Compressible Headlamp Stopper for Low-Speed Collision Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low-speed collisions, motor vehicle headlamps can become damaged and cause damage to surrounding components, such as the fender or door, due to breakaway features, leading to costly repairs and potential pedestrian protection compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A compressible stopper, such as a foam block, is positioned between the headlamp and the vehicle frame to engage the headlamp during a low-speed collision, preventing damage by allowing it to breakaway and move rearwardly while absorbing impact forces, thus protecting both the headlamp and surrounding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headlamp is designed to breakaway during low speed collision to provide front end compliance, then pedestrian protection compliance is improved, but damage to surrounding components such as fender or door increases
Solution Approach 1:
A compressible stopper is positioned between the headlamp and the vehicle frame to act as an intermediary element. During low-speed collision, the stopper engages the headlamp and absorbs impact forces through compression, preventing the headlamp from contacting and damaging surrounding components like fender or door, while still allowing the headlamp to breakaway for pedestrian protection
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible stopper is pre-positioned in the gap between the headlamp and vehicle frame before collision occurs. This beforehand cushioning element is ready to absorb impact forces when the headlamp breaksaway during collision, preventing damage to surrounding components while maintaining pedestrian protection compliance
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headlamp is allowed to move rearwardly during collision to provide front end compliance, then front end compliance is improved, but the risk of headlamp causing further damage to vehicle components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible stopper serves as a mediator between the moving headlamp and the vehicle frame. It allows the headlamp to move rearwardly for front end compliance while simultaneously preventing the headlamp from causing further damage to vehicle components by absorbing impact forces through its compressible nature
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper's compressible property allows it to change its physical state during impact, transitioning from a rigid barrier to a compressible cushion that absorbs energy. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate headlamp movement while preventing damage
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 solution effectively reduces damage to the headlamp and surrounding components during low-speed collisions, enhancing pedestrian protection compliance and reducing repair costs by absorbing impact forces and preventing unwanted movement that could cause further damage.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible stopper, such as a foam block, is positioned between the headlamp and the vehicle frame to engage the headlamp during a low-speed collision, preventing damage by allowing it to breakaway and move rearwardly while absorbing impact forces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for protecting against damage to a vehicle during a low speed collision. The apparatus includes a headlamp adapted to breakaway to provide the vehicle with front end compliance for pedestrian protection. To avoid causing further damage to vehicle components during the low speed collision, a compressible stopper, such as a foam block, is provided for simultaneously engaging the headlamp and a component of the vehicle during the rearward movement of the headlamp as a result of the collision. Related methods are also disclosed.