Patent · US Active

Bumper energy absorber with sensor and configured lobes

US8973957B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
75References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 4, 2014
Grant dateMar 10, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 4, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/343
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle bumper system comprises a bumper reinforcement beam and an energy absorber with top and bottom rows of similarly-shaped spaced-apart crush lobes in alternating relation for uniform impact resistance across the bumper system. The illustrated top row of crush lobes provides a high first force-deflection curve for high impact forces, and the bottom row of crush lobes provides a lower second force-deflection curve, for pedestrian reduced injury. An elongated sensor is positioned under shear walls of the top and bottom crush lobes, and is retained by tabs on the energy absorber. This positively retains the sensor in position on the bumper system, with few (or zero) separate fasteners, while facilitating quick assembly and reliable operation of the sensor tube.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.