Length-Variable Bumper with Motor-Driven Screw for Collision Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-sized vehicles face challenges in effectively absorbing collision energy at high speeds due to structural limitations, leading to increased injury risk for passengers, and existing solutions like hydraulic or pneumatic bumpers are expensive and heavy.
Innovation Solution
A length-variable shock absorbing apparatus that includes a foldable collision energy absorbing member connected to the vehicle frame and bumper, operated by a motor-driven screw system to extend or retract based on vehicle speed, creating a space for energy absorption at high speeds and reducing length for parking convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the bumper is projected to increase the length of the collision energy absorbing section, then the force applied to the passenger is reduced, but the vehicle length increases reducing parking convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is designed to be movable between a retracted state (for parking convenience) and a projected state (for collision energy absorption). The operation unit enables the bumper to dynamically adjust its position based on whether a collision is detected, thus resolving the contradiction between needing long bumper projection for safety and short bumper projection for compact parking.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation unit projects the bumper in advance before a collision occurs when vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. This preliminary projection creates the collision energy absorbing space needed to reduce passenger force exposure, while the bumper remains retracted during normal parking conditions.
2Force
If a hydraulic or pneumatic bumper is used to project the bumper, then the collision energy absorption is improved, but the device becomes expensive and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems with a simpler mechanical operation unit that uses a motor-driven screw mechanism. This substitution maintains the bumper's ability to project and absorb collision energy while significantly reducing system weight and complexity compared to fluid-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation unit uses a relatively simple mechanical structure with a motor and screw mechanism that can be manufactured at lower cost and lighter weight compared to hydraulic/pneumatic systems. The design prioritizes cost-effectiveness and weight reduction while achieving the required functional performance.
3Reliability
If the bumper is projected to increase collision energy absorption, then passenger safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system is segmented into distinct functional components: the movable bumper itself, the operation unit with motor and screw mechanism, and the control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing, maintenance, and repair compared to integrated complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation unit automatically controls the bumper's projection and retraction based on vehicle speed signals without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated control systems. The system self-regulates by activating the motor only when collision risk is detected, reducing overall system complexity.
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 effectively absorbs collision energy at high speeds, reducing the force transmitted to the vehicle body and minimizing injury risk, while being lightweight and inexpensive, and can be easily repaired or replaced, reducing repair costs.
Implementation Method 1
operated by a motor-driven screw system to extend or retract based on vehicle speed
Implementation Method 2
configured to be deformed upon collision to secondarily absorb the collision energy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a length-variable bumper capable of adjusting the length of a vehicle body to lengthen a time interval over which momentum changes upon collision. The length-variable bumper includes a bumper member primarily absorbing collision energy, a collision energy absorbing member foldable in a longitudinal direction, and an operation unit configured to transit the collision energy absorbing member to an unfolded state when a vehicle speed is a predetermined level or more and to transit the collision energy absorbing member to a folded state when the vehicle is the to predetermined level or less. The collision energy absorbing member has one end connected to a frame of the vehicle and the other end connected to the bumper member and configured to be deformed upon collision to secondarily absorb the collision energy.