Bumper Device with Pivoting Force Structure for Wheel Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small-overlap collisions, existing bumper devices fail to effectively transfer collision forces into the vehicle's side skirts due to insufficient and delayed fixation of the front wheel, leading to uncontrolled wheel movement and inefficient energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A bumper device with parallel bumper support beams and a distal force introduction structure that pivots or bends to fix the front wheel in place before collision forces are introduced, using an actuator section to engage with the wheel's tread and prevent twisting, allowing controlled force transmission into the side skirts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the front wheel is fixed only when the barrier hits the wheel, then the structure is simpler, but the wheel fixation is delayed and insufficient, leading to uncontrolled wheel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The distal force introduction structure is designed to pivot or bend into a locking position with respect to the wheel BEFORE the barrier makes contact with the wheel. This preliminary action ensures the wheel is secured in advance, preventing uncontrolled movement and maximizing force transmission effectiveness when the collision occurs.
2Force
If the distal force introduction structure is made rigid, then the force transmission is more direct, but the structure cannot adapt to collision dynamics and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The distal force introduction structure is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to pivot or bend about a horizontal axis during collision. This dynamic behavior enables the structure to adapt to the forces applied during small-overlap collisions while still effectively transmitting forces to the wheel, combining flexibility with force transmission capability.
3Loss of energy
If the wheel is allowed to move freely during collision, then the structure is simpler, but energy dissipation is insufficient and structural components are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the distal force introduction structure that can pivot or bend, the wheel, and the side skirt. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the distal structure manages initial contact and wheel fixation, while the side skirt absorbs and dissipates collision energy, achieving effective energy management without excessive overall complexity.
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 device ensures early and effective fixation of the front wheel, preventing uncontrolled movement and enabling controlled transfer of collision forces into the side skirts, enhancing energy absorption and structural integrity during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the distal force introduction structure on the bumper cross member or on the bumper support beam is pivotally mounted or attached in a bendable manner about an axis which is essentially parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle and has an actuator section protruding forward in the direction of travel
Implementation Method 2
when it is pivoted or kinked as a result of the collision, the free end of the distal force introduction structure on the outside of the vehicle is shifted in the direction of the tread of the vehicle wheel
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a bumper device for a vehicle (1) for supporting forces produced in the event of the vehicle colliding with a barrier (B). The invention is characterized in that a respective distal force transmitting structure (3; 103) is designed such that when the force transmitting structure is in a pivoted or bent state due to a collision, the vehicle exterior-side free end (33; 133) of the distal force transmitting structure (3; 103) moves in the direction towards the running surface (42) of the vehicle wheel (4) and fixes the vehicle wheel (4).