Deployable Bumper Module for Pre-Collision Impact Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle collision safety systems are inadequate in preventing material and human damage during collisions, especially when errors occur in the systems or when drivers are distracted by autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A collision impact attenuation apparatus that includes a speed sensor, a distance sensor, a collision detection unit, a buffer cylinder, a piston connected to a bumper, and a gas generator to detect potential collisions and protrude a bumper to absorb impact before a collision occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If airbags are used to prevent collision damage, then human safety is improved, but material loss protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can independently move forward. The movable portion is specifically designed to absorb impact forces, separating the functions of structural support (fixed portion) and collision attenuation (movable portion). This segmentation allows the bumper to effectively protect both occupants and vehicle materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the bumper is pre-positioned to move forward before actual collision occurs. When a collision is detected or anticipated, the movable portion automatically protrudes ahead of the fixed portion, creating a buffer zone that absorbs impact energy before it reaches the vehicle body, thereby preventing material damage.
2Reliability
If software safety systems are used to avoid collision, then collision prevention is improved, but system errors and driver distraction still cause accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system provides physical cushioning protection that operates independently of software systems. The movable portion is designed to deploy and absorb impact forces even when software systems fail or drivers are distracted, creating a passive safety mechanism that does not rely on active control systems or human response.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bumper portion acts as an intermediary element between the external collision force and the vehicle body. It intercepts and absorbs collision energy through its movement and deformation, serving as a physical mediator that protects the vehicle structure and occupants regardless of software system status or driver attention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If movable bumper portions are used to absorb collision force, then impact attenuation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system where the movable portion can change position. The movable portion is connected through simple rotational joints or sliding mechanisms that allow it to move forward and backward based on collision forces, providing impact attenuation through motion rather than complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bumper portion operates autonomously based on physical principles. When collision force is applied, the movable portion automatically moves forward to absorb impact and then returns to its original position using spring force or gravitational assistance, without requiring external power sources, sensors, or 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
The apparatus significantly reduces material loss and human injury by attenuating the impact of collisions, ensuring reliable operation, and providing enhanced safety features for various types of vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generator (220) installed inside the buffer cylinder (200) at a position adjacent to the head of the piston (210) in the rear of the buffer cylinder (200)
Implementation Method 2
a piston (210) installed to be movable inside the buffer cylinder (200) and connected to a bumper (230) for shock absorption at the front thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an impact attenuation apparatus mounted as a module on a frame of a vehicle, the impact attenuation apparatus including: a speed sensor configured to detect the driving speed of the vehicle; a distance sensor configured to measure the distance between the vehicle and an object in front of or behind the vehicle;a collision detection and determination unit configured to determine the possibility of collision between the vehicle and the object based on information about the driving speed of the vehicle and the distance to the object; a buffer cylinder; a piston installed to be movable inside the buffer cylinder and connected to a bumper for shock absorption at the front thereof; and a gas generator installed inside the buffer cylinder at a position adjacent to the head of the piston in the rear of the buffer cylinder.