Twisted Bumper Beam With Slanted Back Wall For Offset Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact beam systems are inadequate in absorbing energy during vertical offset crashes, leading to costly repairs due to the compact design of modern vehicles and increased frequency of such crashes, especially with the introduction of SUVs.
Innovation Solution
A bumper beam with a twisted section and/or slanted inner wall, allowing for varied crash behavior along its longitudinal direction, which absorbs more energy without damaging components behind the bumper during offset crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact bumper design is used to reduce package space, then the bumper system occupies less space, but the ability to absorb energy in offset crashes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper beam incorporates a twisted section with a trapezoidal cross-section and slanted back wall in the central region, while the end sections maintain a different geometry. This local variation in cross-sectional properties allows the central region to specifically address offset crash energy absorption needs without increasing the overall bumper volume, as the twisted section is confined to a localized portion of the beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a torsional dimension by twisting the bumper beam cross-section along its length. The transition from a rectangular cross-section at the ends to a trapezoidal cross-section with slanted back wall in the central region creates a three-dimensional structural variation that enhances energy absorption in offset crashes while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Loss of energy
If a twisted section with slanted back wall is added to improve offset crash performance, then energy absorption capacity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention varies geometric parameters along the length of the bumper beam, specifically transitioning from a rectangular cross-section at the ends to a trapezoidal cross-section with a slanted back wall in the central region. This controlled parameter change creates the twisted section that enhances offset crash performance while maintaining manufacturability through systematic geometric progression.
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 energy in offset crash situations, preventing damage to vulnerable components by utilizing a trapezoidal cross-section with a slanted back wall that maintains structural integrity and absorbs energy efficiently without exceeding deformation limits.
Implementation Method 1
The bumper beam has a twisted section and/or a slanted inner wall... absorb more energy in an offset crash situation without destroying components arranged behind said bumper
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Impact beam 3", in particular a bumper beam for a vehicle and a method for making such a beam. At least a part of the bumper beam 3" has a cross-section where at least one part of the back wall is slanted or curved with regard to its vertical extension. Improved offset crash properties with regard to an offset obstruction 1" before a predefined deformation limit 6' is exceeded.