Bumper system with pedestrian-friendly lower apron
US9108580B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/343
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apron for a vehicle front end comprises a unitary plastic component having a front structure and a rear structure joined by an offset portion. The front and rear structures extend at rearward downward angles and in generally parallel directions, and the offset portion extends at a rearward upward angle. The apron has a relatively constant vertical dimension, such that the angled structures define a wave-shaped envelope. Preferably, a horizontal plane extending from the tip of the front structure stays within the wave-shaped envelope, so that impact forces stay within the boundary in a manner providing improved impact strength and greater energy absorption during an impact. At the same time, the front structure provides a homogeneous structure that distributes local impact stresses uniformly and more widely into the rear structure, thus providing a more uniform impact resistance less sensitive to impact location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.