Pedestrian Bumper Stiffener with Integrated Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bumper arrangements for passenger cars require a large number of parts and significant installation space to detect collisions with pedestrians, particularly in the front area, which is weight-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A bumper arrangement that utilizes a stiffening element with integrated sensors to detect deformation caused by pedestrian collisions, eliminating the need for additional components like pressure hoses, where the stiffening element accelerates pedestrians onto the hood while also detecting collisions through pressure changes in a gas-filled chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose is used to detect pedestrian collision through pressure changes, then collision detection can be achieved, but the number of parts increases leading to high weight and large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collision detection function with the existing stiffening element by integrating a pressure sensor directly into the stiffening element structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate detection components like hoses, thereby reducing the number of parts, weight, and installation space while maintaining reliable collision detection capability through pressure change measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening element is given dual functionality: it continues to provide structural stiffening support for the bumper covering while simultaneously serving as the collision detection component through its integrated pressure sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection components, reducing overall system weight and complexity.
2Reliability
If a hose is used to detect pedestrian collision, then collision detection can be achieved, but a large amount of installation space is required in the front area
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is merged into the existing stiffening element structure with the pressure sensor integrated directly into it. This eliminates the need for separate hoses and detection components that would occupy additional front area space, thereby reducing installation space requirements while maintaining collision detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from separate components (hoses) and integrates it directly into the stiffening element. This extraction and integration approach eliminates unnecessary intermediate components and their associated installation space requirements in the front area.
3Reliability
If a hose is used for collision detection, then pedestrian collision can be detected, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collision detection function with the existing stiffening element by integrating a pressure sensor directly into the stiffening element. This consolidation reduces the number of parts by eliminating separate detection components like hoses while maintaining reliable collision detection through pressure change measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening element serves dual purposes: structural support and collision detection. By making the stiffening element multi-functional with an integrated pressure sensor, the patent eliminates the need for separate detection components, thereby reducing the overall number of parts in the bumper arrangement.
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 solution allows for efficient, weight-saving, and space-efficient collision detection, enabling timely activation of protective measures like raising the front hood to enhance pedestrian safety, with the stiffening element providing dual functionality in collision detection and pedestrian protection.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is designed to detect a pressure change in the chamber resulting from the deformation of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bumper assembly (12) for a passenger car, comprising a bumper cover (14) for covering a flexible cross-member (16) and at least one stiffening element (10) for stiffing the bumper cover (14) at least below the flexible cross-member (16), wherein at least one sensor (32) coupled to the stiffening element (10) is provided for detecting deformation of the stiffening element (10) resulting from a collision of the passenger car with a pedestrian.