Automotive Bumper Energy Conversion System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional automotive bumpers deform during low-energy collisions, leading to increased repair and insurance costs, and fail to effectively absorb all impact energy, potentially harming passengers.

Innovation Solution

An energy conversion system is integrated into the bumper, comprising an impact member and a converter that transforms impact energy into a different form, such as electrical or thermal energy, reducing deformation and redirecting force vectors to minimize passenger injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional bumpers are used to absorb impact energy through physical deformation, then energy absorption is achieved, but repair costs increase and structural integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidbumper repair cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical deformation-based energy absorption system with an electromagnetic energy conversion system. The impact member connected to the converter transforms mechanical impact energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical bumper deformation and thereby reducing repair costs while maintaining energy absorption effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful impact energy that would normally cause damage into useful electrical energy. The converter transforms the mechanical energy from collisions into electrical energy that can be stored or utilized, turning a destructive force into a beneficial resource while protecting the vehicle structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Loss of energy

If traditional bumpers deform to absorb energy, then impact energy is reduced, but passenger safety is compromised due to insufficient energy absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy dissipationVSAvoidpassenger injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the limited mechanical deformation capacity of traditional bumpers with an electromagnetic energy conversion system that can absorb and transform higher levels of impact energy into electrical energy, thereby providing superior energy dissipation and enhanced passenger protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of repair

If an energy conversion system is integrated into the bumper, then repair costs decrease and energy absorption improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebumper repair costVSAvoidenergy conversion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the energy conversion system into distinct modular components: an impact member and a converter. This segmentation allows for independent design, manufacturing, and maintenance of each component, simplifying the overall system complexity while enabling effective energy conversion functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The impact member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural element that receives impact forces and the mechanical component that drives the electromagnetic conversion process. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive energy absorption and conversion capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system reduces the amount of energy absorbed by the vehicle and passengers, minimizing deformation and associated costs, while effectively dissipating impact energy, thereby reducing injury risks in low-energy collisions.

Implementation Method 1

a converter disposed relative to the body and having a fourth engagement structure, the fourth engagement structure being configured to engage with the third engagement structure of the impact member and convert the first type of energy received by the impact member into the second type of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11532970B2Energy conversion systems and methods

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 SCHULMAN RICHARD A

AI summary

Energy conversion systems and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, the system is for converting or redirecting energy received by an impact to an automobile in a proximal direction into another type of energy. The system includes a body having a first engagement structure and an impact member configured to be installed within an outer perimeter compartment of the automobile to receive an impulse. The impact member having a second engagement structure and a third engagement structure. The second engagement structure being configured to engage with the first engagement structure of the body to facilitate the impact member translating in the direction relative to the body. The system further includes a converter having a fourth engagement structure, the fourth engagement structure being configured to engage with the third engagement structure of the impact member and convert the energy received by the impact member into another type of energy. The system may change or redirect a direction of a force vector associated with the received impulse.