Rear Bumper Camera Protection Using Protruding Impact Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear module designs for vehicles do not adequately protect electronic components, such as reversing cameras, from damage during collisions, as they lack effective impact absorption mechanisms and deformation management.
Innovation Solution
A rear module design featuring a crossmember connected to the vehicle body, a bumper with an aperture for the reversing camera, and impact elements on both sides of the camera that protrude beyond the bumper to absorb collision energy, maintaining the camera's position and orientation, along with a covering panel to protect it from environmental influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the reversing camera is integrated into the bumper structure, then the overall structure is compact and simple, but the camera is vulnerable to damage during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper structure is segmented into functional zones: a deformable impact absorption zone with impact elements, and a protected zone for the reversing camera. This segmentation allows the bumper to absorb collision energy through controlled deformation while isolating the camera from direct impact forces, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and camera protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Impact elements are introduced as intermediary components between the collision force and the camera. These elements protrude beyond the bumper surface and serve as the first point of contact during rear collisions, absorbing impact energy and preventing direct transmission of forces to the camera, thus protecting the camera while maintaining structural integration.
2Reliability
If impact elements are added to protect the camera, then collision energy absorption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact elements are merged with the bumper structure through integrated mounting mechanisms, combining the protective function with the existing bumper assembly. This merging approach allows the impact elements to be installed as part of the bumper system rather than as separate add-on components, minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving camera protection.
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 solution effectively absorbs collision energy, minimizes damage to the reversing camera, maintains its orientation, and simplifies repairs by isolating it from bumper deformations, enhancing safety and reducing repair complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The impact elements are arranged on the bumper in each case one on both sides along the transverse direction at a lateral spacing from the reversing camera. The impact elements protrude in the longitudinal direction beyond the reversing camera and/or the bumper.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear module for a vehicle includes a crossmember that extends along a transverse direction and is connected to the vehicle body and a bumper connected to the crossmember. The bumper includes an aperture. The rear module further includes a reversing camera that protrudes through the bumper, and a first impact element and a second impact element arranged on the bumper to a respective first side and a respective second side of the reversing camera and at a lateral spacing, in the transverse direction, from the reversing camera. The first impact element and the second impact element protrude, in the longitudinal direction, beyond the reversing camera and/or the bumper.