Spring-Biased Retractable Bumper Protection Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Painted motor vehicle bumpers are prone to scratches and paint damage due to their sensitive exterior surfaces, particularly when loading or unloading cargo and pets interact with the rear bumper.
Innovation Solution
A bumper protection device featuring a protective strip that moves between retracted and extended positions, biased by a spring, which automatically deploys over the bumper as the liftgate opens and retracts as it closes, using a guide rail integrated within the cargo space to prevent contact with objects and pets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective strip is extended over the bumper to protect against scratches and damage, then the bumper protection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for movable mechanisms and spring biasing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The protective strip is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between extended and retracted positions based on operational needs. The spring mechanism provides automatic extension when the cargo space is opened and retraction when closed, creating a dynamic protection system that adapts to different states without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically extends the protective strip when the cargo space opens and retracts it when closed, without requiring manual intervention or complex electronic controls. The system serves itself by using the opening/closing motion of the cargo space to drive the protective strip's movement, simplifying the overall control architecture.
2Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to automatically extend and retract the protective strip, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is integrated with the guide rail system and the cargo space opening/closing mechanism. The guide rail serves dual purposes: guiding the protective strip's movement and housing the spring mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail structure serves multiple functions: it provides a pathway for the protective strip, houses the spring mechanism, and interfaces with the cargo space opening/closing motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the protective strip is made durable to withstand contact with objects and pets, then the reliability of protection is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective strip is designed with differentiated material properties along its length or surface, with enhanced durability specifically in areas most likely to contact objects or pets during loading/unloading operations. This localized quality enhancement provides targeted protection where needed while using less expensive materials in less critical areas, optimizing both reliability and manufacturability.
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 reduces damage to the bumper by providing a protective barrier that automatically extends when the liftgate is opened and retracts when closed, using a durable and adjustable spring mechanism that adapts to different vehicle geometries, ensuring comprehensive protection without compromising the vehicle's appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing the protective strip to the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a bumper protection device and a motor vehicle including the same. A method of use is also disclosed. An example bumper protection device includes, among other things, a protective strip moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a spring biasing the protective strip to the extended position, and a closure arranged such that movement of the closure to a closed position urges the protective strip to the retracted position, and such that movement of the closure to an open position permits movement of the protective strip to the extended position.