Description:A BUMPER ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to a bumper assembly for a vehicle, and more particularly to a bumper assembly having a bumper beam and a crash box for absorbing the impact force during vehicle crash.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditionally, a vehicle includes a bumper assembly mounted to a rear end and a front end of the vehicle for absorbing shocks and proper transfer of energy at a time of a collision of the vehicle from the rear end or from the front end with another vehicle or any stationary structure. In general, the bumper assembly includes a bumper beam and a crash box. In the event of crash, most of the kinetic energy is converted into internal energy of the vehicle and the rest is converted into heat energy and sound energy. Internal energy developed in the vehicle is absorbed at specific crumple zones and the rest is transferred to other members of the vehicle (typically platform) through designated load transfer path.
[0003] In the conventional bumper assembly, upon absorption of the internal/crash energy, the energy is transferred through the long members and from the long members, the energy is transferred into other vehicle members and systems. Load transfer is effective at the ends of the bumper beam due to presence of the crash box only, however, unintended deformations occur in between the long members which is not desirable.
[0004] Another conventional solution discloses a bumper structure including a bumper reinforcing member and bumper stays. However, when a load input is received at the bumper structure, the bumper structure goes through a deformation.
[0005] Yet another conventional solution discloses a bumper reinforcement structure. The bumper reinforcement structure upon receiving a load, transfers the load to a center portion in the vehicle front-rear direction. The load may not be absorbed by the bumper reinforcement structure itself.
[0006] Thus, there is a need in the existing art for a solution to overcome above mentioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0008] It is a general or primary object of the present subject matter to provide a bumper assembly which absorbs a maximum amount of crash energy and transfer remaining energy.
[0009] It is another object of the present subject matter to transfer the crash energy towards long members of a vehicle.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY
[0011] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a bumper assembly comprising of a bumper beam, a crash box, and a back panel plate. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0012] The present disclosure provides a bumper assembly for a vehicle. The bumper assembly includes a bumper beam having a bumper outer member extending in vehicle transverse direction (Y) and a bumper inner member extending in the vehicle transverse direction (Y) and configured to be joined with the bumper outer member to form the bumper beam. The bumper assembly further includes a crash box provided at both transverse ends of the bumper beam. The crash box includes a quadrilateral shaped structure having a quadrilateral shaped upper member and a quadrilateral shaped lower member. The crash box further includes an outer crash box member configured to join with the quadrilateral shaped structure in vehicle longitudinal direction (X). The bumper assembly further includes a back panel plate attached with each of the crash box to mount the bumper assembly with the vehicle.
[0013] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the bumper outer member defines at least two hat-shaped channels extending along length of the bumper outer member and each of the at least two hat-shaped channel is separated by a flat surface in vehicle vertical direction (Z).
[0014] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the quadrilateral shaped upper member defines a first base side, a vertical side, a second base side parallel to the first base side, and an inclined side joining the first base side and the second base side, the first base side defines a mounting flange extending outwardly away from the second base side, and the second base side and the inclined side together defines a mounting flange. The quadrilateral shaped lower member defines a first base side, a vertical side, a second base side parallel to the first base side, and an inclined side joining the first base side and the second base side, the first base side defines a mounting flange extending outwardly away from the second base side and the second base side and the inclined side defines a mounting flange.
[0015] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the mounting flange of the second base side and the inclined side of the quadrilateral shaped upper member is joined with the mounting flange of the second base side and the inclined side of the quadrilateral shaped lower member to form the quadrilateral shaped structure. The mounting flange of the first base side of the quadrilateral shaped upper member and the mounting flange of the first base side of the quadrilateral shaped lower member are joined with the bumper inner member.
[0016] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the bumper inner member defines a hat-shaped channel corresponding to the flat surface of the bumper outer member.
[0017] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the bumper outer member is joined with the bumper inner member to define at least two box section profile to increase strength of the bumper beam.
[0018] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the crash box is provided at a left hand side end and a right hand side end of the bumper beam.
[0019] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the joined mounting flanges of the second base sides of the quadrilateral shaped upper member and the quadrilateral shaped lower member are joined with the back panel plate.
[0020] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the quadrilateral shaped upper member and the quadrilateral shaped lower member define a plurality of bead structures in the vehicle length direction (X).
[0021] In an aspect of the present subject matter, a length portion of the bumper beam is covered by the crash boxes at both ends collectively, where the length portion is in range 0 to 50% of the total length of the bumper beam.
[0022] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the outer crash box member is configured to join with the bumper inner member at one end and with a back panel plate at other end.
[0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates an image depicting the bumper outer member and the bumper inner member of the bumper beam, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates an image depicting the crash box along with the back panel plate of the bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0028] Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0029] Fig. 5 illustrates a rear view of the bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0031] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a bumper assembly 1000 for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The bumper assembly 1000 includes a bumper beam 100, a crash box 200 provided at both transverse ends of the bumper beam 100, and a back panel plate 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The bumper assembly 1000 may be detachably attached to a rear end or at a front end of a vehicle. The bumper assembly 1000 may be configured to absorb an impact force. The impact force may be in a form of one or more of a shock, and vibrations received at the vehicle.
[0033] Continuing with the above embodiment, the bumper beam 100, the crash box 200, and the back panel plate 400 may be detachably attached to one another to form the bumper assembly 1000. In an embodiment, the bumper beam 100, the crash box 200, and the back panel plate 400 may be permanently fixed to one another to form the bumper assembly 1000. The bumper beam 100 includes a bumper outer member 110 and a bumper inner member 120. The bumper outer member 110 may be configured to be joined with the bumper inner member 120 to form the bumper beam 100. In an embodiment, the bumper outer member 110 and the bumper inner member 120 may be detachably attached to one another. In an embodiment, the bumper outer member 110 and the bumper inner member 120 may be permanently fixed to one another. Further, the bumper outer member 110 and the bumper inner member 120 may extend in a vehicle transverse direction (Y), also referred as a vehicle width direction. Moving forward, the bumper outer member 110 may be joined with the bumper inner member 120 to define at least two box section profiles to increase strength of the bumper beam 100.
[0034] To that understanding, the crash box 200 may define a quadrilateral shaped structure 300 mounted on the bumper beam 100 along the vehicle transverse direction (Y). In a preferred embodiment, the number of quadrilateral shaped structure 300 may be two such that each crash box 200 may be attached at an either side of the bumper beam 100. In a preferred embodiment, each quadrilateral shaped structure 300 may be provided at a left hand side end and a right hand side end of the bumper beam 100.
[0035] Each of the crash box 200 mounted on either side of the bumper beam 100 may include a quadrilateral shaped upper member 310, a quadrilateral shaped lower member 320, and an outer crash member 330. The quadrilateral shaped upper member 310, and the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320 may be joined with one another such that the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320 is beneath the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310. Furthermore, the outer crash member 330 may be configured to join with vertical sides of the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310, and the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320. The outer crash member 330 may be joined in vehicle longitudinal direction (X) with the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310, and the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320. Furthermore, the outer crash box member 330 may be joined with the quadrilateral shaped structure 300 by means of spot welding. Also, the outer crash box member 330 may further be joined with the bumper beam 100 and a back panel plate 400 by means of arc welding.
[0036] Fig. 2 illustrates an image 2000 depicting the bumper outer member 110 and the bumper inner member 120 of the bumper beam 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The bumper beam 100 may be attached to a rear end or a front end of the vehicle. The bumper beam 100 may be configured to receive the crash box structures 200 to form the bumper assembly 1000 referred in the fig. 1. The bumper assembly 1000 may be configured to absorb an impact force during vehicle crash. The bumper outer member 110 may be attached to the bumper inner member 120 to form the bumper beam 100. In an embodiment, the bumper outer member 110 may be detachably attached to the bumper inner member 120. In another embodiment, the bumper outer member 110 may be permanently fixed to the bumper inner member 120.
[0037] Continuing with the above embodiment, the bumper outer member 110 and the bumper inner member 120 may extend in vehicle transverse direction (Y). Further, the bumper outer member 110 may define at least two hat-shaped channels 210. The at least two hat-shaped channels 210 may be extending along a length of the bumper outer member 110. Further, each of the at least two hat-shaped channels 210 may be separated by a flat surface 220 in a vehicle vertical direction (Z). Moving forward, the bumper inner member 120 may define a hat-shaped channel 230 corresponding to the flat surface 220 of the bumper outer member 110. The bumper inner member 120 may further define a number of vertical bead structures 240 along its length to increase strength and to provide surface for joining the bumper inner member 120 with the bumper outer member 110. Furthermore, a length portion of the bumper beam may be covered by the crash boxes at both ends collectively, and the length portion is in range 0 to 50% of the total length of the bumper beam (100).
[0038] Fig. 3 illustrates an image 3000 depicting the crash box 200 along with the back panel plate 400 of the bumper assembly 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The crash box 200 may define a quadrilateral shaped structure 300 configured to be mounted on the bumper beam 100 as referred in the fig. 1 for forming the bumper assembly 1000 from one side. The crash box 200 may be mounted on the bumper beam 100 along a vehicle transverse direction (Y). The crash box 200 may be configured to absorb an impact force along with the bumper beam 100 received during vehicle crash.
[0039] The bumper assembly 1000 may include a plurality of quadrilateral shaped structures 300 identical to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the number of quadrilateral shaped structures 300 may be two. One of the quadrilateral shaped structures 300 may be mounted on a left hand side end of the bumper beam 100. Another quadrilateral shaped structure may be mounted on a right hand side end of the bumper beam 100. Further, each quadrilateral shaped structure 300 includes a quadrilateral shaped upper member 310 and a quadrilateral shaped lower member 320. Furthermore, the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310, the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320, and the outer crash box member 330 are combined together to form the crash box 200 as referred in the fig. 1. In an embodiment, the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310, the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320, and the outer crash box member 330 may be detachably attached to one another. In another embodiment, the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310, the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320, and the outer crash box member 330 may be permanently fixed to one another. Further, the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310 and the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320 may define a number of bead structures in the vehicle length direction (X).
[0040] Continuing with the above embodiment, the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310 may define a first base side 312a, a vertical side 312b, a second base side 312c, and an inclined side 312d. The second base side 312c may be parallel to the first base side 312a. Furthermore, the inclined side 312d may be configured to join the first base side 312a and the second base side 312c. To that understanding, the first base side 312a may define a mounting flange 314a extending outwardly away from the second base side 312c, and the second base side 312c and the inclined side 312d may together define a mounting flange 314b extending inwardly from the second base side 312c and the inclined side 312d.
[0041] Subsequently, the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320 may define a first base side 322a, a vertical side 322b, a second base side 322c, and an inclined side 322d. The second base side 322c may be parallel to the first base side 322a. Furthermore, the inclined side 322d may be configured to join the first base side 322a and the second base side 322c. To that understanding, the first base side 322a may define a mounting flange 324a extending outwardly away from the second base side 322c, and the second base side 322c and the inclined side 322d may together define a mounting flange 324b.
[0042] Moving forward, the mounting flange 314b of the second base side 312c and the inclined side 312d of the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310 may be joined with the mounting flange 324b of the second base side 322c and the inclined side 322d of the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320 to form the quadrilateral shaped structure 300. Furthermore, the mounting flanges 314a of the first base side 312a of the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310 and the mounting flange 324a of the first base side 322a of the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320 may be joined with the bumper inner member 120. To that understanding, the mounting flanges 314a of the first base side 312a and the mounting flange 314b of the second base side 312b and the inclined side 312d extend in opposite direction to each other. Further, the mounting flanges 324a of the first base side 322a and the mounting flange 324b of the second base side 322b and the inclined side 322d extend in opposite direction to each other.
[0043] Continuing with the above embodiment, the outer crash member 330 may be configured to join with the vertical sides 312b and 322b of the quadrilateral shaped structure 300 in a vehicle longitudinal direction (X). Furthermore, the outer crash member 330 may be configured to join with the bumper inner member 120 at one end 330a and with the back panel plate 400 at another end 330b. Further, the joined mounting flanges 314a, 314b, 324a, 324b, may be joined with the back panel plate 400.
[0044] Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view 4000 of the bumper assembly 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The bumper assembly 1000 may be attached to a front end or rear end of a vehicle in order to absorb impact force. The impact force may be in a form of vibrations, shock and the like generated externally from the vehicle, and received at the bumper assembly 1000. Further, an amount of the impact force absorbed may be directly proportional to a length of the first base side 312a, and the first base side 322a of the quadrilateral shaped upper member 310, and the quadrilateral shaped lower member 320. The bumper assembly 1000 may be attached to the vehicle via the back panel plate 400 attached at either side of the bumper assembly 1000.
[0045] Fig. 5 illustrates a rear view 5000 of the bumper assembly 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The bumper assembly 1000 may be attached to a front end or a rear end of a vehicle via the back panel plate 400 or a front panel. The bumper assembly 1000 may be detachably attached to the front panel or back panel plate 400.
[0046] While the detailed description describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

, Claims:
We claim:
1. A bumper assembly (1000) for a vehicle, the bumper assembly (1000) comprising:
a bumper beam (100) having
a bumper outer member (110) extending in vehicle transverse direction (Y); and
a bumper inner member (120) extending in the vehicle transverse direction (Y) and configured to be joined with the bumper outer member (110) to form the bumper beam (100);
a crash box (200) provided at both transverse ends of the bumper beam (100), the crash box (200) comprising:
a quadrilateral shaped structure (300) having a quadrilateral shaped upper member (310) and a quadrilateral shaped lower member (320); and
an outer crash box member (330) configured to join with the quadrilateral shaped structure (300) in vehicle longitudinal direction (X); and
a back panel plate (400) attached with each of the crash box (200) to mount the bumper assembly (1000) with the vehicle.

2. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bumper outer member (110) defines at least two hat-shaped channels (210) extending along length of the bumper outer member (110) and each of the at least two hat-shaped channel (210) is separated by a flat surface (220) in vehicle vertical direction (Z).

3. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the quadrilateral shaped upper member (310) defines a first base side (312a), a vertical side (312b), a second base side (312c) parallel to the first base side (312a), and an inclined side (312d) joining the first base side (312a) and the second base side (312c), the first base side (312a) defines a mounting flange (314a) extending outwardly away from the second base side (312c), and the second base side (312c) and the inclined side (312d) together defines a mounting flange (314b); and
the quadrilateral shaped lower member (320) defines a first base side (322a), a vertical side (322b), a second base side (322c) parallel to the first base side (322a), and an inclined side (322d) joining the first base side (322a) and the second base side (322c), the first base side (322a) defines a mounting flange (324a) extending outwardly away from the second base side (322c) and the second base side (322c) and the inclined side (322d) defines a mounting flange (324b).

4. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 3, wherein:
the mounting flange (314b) of the second base side (312c) and the inclined side (312d) of the quadrilateral shaped upper member (310) is joined with the mounting flange (324b) of the second base side (322c) and the inclined side (322d) of the quadrilateral shaped lower member (320) to form the quadrilateral shaped structure (300); and
the mounting flange (314a) of the first base side (312a) of the quadrilateral shaped upper member (310) and the mounting flange (324a) of the first base side (322a) of the quadrilateral shaped lower member (320) are joined with the bumper inner member (120).

5. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bumper inner member (120) defines a hat-shaped channel (230) corresponding to the flat surface (220) of the bumper outer member (110) and the bumper outer member (110) is joined with the bumper inner member (120) to define at least two box section profile to increase strength of the bumper beam (100).

6. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crash box (200) is provided at a left hand side end and a right hand side end of the bumper beam (100).

7. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the joined mounting flanges (314b, 324b) of the second base sides (312c, 322c) of the quadrilateral shaped upper member (310) and the quadrilateral shaped lower member (320) are joined with the back panel plate (400).

8. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quadrilateral shaped upper member (310) and the quadrilateral shaped lower member (320) define a plurality of bead structures in the vehicle length direction (X).

9. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a length portion of the bumper beam (100) is covered by the crash boxes (200) at both ends collectively, where the length portion is in range 0 to 50% of the total length of the bumper beam (100).

10. The bumper assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer crash box member (330) is configured to join with the bumper inner member (120) at one end (330a) and with a back panel plate (400) at other end (330b).