Rear Bumper Heating Element for Debris Melting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear bumpers of vehicles accumulate debris such as snow, ice, dirt, and mud, which can be difficult to remove and may damage the paint, especially when the tailgate is opened, leading to potential contact and damage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a rear bumper featuring a heating element powered by a vehicle source, extending along the upper surface, which can be activated when the tailgate is closed or when the outside temperature drops, to melt debris before the tailgate opens, combined with a sweeper and sprayer assembly for effective debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is provided to detect debris and stop tailgate movement, then tailgate damage may be prevented, but the reaction is delayed until after contact with debris occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated before the tailgate opens to melt accumulated debris on the bumper surface. This preliminary action removes the harmful debris before it can cause damage, eliminating the need for reactive sensor-based stopping and avoiding the time delay inherent in sensor-detect-stop systems.
2Reliability
If manual observation is required to remove accumulated material before opening the tailgate, then damage can be prevented, but the operation becomes complex and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element automatically activates to melt debris on the bumper surface without requiring manual observation or intervention. The system serves itself by detecting conditions (cold temperature, presence of debris) and automatically performing the cleaning function, making the process simple and reliable.
3Reliability
If a heating element extends along the entire upper surface of the rear bumper, then complete coverage and effective melting is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is strategically positioned along the upper surface of the rear bumper where debris accumulation most commonly occurs and where it poses the greatest risk of damage. This localized placement provides effective heating coverage at the critical areas without the need to heat the entire bumper surface, reducing complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
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 heating element effectively melts ice and softens dirt, allowing for easy removal by the sweeper assembly, preventing damage and ensuring safe operation of the tailgate, while the sprayer assembly aids in cleaning the bumper surface.
Implementation Method 1
a power source, and a heating element in communication with the power source, the heating element extending in a vehicle lateral direction and along substantially an entire portion of the upper surface of the rear bumper
Implementation Method 2
debris, such as ice, dirt, and the like, accumulating on the upper surface of the rear bumper may be melted by the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a rear bumper having an upper surface, a power source, and a heating element in communication with the power source is provided. The heating element extends in a vehicle lateral direction and along substantially an entire portion of the upper surface of the rear bumper. The heating element may operable when a tailgate is in a closed position. Thus, debris, such as ice, dirt, and the like, accumulating on the upper surface of the rear bumper may be melted by the heating element prior to the tailgate opening. The heating element may be configured to heat substantially an entire portion of the upper surface of the rear bumper. The heating element may be configured to heat upon a condition being satisfied such as, for example, a vehicle start operation or outside temperature being below a predetermined threshold.