehicle width direction rather than applied at a single point. This dimensional distribution allows the system to absorb energy through both the width direction (deflection) and the depth direction (stroke amount), effectively increasing energy absorption capacity while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 during collisions by changing the moving direction of the colliding object, increasing the stroke amount and absorption capacity, thereby improving protection for pedestrians and reducing injury risks.

Implementation Method 1

The small reaction section is configured to generate a predetermined reaction against a colliding object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReaction force: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 2

The large reaction section is configured to generate a larger reaction against the colliding object than the predetermined reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11845389B2Vehicle bumper structure

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A vehicle bumper structure to be applied to a vehicle includes an impact absorber to be disposed on a front end side or a rear end side of the vehicle so as to extends in a vehicle width direction. The impact absorber includes small reaction section and a large reaction section. The small reaction section is to be disposed on an outer end side in the vehicle width direction. The small reaction section is configured to generate a predetermined reaction against a colliding object. The large reaction section is to be disposed on an inner side of the small reaction section in the vehicle width direction. The large reaction section is adjacent to the small reaction section. The large reaction section is configured to generate a larger reaction against the colliding object than the predetermined reaction.