Movable Vehicle Grille for Pedestrian Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shape and dimensions of a vehicle's front profile, particularly the front bumper and grille, can impact pedestrian safety during collisions, necessitating innovative solutions to enhance interaction and compliance with regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A movable grille system supported by a base and actuated by a linear actuator, controlled by a computer that adjusts its position based on vehicle speed, aligning with the bumper to optimize impact absorption and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the grille is made fixed and rigid to maintain structural strength and aesthetic appearance, then the vehicle's structural integrity and visual appeal are preserved, but pedestrian safety during collisions is compromised due to inability to adjust impact characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is designed as a movable component that can dynamically change its position between extended and retracted states. This dynamic capability allows the grille to adapt its configuration based on operating conditions, enabling it to optimize both pedestrian safety and aesthetic appearance as needed
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the grille is extended to increase impact absorption and improve pedestrian safety, then safety standards compliance is enhanced, but the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and air intake efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable grille can dynamically adjust its position to be extended when pedestrian safety is the priority and retracted when aesthetic appearance is the priority, allowing the system to optimize both competing requirements based on situational needs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable grille system is implemented to enhance pedestrian safety and adaptability, then compliance with safety standards is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a movable grille mechanism with actuation capabilities that enables dynamic position adjustment. This dynamic design, while more complex than a fixed grille, provides the necessary adaptability to meet varying safety requirements and operational conditions
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
Enhances pedestrian safety by dynamically adjusting the grille's position in response to vehicle speed, improving interaction and compliance with safety standards while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The movable grille may include a linear actuator disposed between, and supported by, the movable grille and the base. Actuation of the linear actuator may cause the movable grille to move between the extended position and the retracted position.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprising a base, a grille and a bumper. The grille is supported by the base, and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The bumper is supported by the base below the grille. In the retracted position a front terminal portion of the grille is offset from a front terminal portion of the bumper, and in the extended position the front terminal portion of the grille is generally aligned with the front terminal portion of the bumper.