Retractable Bumper Face Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bumper assembly systems for motor vehicles require manual docking and the use of end covers, which limits design freedom and complicates the attachment process.

Innovation Solution

A bumper structure with a retractable positioning projection system that automatically locks the bumper face to the bumper beam, eliminating the need for manual docking and end covers, and allowing for various design styles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional bolts and end covers are used to attach the bumper face to the bumper beam, then the bumper face can be securely attached, but the attachment process becomes complex and design freedom is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment process simplicityVSAvoidattachment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the end covers from the bumper assembly, integrating their protective and aesthetic functions directly into the bumper face design. This removal simplifies the overall structure by eliminating unnecessary components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the secure attachment function through the retractable positioning projection system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable positioning projection system enables self-alignment and self-locking of the bumper face to the bumper beam. The positioning projections automatically engage with the bumper beam structure without requiring manual intervention or complex alignment procedures, thereby simplifying the attachment process and reducing the need for additional fastening components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If end covers are used to access bolts for attaching the bumper face, then secure attachment is achieved, but design freedom and style options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidbumper structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes end covers from the bumper structure, allowing the bumper face to extend fully to the ends of the bumper beam. This extraction enables diverse design styles and configurations without the constraint of cover components, while the retractable positioning projection system provides the necessary attachment functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the bumper face and end covers into a single integrated bumper face component. The bumper face itself serves both as the aesthetic covering and as the structural element that incorporates the retractable positioning projections for attachment, thereby simplifying the structure and enhancing design versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If manual docking is used to attach the bumper face to the bumper beam, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the attachment process requires significant manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment operation easeVSAvoidattachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable positioning projection system enables self-alignment and self-positioning of the bumper face relative to the bumper beam. The positioning projections automatically engage with corresponding features on the bumper beam, eliminating the need for manual docking operations and reducing attachment time while maintaining precise positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning projections are pre-configured in a retracted state that allows easy approach and initial contact with the bumper beam. Upon contact, the projections automatically extend to lock the bumper face in its final positioned state, thereby eliminating the need for manual positioning operations and reducing attachment time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4570599A1Bumper structure for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4570599A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4570599A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4570599A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a bumper structure for a motor vehicle (1), the bumper assembly comprising: - a bumper face (2) forming an outer face of a bumper and comprising two side parts (2a), - a bumper beam (3) to which the bumper face (2) is intended to be attached, the bumper beam (3) restraining deformation of the bumper face (2) and being intended to be covered by the bumper face (2), the bumper beam (3) including two side members (9), wherein the bumper structure comprises a locking system (13, 14) allowing the bumper face (2) to be locked to the bumper beam (3), wherein the locking system (13, 14) includes a retractable positioning projection (13) arranged on each side part (2a) of the bumper face (2), and a positioning hole (14) arranged on each side member (9) of the bumper beam (3) and configured to receive a positioning projection (13) in a locking position of the locking system (13, 14).