Rear Bumper Mechanical Indicator for Low-Energy Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bumper assemblies, particularly rear bumper assemblies, experience structural integrity reduction due to low-energy impacts without visible indication, necessitating a need for low-energy impact indicators to alert users of potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical extending component within the bumper reinforcement member, which remains retracted under normal conditions, extends through the bumper cover upon a low-energy impact, providing a visible indication of structural compromise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bumper assemblies are designed to be structurally strong, then they can withstand impacts, but low-energy impacts may still reduce structural integrity without providing visible indication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanical extending component that changes its position (from retracted to extended) in response to impact energy, creating a visible indication of structural compromise. This binary state change serves as a clear visual signal that the bumper has experienced sufficient impact to potentially affect structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strength and detecting damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bumper assemblies provide multiple functions (impact protection, step, object support), then they increase utility, but they become more susceptible to low-energy impacts that compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical extending component acts as a feedback mechanism that provides immediate visual information when the bumper experiences impact forces. This feedback system allows users to know when structural integrity may be compromised, enabling timely inspection or replacement decisions, thus maintaining reliability despite the bumper's multi-functional use that exposes it to various impact scenarios.
3Shape
If no visible indication is provided after impact, then the bumper maintains aesthetic appearance, but users cannot identify when servicing is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical extending component is extracted from the hidden internal structure and designed to extend outward upon impact, creating a visible indication that does not permanently alter the bumper's aesthetic appearance. The component remains retracted during normal use, preserving the bumper's look, but extends when needed to provide clear damage identification, resolving the contradiction between appearance and detectability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a front and a rear. A vehicle rear bumper assembly is located at the rear of the vehicle body. The vehicle rear bumper assembly includes a bumper beam reinforcement member having an upper part, a lower part and a rearward most part extending between the upper part and the lower part. A bumper cover extends over the upper part. A mechanical extending component is located in the bumper reinforcement member. The mechanical extending component has a retracted configuration located below the bumper cover and an extended configuration where the mechanical extending component penetrates through the bumper cover in response to a low-energy impact to the rearward most part of the bumper beam reinforcement member.