Centrifugal Deformation Element for Vehicle Bumper Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformation elements in motor vehicles, which combine soft and hard components for energy absorption between the bumper and crossmember, result in an undesirable overhang and impact on ramp angle, compromising both low-speed crash protection and pedestrian safety.
Innovation Solution
A deformation element with a centrifugal-force-activated release mechanism that adjusts and locks the distance between the crossmember holder and bumper plate, allowing for load-case-dependent actuation and displacement, featuring a plunger, centrifugal levers, and a resetting device to optimize energy absorption in different crash scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soft component and hard component are enmeshed to form an energy absorption system between bumper and crossmember, then low-speed crash protection and pedestrian safety are improved, but the overhang distance increases and ramp angle is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation element incorporates a centrifugal-force-activated release element that dynamically adjusts the distance between the bumper plate and crossmember holder based on crash conditions. In normal operation, the element maintains a compact configuration, but during a crash, centrifugal force triggers the release mechanism to allow controlled deformation and energy absorption, thus providing protection without permanent overhang
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the distance parameter between the bumper plate and crossmember holder from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on crash conditions. The centrifugal-force-activated release element enables the distance to adjust based on the intensity and type of collision, optimizing both aesthetic appearance during normal use and protective function during crashes
2Length of moving object
If the distance between bumper plate and crossmember holder is reduced for aesthetic purposes, then overhang is minimized, but the ability to absorb crash energy effectively is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation element uses a centrifugal-force-activated release mechanism that keeps the bumper plate close to the crossmember holder during normal operation for aesthetic purposes, but automatically increases the effective deformation space when crash forces are detected, thus maintaining both aesthetic appearance and energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions the bumper plate in a compact configuration close to the crossmember holder. The centrifugal-force-activated release element is pre-loaded and ready to trigger, allowing the system to quickly transition to an energy-absorbing configuration when needed, without requiring permanent space allocation
3Reliability
If a centrifugal-force-activated release element is added to enable load-case-dependent actuation, then crash protection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifugal-force-activated release element is a self-activating mechanism that uses the physical principles of centrifugal force generated during a crash to automatically trigger the deformation element. The system requires no external sensors, control units, or power sources, thus improving reliability through simplicity while avoiding the complexity of electronic control systems
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
Enables precise and reliable load-case-dependent triggering and displacement of the deformation element, reducing the distance between the bumper plate and crossmember holder, thereby enhancing both low-speed crash protection and pedestrian safety without compromising aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
A centrifugal-force-activated release element for adjusting and locking the distance between the crossmember holder and bumper plate is provided between the bumper plate and crossmember holder
Data Source
AI summary
To improve the safety of passengers of a motor vehicle and road users in the case of a head-on collision, a deformation element is provided and includes a crossmember holder for mounting to a crossmember and a bumper plate that can be positioned next to a bumper of a motor vehicle. The deformation element is characterized in that a centrifugal force-operated release element for adjusting and locking the distance of the crossmember holder from the bumper plate is provided between the bumper plate and the crossmember holder. A first distance of the bumper plate from the crossmember holder, starting from a normal position, is greater in a first position than a distance in a second position.