Motor Vehicle Bumper Vertical Rigidity Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle rear bumpers lack sufficient vertical rigidity and resistance to sunlight, failing to meet the requirements of high load-bearing capacity with minimal deformation and maintaining mechanical characteristics over time.
Innovation Solution
The bumper design incorporates vertical and horizontal plates linked to a transverse frame along lines of least mechanical resistance, with horizontal plates extending perpendicularly to increase contact surface and vertical rigidity, and a lower rigid surface for additional support, along with ribs for improved impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bumper structures are used, then the bumper can be manufactured with standard designs, but the vertical rigidity is insufficient and deformation exceeds acceptable limits under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The support members transition from a single vertical orientation to a combined vertical-horizontal plate configuration. The horizontal plates extend perpendicular to the vertical plates, creating a two-dimensional structural element that resists deformation in multiple directions while maintaining vertical load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse support combines multiple material functions by integrating vertical plates for primary load bearing, horizontal plates for additional rigidity and sunlight resistance, and linking them to the transverse frame. This composite structure achieves superior vertical rigidity and environmental resistance compared to single-material solutions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bumper structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then production costs decrease, but resistance to sunlight degradation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse support is segmented into distinct vertical and horizontal plate components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing efficiency and enabling the inclusion of specialized materials for sunlight resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transverse support are given different properties: vertical plates are optimized for load bearing, horizontal plates are positioned to provide sunlight resistance where needed, and the linking regions are designed for structural integration. This local differentiation addresses sunlight resistance in specific areas without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
3Strength
If vertical rigidity is increased through structural modifications, then load-bearing capacity improves, but the complexity of the bumper structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical and horizontal plates are merged into integrated support members that function as unified structural elements. The vertical plates connect to the transverse frame while horizontal plates extend from them, creating a combined structure that achieves enhanced load-bearing capacity without requiring entirely separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the vertical plates provide primary load bearing, the horizontal plates add rigidity and sunlight resistance, and the entire assembly integrates with the transverse frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing structural complexity while achieving superior performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The bumper has support units placed under an upper wing of a bumper skin in a cavity, which is defined between the upper wing and a shield. The support units are retracted during impact on the shield. A transverse support (14) includes a transverse frame (26) adapted to be rigidly fixed on a housing of a vehicle. The support units are formed by vertical plates (48, 50). Each support unit includes horizontal plates (52, 54), which extend from the bumper skin between the vertical plates and the upper wing perpendicular to the vertical plates.