V Shape Bumper Extension for Dual Overlap Impact Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive bumper systems struggle to effectively accommodate both large and small overlap impacts in vehicle crash scenarios, as they often fail to provide adequate safety performance across the range of testing requirements set by various safety administrations.
Innovation Solution
A V shape bumper extension is introduced, comprising an extension member and a support member positioned at an acute angle with a breakable attachment to the crush can, allowing the bumper to operate in two modes: separating from the crush can during large overlap impacts and locking into it during small overlap impacts, thereby enhancing safety performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bumper system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it fails to provide adequate safety performance for both large and small overlap impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system is divided into separate functional components: a crush can, a bumper beam, and a V-shaped extension member with breakable attachments. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the crush can absorbs energy, the extension member provides geometric adaptation, and the breakable attachments enable mode switching - thereby improving overall safety performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one through the breakable attachments that allow the V-shaped extension member to change its state between attached and detached. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its structural configuration based on impact conditions, providing different safety responses for large versus small overlap impacts
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bumper is designed to accommodate both large and small overlap impacts, then safety performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped extension member with breakable attachments serves multiple functions: it provides geometric extension for large overlap impacts, acts as a locking mechanism for small overlap impacts through the breakable attachments, and enables mode switching between different impact scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both large and small overlap impact requirements without requiring entirely separate structural systems
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable attachments act as intermediaries between the V-shaped extension member and the crush can, mediating the interaction based on impact conditions. During large overlap impacts, the attachments break to allow separation and energy absorption; during small overlap impacts, they remain intact to provide structural locking. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to adapt to different impact scenarios without complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A V shape bumper extension for a vehicle is provided where the V shape member has an extension member and a support member. The extension member extends linearly away from a bumper and the support member is positioned at an acute angle with respect to a crush can. The support member includes an outer edge spaced apart from the crush can and is connected to the crush can through at least one breakable attachment.