Modular Bumper Beam Assembly for Small Overlap Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bumper systems for motor vehicles fail to uniformly meet the impact absorption requirements across different geographical markets, particularly lacking effective transverse force component absorption in small overlap impact protocols, which complicates production and increases costs due to the need for region-specific designs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of modular extension pieces with lateral absorption plates that can be easily adapted or modified to absorb transverse components, featuring a reinforcing element to enhance rigidity and allow for material efficiency, enabling the bumper system to meet various market standards while reducing mass and consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bumper systems are used without lateral absorption plates, then the assembly is simpler and lighter, but it cannot absorb transverse force components during small overlap impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system is divided into modular components: the base bumper beam and absorbers, and detachable lateral absorption plates. This segmentation allows the lateral absorption function to be added only when needed for specific market requirements, rather than being a permanent part of all bumper assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral absorption plates are designed to be detachable and adaptable, allowing the bumper system to dynamically adjust its configuration based on market-specific impact protocols. The plates can be installed for North American markets requiring small overlap impact compliance and removed for European markets with different standards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If region-specific bumper designs are created to meet different market standards, then each market's requirements are fully satisfied, but production costs increase and manufacturing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single base bumper assembly design serves as the foundation for multiple market configurations. The universal bumper beam and absorber system can be combined with optional lateral absorption plates to meet different regional impact protocols, eliminating the need for completely separate design lines for North American and European markets.
Solution Approach 2:
Different market requirements are addressed by adding specific local components (lateral absorption plates) to the universal base assembly, rather than redesigning the entire bumper system for each market. This allows localized adaptation while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized base components.
3Reliability
If lateral absorption plates are permanently integrated into the bumper system, then transverse impact absorption is ensured, but the mass of the assembly increases and vehicle consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral absorption plates are designed as detachable components that can be removed when not required by local regulations. This allows the weight penalty to be applied only when the lateral impact absorption function is actually needed, rather than carrying unnecessary mass in markets with less restrictive standards.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (10) for a bumper device of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one bumper beam (12) and two absorbers (14); the bumper beam (12) is formed by an elongate hollow body comprising two ends at which the absorbers (14) are attached; the assembly (10) further comprises two modular extension pieces (18); each modular extension piece comprising a body (20) with a first portion attached to one end of the bumper beam (12), and a second portion projecting from the end in a longitudinal direction of the bumper beam (12). A lateral absorption plate (24) is further arranged at the end of the second body part (20) of each modular extension piece (18) and extends laterally to the absorbers (14), preferably parallel to the absorbers.