Segmented Bumper Reinforcement for Uniform Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle impact absorbing systems with bumper reinforcements made from extruded aluminum alloy materials face challenges in maintaining effective impact absorption when the length of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle height direction is smaller than that of the impact absorbing members, leading to inadequate collision absorption and increased production costs due to trimming processes.
Innovation Solution
The impact absorbing device incorporates a bumper reinforcement with a body portion and reinforcing portions that extend in the vehicle width direction, where the body portion has a length in the vehicle height direction shorter than the impact absorbing member, and the reinforcing portions are fixed along the front end surface of the impact absorbing member, positioned above or below the body portion, to enhance impact absorption without compromising radiator cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the bumper reinforcement length in vehicle height direction is reduced to avoid trimming and lower production cost, then production cost is reduced, but impact absorption performance deteriorates because the impact absorbing member cannot be compressed uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper reinforcement is segmented into a body portion and reinforcing portions. The body portion has a reduced height to avoid trimming and lower cost, while the reinforcing portions extend along the front end surface of the impact absorbing member to ensure uniform compression and maintain impact absorption performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the bumper reinforcement have different functions and structures. The body portion provides structural support with reduced height, while the reinforcing portions provide localized reinforcement at critical areas where the impact absorbing member needs uniform compression, achieving both cost reduction and performance maintenance.
2Loss of substance
If the bumper reinforcement length in vehicle height direction is reduced, then material usage is reduced and production cost is lowered, but the impact absorbing member distal end portions bend downward instead of compressing uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper reinforcement is divided into a body portion and reinforcing portions. This segmentation allows the body portion to be shorter (reducing material usage) while the reinforcing portions maintain the structural integrity needed for uniform compression of the impact absorbing member.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing portions extend in the vehicle width direction along the front end surface of the impact absorbing member, adding a dimensional aspect that provides reinforcement without increasing the height dimension, thus maintaining material efficiency while improving deformation uniformity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the bumper reinforcement is made shorter in vehicle height direction, then it no longer interrupts airflow to the radiator, but impact absorption performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper reinforcement has different structural characteristics at different locations. The body portion has reduced height to allow airflow to the radiator, while the reinforcing portions are strategically positioned to maintain impact absorption performance, achieving both airflow improvement and collision protection.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the bumper reinforcement into body and reinforcing portions, the design allows the body to be optimized for airflow (shorter height) while the reinforcing portions are optimized for impact absorption, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and safety performance.
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
This configuration improves impact absorption performance by ensuring the impact absorbing member is compressed uniformly, preventing downward bending and maintaining high absorption efficiency even with a shorter bumper reinforcement length, while reducing production costs by minimizing material waste.
Implementation Method 1
the impact absorbing members are deformed so as to be compressed in their axis directions (the vehicle front-rear direction). Thus, an impact due to the collision is absorbed
Implementation Method 2
the impact absorbing members are deformed so as to be compressed in their axis directions
Data Source
AI summary
An impact absorbing device includes an impact absorbing member extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; and a bumper reinforcement that extends in a vehicle width direction and is attached to a front end surface of the impact absorbing member. The bumper reinforcement includes a body portion extending in the vehicle width direction and having a length in a vehicle height direction that is smaller than a length of the impact absorbing member in the vehicle height direction, and a reinforcing portion fixed to the body portion and extending along a portion of the front end surface of the impact absorbing member, the portion being positioned above or below the body portion.