Bumper Reinforcement Offset Collision Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bumper structures are prone to uneven crushing during offset collisions, leading to potential malfunctions where the bumper reinforcement either gets under or on top of the collision partner, as the collision load is not effectively distributed when the collision partner's height is offset from the partition wall.
Innovation Solution
A bumper reinforcement design featuring a hollow shape with upper and lower crushing spaces and a support structure that includes upper and lower support walls, an intermediate support wall, and a partition wall, where the intersections of these walls are strategically positioned to balance the distribution of collision loads and prevent premature crushing of the support spaces, allowing for equal energy absorption on both sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional bumper structure with a single partition wall is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the collision load is not evenly distributed during offset collisions, causing uneven crushing and potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The single partition wall is segmented into multiple partition walls (first partition wall and second partition wall) that divide the internal space into multiple crushing spaces. This segmentation allows the collision load to be distributed across multiple separate crushing zones, preventing uneven crushing during offset collisions while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bumper reinforcement are given different functional qualities through the strategic placement of multiple partition walls. The first crushing space and second crushing space are positioned to handle different collision scenarios, with the first partition wall and second partition wall creating localized crushing zones that optimize energy absorption for various offset collision conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the upper half part or lower half part of the bumper reinforcement is allowed to crush completely, then collision energy is absorbed, but the collision load cannot be received thereafter and the bumper reinforcement may get under or on top of the collision partner
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space is divided into multiple crushing spaces (first crushing space, second crushing space, and potentially third crushing space) separated by partition walls. This segmentation ensures that not all crushing spaces collapse simultaneously during offset collisions, maintaining structural stability and continued load-bearing capability even as energy is absorbed through controlled progressive crushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper reinforcement is pre-designed with multiple crushing spaces and partition walls positioned to create a progressive crushing sequence. During offset collisions, the structure is engineered to absorb energy through controlled deformation of specific crushing spaces while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing the bumper reinforcement from getting under or on top of the collision partner.
3Strength
If a support wall is added to improve section rigidity, then thickness and weight can be reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls serve multiple functions simultaneously: they divide the internal space into crushing spaces for energy absorption, provides structural support to maintain section rigidity, and create the necessary geometry for controlled crushing sequences. This multi-functionality allows the structure to achieve high strength without requiring additional separate support elements, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure and energy absorption structure are merged into a single integrated design. The partition walls that create the crushing spaces also serve as the primary support elements for the bumper reinforcement. This merging eliminates the need for separate support walls, reducing the number of components and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining both strength and energy absorption capabilities.
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 design effectively withstands offset collisions by ensuring that the bumper reinforcement absorbs collision energy evenly and reduces the likelihood of getting under or on top of the collision partner, maintaining stability and energy absorption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
absorbs collision energy in a process of allowing bending deformation to arise in the bumper reinforcement
Implementation Method 2
absorbs collision energy in a process of allowing crushing to arise in the bumper stays
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper reinforcement composed of a hollow shape material includes: a rear wall; an upper wall; a lower wall; a front wall; a partition wall located between the rear wall and the front wall and extending from the upper wall to the lower wall; an upper support wall and a lower support wall located between the upper wall and the lower wall and extending from the rear wall to the partition wall; and an intermediate support wall located between the upper wall and the lower wall and extending from the front wall to the partition wall. An intersection of the partition wall with the upper support wall is located above an intersection of the partition wall with the intermediate support wall, and an intersection of the partition wall with the lower support wall is located below the intersection of the partition wall with the intermediate support wall.