Vehicle Front End Assembly with Lateral Sensing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with sophisticated front end configurations, the installation of pressure sensitive matrices for pedestrian impact sensing is challenging due to limited space, making it difficult to accommodate a suitable pressure sensitive matrix and reaction surface across the full width of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle front end assembly with a sensing system that includes a sensing element extending laterally across the front end, utilizing a reaction surface defined by a component such as a pedestrian impact beam or headlamp unit, allowing for a shorter bumper beam and accommodating curved front corners, with an energy-absorbing module to absorb impact energy and generate output signals for impact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensitive matrix is installed across the full width of the vehicle front end, then pedestrian impact sensing coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase in vehicles with curved front corners and limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into multiple pressure sensitive elements distributed across the front end assembly, including integration into the bumper structure and headlamp units. This segmentation allows the sensing function to be achieved without requiring a single continuous matrix across the full width, thereby simplifying installation in vehicles with curved front corners while maintaining comprehensive sensing coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bumper beam is made shorter to accommodate curved front corners, then vehicle design flexibility is improved, but the reaction surface area for the pressure sensitive matrix is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components in the front end assembly serve dual functions: the bumper beam provides both structural support and a reaction surface; headlamp units serve both illumination and as mounting locations for pressure sensitive elements; the grille structure provides both aesthetic/design function and structural support. This multi-functionality allows the reaction surface to be distributed across multiple components rather than requiring a single large bumper beam, enabling shorter bumper beams while maintaining adequate reaction surface area.
3Strength
If the pressure sensitive matrix is positioned behind the bumper structure, then protection of the sensing element is improved, but the response time to impact detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensitive elements are nested within the bumper structure assembly, positioned within cavities or integrated into the bumper beam and grille structure. This nesting provides protection while maintaining close proximity to potential impact points. The elements are strategically positioned at multiple locations including the bumper beam, headlamp units, and grille structure, ensuring that at least one element is always close to the impact point regardless of where the impact occurs, thereby maintaining fast response time while providing structural 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
Enables effective pedestrian impact sensing and energy absorption even in vehicles with curved front corners, allowing for a more sophisticated design while ensuring reliable activation of cushioning devices or bonnet panels to mitigate injuries.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing element extending laterally across the vehicle front end and compressible against a reaction surface in the event of collision of the vehicle with an impacting object
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensitive matrix which runs across the width of the vehicle front and produces a pressure pulse in response to an impact being detected on the front of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
An energy absorbing material, typically foam, is held under compression against the pressure sensitive matrix
Implementation Method 4
An energy absorbing material, typically foam, is held under compression against the pressure sensitive matrix
Data Source
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AI summary
A front end assembly for a vehicle front end, the front end assembly comprising a sensing system comprising a sensing element extending laterally across the vehicle front end and compressible against a reaction surface in the event of collision of the vehicle with an impacting object, the sensing element configured to generate an output signal representative of an impact to the vehicle front end; a bumper assembly comprising a bumper beam extending laterally across the vehicle front end. A further component is located vertically above the bumper beam relative to a vehicle floor; wherein the reaction surface for the sensing element is defined, at least in part, by a surface of the further component.