Front Bumper Frame Structure for Progressive Head Impact Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bumper frames in vehicles have sharp edges and protrusions that cause sudden forces on the head during a collision, preventing the hood from effectively absorbing impact and increasing the risk of bodily injury.
Innovation Solution
A bumper frame design with a concave central sub-part and a fusible area that deforms or breaks to allow the hood to deform progressively, eliminating sudden forces and promoting absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bumper designs with separate components are used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but structural integrity and strength during head impact are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bumper cover and bumper beam into a single integrated component. The bumper cover includes an integrated bumper beam receiving portion that directly engages with the vehicle frame, eliminating the need for separate bumper beam components while maintaining structural integrity during head impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece bumper structure performs multiple functions: it provides cosmetic coverage, structural support, and impact absorption. The integrated design allows the bumper cover to serve as both the aesthetic exterior panel and the structural beam that engages with the vehicle frame during collisions.
2Ease of repair
If the bumper is designed to be replaceable in minor collisions, then repair cost and time are reduced, but structural stability during severe impact may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system is segmented into replaceable modules: the bumper cover can be independently replaced after minor collisions, while the integrated bumper beam receiving portion remains attached to the vehicle frame. This segmentation allows cost-effective repair of cosmetic damage while preserving the structural integrity components for severe impact protection.
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
Reduces bodily injuries by allowing the hood to function as a progressive shock absorber, minimizing sudden forces on the head and neck during impact.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorption feature positioned between the head impactor and the occupant portion
Implementation Method 2
a first arm extending from the bumper cover toward the head impactor and configured to apply a force to the head impactor away from the occupant portion; a second arm extending from the bumper cover toward the head impactor and configured to apply a force to the head impactor away from the occupant portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a bumper framework (AP) fitted to a front end of a vehicle, which bumper framework comprises an upper wall (PS) placed beneath a front bonnet of the vehicle and comprising, in a front part (PV) placed beneath a front part of the front bonnet, a central sub-part (SPC) having a concave and semi-spherical shape allowing a central area of the front part of the front bonnet to be depressed during an impact with a person's head while conforming to the overall shape of this head, in addition to a weak area (ZF) surrounding a rear portion of this central sub-part (SPC), extending to the right and left thereof, and capable of deforming and/or breaking if depressed towards the rear of the vehicle by the front bonnet, in order to amplify the deformation of the front bonnet towards the rear of the vehicle.