Modular Bumper Assembly with Connecting Tube for Cost-Effective Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bumper arrangements for commercial vehicles are not cost-effective for replacement and lack impact protection, requiring the entire assembly to be replaced upon damage, which increases labor costs and does not provide adequate protection in collisions.
Innovation Solution
A modular bumper design featuring a central bumper device and separate carrier units for lighting, where the carrier units are attached directly to the vehicle's chassis, allowing for the central bumper device to be replaced independently, and using a connecting tube to distribute forces and absorb weight, enabling cost-effective production and improved resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bumper assembly is designed as a single stable unit to withstand person weight, then the structural strength is improved, but the replacement cost increases when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly is divided into separate components: a central bumper device and carrier units for lighting means. The carrier units are attached directly to the vehicle while the central bumper device can be replaced independently, allowing cost-effective replacement of only damaged parts rather than the entire assembly
2Strength
If the central bumper device is designed to be stable and self-supporting, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is extracted from the central bumper device and transferred to the connecting tube and vehicle structure. The central bumper device is reduced to a design part without self-supporting structural requirements, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while the connecting tube and vehicle frame provide the necessary structural support
3Reliability
If the entire bumper assembly is replaced upon damage, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the labor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly is segmented into replaceable modules. The central bumper device can be independently replaced without removing the carrier units and lighting means, reducing replacement time and labor costs while maintaining structural integrity through proper reassembly
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
This design reduces replacement costs by allowing only damaged components to be replaced, enhances resilience through separate components, and provides improved impact protection by distributing forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting tube is preferably made of a metal and is suitable for absorbing transverse forces. The connecting pipe is preferably a steel pipe. It is possible that the connecting tube is only arranged on the two support units and is held by them. However, it would also be possible to additionally arrange the connecting tube on a steering block and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, to fasten the connecting tube to the two side members of the chassis frame. In this way, the resilience of the connecting ear can be increased.
Implementation Method 2
If the user has to climb onto the vehicle to clean the windscreen, he can step on an area of the central bumper device with his feet, with the connecting tube running directly below this area, which thus absorbs the weight of the user.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
The motor vehicle has a longitudinal carrier (12), a steering block (14) and a front-sided bumper arrangement (1). The bumper arrangement has a central bumper device (2) and two supporting units (6, 8) for an illuminating unit e.g. headlamp and LED lamp, of the vehicle, where supporting units are distanced from each other. The bumper arrangement is fixed at the vehicle. The supporting units are designed in a separated manner from the central bumper device. The supporting units are fastened at the vehicle, and are arranged at a common metal connecting tube (4) i.e. steel connecting tube.