Motorized Bumper Scratch Protection With Deployable Roller Cover

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle bumper protection methods, such as vinyl wraps and parking sensors, are either costly, environmentally unfriendly, or offer limited protection against scratches during parking maneuvers.

Innovation Solution

A scratch protection device with a motor-driven roller system and linear actuators that deploy a low-friction, customizable anti-scratch material over the vehicle bumper, providing comprehensive protection and easy deployment/retraction, powered by the vehicle's battery or an independent rechargeable battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vinyl wrap is used to protect the bumper, then the bumper is protected from scratches, but the exterior appearance is affected and the process is expensive and environmentally unfriendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebumper protectionVSAvoidexterior appearance, environmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective material is made dynamically deployable and retractable through a roller mechanism driven by a motor. The material can be extended when protection is needed and retracted when not needed, transforming a static protective covering into a dynamic system that adapts to usage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bumper protection system is segmented into a deployable roller mechanism with motorized control, separating the protective function from the vehicle's permanent structure. This allows the protection system to be independently controlled and operated without affecting the vehicle's appearance when retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a protective film is applied to the bumper, then scratch protection is provided, but the process is expensive and toxic chemical emissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratch protectionVSAvoidtoxic chemical emissions, cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs sensors that automatically detect potential collision risks and trigger the deployment of protective material without human intervention. The motorized roller and control system enable the protection mechanism to serve itself by responding autonomously to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces chemical protective films with a mechanical protective system using a roller-driven material deployment mechanism. This substitution eliminates toxic chemical emissions associated with film application while providing equivalent or superior protection through a controllable mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If parking sensors are used, then limited protection is provided, but they may not function correctly if scratched or dirty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidsensor functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective material is deployed in advance before actual contact occurs, creating a cushioning barrier between the bumper and potential obstacles. This preemptive protection prevents scratches to both the bumper and the protective material itself, ensuring continuous functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective material acts as an intermediary layer between the bumper and external objects. This mediator absorbs impact and prevents direct contact between potentially harmful objects and the bumper surface, eliminating the vulnerability of exposed sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a motor-driven roller system with linear actuators is used to deploy protective material, then comprehensive protection and easy deployment are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment easeVSAvoidactuator and motor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor-driven roller system serves multiple functions: it deploys the protective material, retracts it, and can be controlled through various input methods (manual, automatic sensor-triggered, or remote). This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing versatile operation modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback about potential collision risks, triggering automatic deployment of the protective material. This feedback mechanism enables automatic operation, reducing the complexity burden on the user while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively prevents bumper scratches during parking by deploying a durable, environmentally friendly anti-scratch material that is easy to use and maintain, while maintaining the vehicle's appearance and reducing the risk of damage from other vehicles or objects.

Implementation Method 1

a motor drives rotation of the roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one substantially vertical linear actuator is provided for moving the at least one roller with respect to the frame and at least one substantially horizontal linear actuator is provided for extending and retracting a bumper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

deploying a low-friction, customizable anti-scratch material over the vehicle bumper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4091886B1A vehicle scratch protection device
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 KMC75 LTD
  • EP4091886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4091886B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4091886B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention relates to a scratch protection device for protecting the bumpers of vehicles. The scratch protection device has a vehicle attachment means, at least one roller for deploying and retracting at least one length of anti-scratch material, the at least one roller is arranged on a frame and a motor drives rotation of the roller.