Front-End Energy Absorber Cavity for Grille Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles' functional accessories at the front and rear ends, such as sensors and image capture devices, are susceptible to damage or dislocation during low-force impacts due to the lack of effective force absorption mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The integration of energy absorbers with cavities that accommodate inward axial displacement of the grille, positioned between the bumper beam and functional accessories, to absorb and dissipate impact forces, thereby preventing damage and dislocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If functional accessories are mounted on the front bumper beam or grille, then they are accessible and functional, but they are susceptible to damage and dislocation during low-force impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber is pre-installed between the grille and bumper beam to provide cushioning before impact occurs. The absorber is designed to deform and absorb energy during low-force impacts, protecting the functional accessories mounted on the grille from damage and dislocation while maintaining their accessibility and functional position during normal operation
2Reliability
If energy absorbers are added to protect functional accessories, then protection against impact damage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber is integrated into the existing front-end structure by positioning it in the space between the grille and bumper beam. This merging approach combines the protective function with the existing structural components rather than adding separate external protection systems, thereby providing impact protection while minimizing increases in overall device complexity
3Strength
If the grille is made more rigid to protect functional accessories, then strength is improved, but the ability to absorb impact energy through controlled deflection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front-end structure is segmented into different functional zones: the grille maintains its strength and rigidity to support functional accessories, while the energy absorber positioned between the grille and bumper beam provides the energy absorption function through controlled deformation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other
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 energy absorbers effectively inhibit damage and dislocation of functional accessories by absorbing impact forces, ensuring their functionality and reducing repair costs, while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy absorber that is connected to the bumper beam. The first energy absorber defines a cavity that is configured to accommodate inward axial displacement (deflection) of the grille resulting from a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object to thereby inhibit damage to the functional accessory
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is disclosed that includes: a grille supporting a functional accessory; a bumper beam that is located (positioned) axially inward of the grille; and a first energy absorber that is connected to the bumper beam. The first energy absorber defines a cavity that is configured to accommodate inward axial displacement of the grille resulting from a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object to thereby inhibit damage to the functional accessory.