Bumper Reinforcement with Segmented Crushing Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bumper reinforcements with increased section stiffness tend to exhibit a sharp increase in collision reaction force in the early stage of a collision, failing to meet design requirements.
Innovation Solution
A bumper reinforcement design featuring a hollow material with a rear wall, upper and lower walls, and front, upper, and lower reinforcing walls, where the front wall is located forward of a virtual line passing through the foremost points of the upper and lower reinforcing walls, creating an unpartitioned primary crushing space that is crushed promptly to reduce the peak and gradient of the collision reaction force, and secondary crushing spaces that enhance torsional rigidity for energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the section stiffness of the bumper reinforcement is increased by providing partitions, then the amount of collision energy absorbed is improved, but the collision reaction force increases sharply in the early stage of collision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the inner space into multiple crushing spaces (first crushing space, second crushing space, third crushing space) separated by partitions. This segmentation allows progressive collapse during collision, enabling energy absorption while controlling the reaction force profile. The partitions are strategically positioned to create zones that collapse in sequence, preventing sharp force increases while maintaining total energy absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the bumper reinforcement. The front portion features an unpartitioned first crushing space for initial energy absorption with controlled force, while the rear portion contains partitioned second and third crushing spaces for additional energy absorption. This local differentiation allows the structure to provide appropriate stiffness and energy absorption characteristics in each region, resolving the contradiction between overall energy absorption and early-stage force control.
2Weight of moving object
If the section stiffness is increased to reduce wall thickness and weight, then the weight of the bumper reinforcement is reduced, but the collision reaction force gradient becomes too steep
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented crushing space design allows the use of thinner walls while maintaining controlled force characteristics. The multiple crushing zones create a progressive collapse mechanism that limits the rate of force increase, enabling weight reduction through thinner walls without sacrificing force control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first crushing space is designed to collapse first, before the partitioned spaces behind it. This preliminary action of the unpartitioned front space absorbs initial collision energy with a controlled force gradient, preventing the sharp force increases that would occur if the stiffer partitioned spaces engaged immediately. This allows the use of lighter, thinner materials while maintaining acceptable force characteristics.
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 lowers the peak of the collision reaction force and reduces its gradient, ensuring efficient energy absorption and maintaining section stiffness after primary crushing, thereby improving collision response and reducing the risk of V-shaped bending.
Implementation Method 1
absorbs collision energy during a process in which the bumper reinforcement undergoes bending deformation (hereinafter referred to as a 'beam deflection process')
Implementation Method 2
absorbs collision energy during a process in which the bumper stays break into the bumper reinforcement (hereinafter referred to as a 'beam crushing process')
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a bumper reinforcement made of a hollow material, including: a rear wall facing a vehicle body; an upper wall extending forward from a top of the rear wall; a lower wall extending forward from a bottom of the rear wall; a front wall supported only by the upper wall and the lower wall; an upper reinforcing wall extending from a middle in a height direction of the rear wall up to a middle in a front-rear direction of the upper wall; and a lower reinforcing wall extending from the middle in the height direction of the rear wall up to a middle in the front-rear direction of the lower wall, wherein: the front wall is located frontward of a virtual line passing through a foremost of the upper reinforcing wall and a foremost of the lower reinforcing wall in a cross section.