Bumper Assembly Load Transfer Structure for Small Overlap Impacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of existing bumper assemblies, as described in Patent Document No. 1, does not effectively transmit collision loads during a small overlap test (SOT) to the vehicle's frame structure, necessitating improvement.
Innovation Solution
A bumper assembly comprising a beam, an energy absorption member, and a load transmission member with a plate-like portion and protrusion portions that overlap and are joined with the energy absorption member, allowing efficient load transmission to the vehicle's frame structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spacer members are used to transmit collision load to the frame structure, then load transmission is achieved, but the transmission effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmission member extends in the vehicle width direction (lateral dimension) beyond the energy absorption member, creating a broader load distribution path. This dimensional extension allows the collision load to be transmitted more effectively to multiple points on the frame structure, resolving the insufficient load transmission effectiveness while maintaining structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The load transmission member is divided into distinct functional portions: a first portion that contacts the energy absorption member for load reception, and a second portion that extends laterally to contact the frame structure for load distribution. This segmentation enables optimized load transmission pathways while avoiding unnecessary structural complexity
2Reliability
If the load transmission member overlaps the energy absorption member in the vehicle width direction, then load transmission path is created, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmission member is integrally formed as a single continuous structure that combines both the load-receiving portion and the load-distributing portion. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and complex joining mechanisms, achieving effective collision load transmission while minimizing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The load transmission member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it receives collision load from the beam, transmits the load through its structure, distributes the load to the frame structure via lateral extension, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the bumper assembly
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 bumper assembly effectively transmits collision loads to the vehicle's frame structure, preventing beam breakage and enhancing safety in small overlap tests.
Implementation Method 1
a load transmission member located between a position, in the beam, against which a barrier is to collide in an SOT (small overlap test) and the energy absorption member, and joined with the rear surface of the beam so as to overlap at least a portion of the energy absorption member in the vehicle width direction
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper assembly (100A) comprises: a beam (10) that extends in the vehicle width direction of a vehicle in a state of being attached to the vehicle; an energy absorbing member (20) that is joined to the back surface of the beam; and a load transfer member (30A) that is located between the energy absorbing member (20) and a location on the beam (10) at which a barrier collides in a small overlap test (SOT), and that is joined to the back surface of the beam so as to overlap with the energy absorbing member at least partially in the vehicle width direction.