Lateral Bumper Reinforcement Deflecting Water from Air Extractor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation air extractor systems in motor vehicles are vulnerable to water splashing and noise interference, leading to reduced longevity and increased integration complexity due to limited protection and additional sizing constraints.
Innovation Solution
A lateral reinforcement for the rear bumper with a transverse wall surrounding the air extractor, incorporating a horizontal lower portion, vertical side portions, and an upper portion with notches, which extends around the air extractor to deflect water and reduce noise, made in one piece with the bumper for simplified integration and reduced parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective frame or protective wall is added around the air extractor, then protection from water runoff is improved, but device complexity and integration constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective wall function with the existing lateral reinforcement structure of the rear bumper. The reinforcement element serves dual purposes: structural stiffening of the bumper and protection of the air extractor from water runoff. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective components and simplifies integration into the vehicle bodywork.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral reinforcement element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural stiffening to the rear bumper, acts as a protective barrier against water runoff for the air extractor, and serves as a mounting surface for the air extractor itself. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the rear bumper assembly.
2Reliability
If additional protective components are integrated into the rear bumper, then protection from water and noise is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective wall is integrated directly into the lateral reinforcement structure that is already part of the rear bumper assembly. By combining the protective function with an existing structural component, the patent avoids adding separate protective parts that would require additional manufacturing steps and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective wall is designed as part of the modular lateral reinforcement structure that can be independently formed and then integrated into the rear bumper. This segmentation allows the protective element to be manufactured separately as a standardized component and then assembled into the final bumper assembly, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air extractor is positioned closer to the rear wheel, then vehicle design flexibility is improved, but exposure to water splashing and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral reinforcement structure with its integrated protective wall acts as an intermediary barrier between the air extractor and the harmful environment near the rear wheel. This intermediary structure allows the air extractor to be positioned closer to the wheel for design flexibility while still providing protection from water splashing and noise through the reinforcement wall.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a lateral reinforcement (1) for a motor vehicle rear bumper (2) comprising a mounting surface (11) for mounting on an inner lateral surface of the bumper, and stiffening means extending along the mounting surface (11). The reinforcement (1) comprises a wall (6) extending transversely to the mounting surface (11) and defining a profile capable of surrounding and partitioning an ambient air extractor (3) of the vehicle, arranged on the structure of said vehicle. Attachment means allow the attachment, to the lateral reinforcement (1), of a bodywork element (7) to which the extractor (3) is mounted, without blocking the inlet (30) of same. In particular, this partitioning contributes to the acoustic insulation of the internal compartments of the vehicle.