[001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle bumper. In particular, the invention relates to a bumper for pedestrian impact.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] The front portion of vehicles are relatively complex assemblies and include numerous parts and pieces. There are many reasons for this, including both styling and functional reasons, for example, the vehicle front portion and associated bumper systems must not only be able to resist damage upon low-energy impacts, but must also allow the bumper to absorb substantial energy upon high-energy impacts, for example, during a pedestrian impact. Normally, during such impacts, knee and lower leg portion of the pedestrians are greatly affected.
[003] Vehicle impact absorbers are known in the state of the art that are designed to be placed placing a front or rear impact beam of the vehicle that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, at the front of it when the beam is situated behind the front bumper skin of the vehicle. In this way, the absorber is interposed between the beam and the bumper skin. Such absorbers may also be placed on the rear beam of the vehicle. However, such impact absorbers are inefficient in reducing an impact to a lower leg portion of the pedestrians, and also does not meet the safety requirements as per AIS 100 lower leg form regulation requirement.
[004] United States Patent publication US9434334B2 provides a corner energy absorber having a plurality of layers with a plurality of ribs connecting the layers, wherein the layers and ribs comprise a first thermoplastic material; a composite insert comprising a second plastic material and reinforcement, wherein the second plastic material is different than the first thermoplastic material, and wherein the composite insert is disposed in the layers, the ribs, or both; an extension configured to extend into the end of a bumper beam.

[005] However, the components, assembly, shape, and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art is not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide an impact absorbing grille configured with a bumper of a vehicle.
[007] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently designed grille that is distinct from all conventional designs, and includes necessary structural strength and aesthetic capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] The present invention relates to an impact absorbing grille configured with a bumper of a vehicle. The impact absorbing grille includes a plurality of first impact absorbing zones provided on left and right portions of the impact absorbing grille, the plurality of first impact absorbing zones includes a wall along a vertical height of the vehicle, and a cross-ribbed structure configured with the wall; and a second impact absorbing zone intermediate to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones, and positioned between the bumper and a lower frame member of the vehicle, the second impact absorbing zone includes a reinforcement portion proximal to a bumper end, the reinforcement portion including a plurality of beads, and a plurality of mounting portions extending from the reinforcement portion and configured to be mounted on the lower frame member.
[009] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates an impact absorbing grille configured with a bumper of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates a first sectional view along a section A-A of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1;
[0013] Fig. 3a illustrates a second sectional view along a section B-B of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1;
[0014] Fig. 3b illustrates a third sectional view along a section C-C of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1;
[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth sectional view along a section F-F of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1;
[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates a fifth sectional view along a section D-D of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1; and
[0017] Fig. 6 illustrates a sixth sectional view along a section E-E of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1.
[0018] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and

methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0019] The present disclosure presents embodiments for an impact absorbing grille configured with a bumper of a vehicle. The impact absorbing grille includes a plurality of first impact absorbing zones provided on left and right portions of the impact absorbing grille, the plurality of first impact absorbing zones includes a wall along a vertical height of the vehicle, and a cross-ribbed structure configured with the wall; and a second impact absorbing zone intermediate to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones, and positioned between the bumper and a lower frame member of the vehicle, the second impact absorbing zone includes a reinforcement portion proximal to a bumper end, the reinforcement portion including a plurality of beads, and a plurality of mounting portions extending from the reinforcement portion and configured to be mounted on the lower frame member.
[0020] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the

following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0021] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0022] Fig. 1 illustrates an impact absorbing grille 100 configured with a bumper 101 of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the impact absorbing grille 100 reduces injuries on knee and Tibia portion of pedestrian leg during an impact with vehicle front end. Further, the impact absorbing grille 100 meet the safety requirements as per AIS 100 lower leg form regulation requirement.
[0023] In an embodiment, the impact absorbing grille 100 includes a plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102 provided on left and right portions of the impact absorbing grille 100. The plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102 includes a wall 104 along a vertical height of the vehicle, and a cross-ribbed structure 106 configured with the wall 104. In an example, the cross-ribbed structure 106 defines a plurality of box shaped structures 120. The box shaped structures 120 provides strength and necessary impact absorbing capability to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102. In an example, positioning of the plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102, and in turn of the cross-ribbed structure 106 is such that during a pedestrian leg impact, the cross-ribbed structure 106 protects an MCL (Medical collateral ligament), ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament), PCL (Posterior cruciate ligament) elongation. In an example, the cross-ribbed structure 106 is positioned to reduce the injury of pedestrian leg at Tibia (T4) and knee joint location.
[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates a first sectional view along a section A-A of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 1 and 2, the impact absorbing

grille 100 further includes a second impact absorbing zone 108 intermediate to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102. In an example, the second impact absorbing zone 108 is positioned between the bumper 101 and a lower frame member 110 of the vehicle and runs along a width of the vehicle. As shown, the second impact absorbing zone 108 includes a reinforcement portion 112 proximal to a bumper end 114. In an example, the reinforcement portion 112 is perpendicular to a vertical face 202 of the lower frame member 110 with a gap "Gl" in between.
[0025] Fig. 3a illustrates a second sectional view along a section B-B of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3b illustrates a third sectional view along a section C-C of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 3a-3b, the impact absorbing grille 100 further includes a plurality of mounting portions 118 extending from the reinforcement portion 112 and configured to be mounted on the lower frame member 110. In an example, the plurality of mounting portions 118 overlaps a bottom face 302 of the lower frame member 110.
[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth sectional view along a section F-F of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, the reinforcement portion 112 described earlier includes a plurality of beads 116. In an example, the plurality of beads 116 includes a semi hollow cylinder shape providing a corrugated structure to the second impact absorbing zone 108. In an example, positioning of the second impact absorbing zone 108, and in turn of the reinforcement portion 112, the plurality of beads 116, and the plurality of mounting portions 118 is such that during a pedestrian leg impact, the second impact absorbing zone 108 controls a tibia bending moment. In an example, the second impact absorbing zone 108 is positioned to cater controlled deformation of the impact absorbing grille 100 to reduce pedestrian leg injuries at Tibia and knee location. In an example, the plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102 and the second impact absorbing zone 108 is molded with the impact absorbing grille 100.

[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates a fifth sectional view along a section D-D of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 6 illustrates a sixth sectional view along a section E-E of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1, wherein section D-D is along a vertical direction of the cross-ribbed structure 106, and section E-E is along a horizontal direction of the cross-ribbed structure 106.
[0028] As mentioned earlier, the impact absorbing grille 100 reduces effects on knee and lower leg portion of pedestrians during an impact like situation, and the impact absorbing grille 100 meet the safety requirements as per AIS 100 lower leg form regulation requirement. Further, the impact absorbing grille 100 provides a compact impact absorbing system within minimum space available. Further, the impact absorbing grille 100 does not require a separate absorber part, that further reduces assembly lead time, weight, cost, and need for center members for mounting absorber structure.
[0029] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:

1.An impact absorbing grille (100) configured with a bumper (101) of a vehicle, the impact absorbing grille (100) comprising:
a plurality of first impact absorbing zones (102) provided on left and right portions of the impact absorbing grille (100), the plurality of first impact absorbing zones (102) having:
a wall (104) along a vertical height of the vehicle, and
a cross-ribbed structure (106) configured with the wall (104); and
a second impact absorbing zone (108) intermediate to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones (102), and positioned between the bumper (101) and a lower frame member (110) of the vehicle, the second impact absorbing zone (108) having:
a reinforcement portion (112) proximal to a bumper end (114), the reinforcement portion (112) including a plurality of beads (116), and
a plurality of mounting portions (118) extending from the reinforcement portion (112) and configured to be mounted on the lower frame member (110).
2. The impact absorbing grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second impact absorbing zone (108) is along a width of the vehicle.
3. The impact absorbing grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross-ribbed structure (106) defines a plurality of box shaped structures (120).
4. The impact absorbing grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of beads (116) includes a semi hollow cylinder shape providing a corrugated structure to the second impact absorbing zone (108).
5. The impact absorbing grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of first impact absorbing zones (102) and the second impact absorbing zone (108) is molded with the impact absorbing grille (100).
6. The impact absorbing grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross-ribbed structure (106) is positioned to reduce the injury of pedestrian leg at Tibia (T4) and knee joint location.
7. The impact absorbing grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement portion (112) is perpendicular to a vertical face (202) of the lower frame member (110) with a gap “G1” in between.
8. The impact absorbing grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounting portions (118) overlaps a bottom face (302) of the lower frame member (110).
9. The impact absorbing grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second impact absorbing zone (108) is positioned to cater controlled deformation of the impact absorbing grille 100 to reduce pedestrian leg injuries at Tibia and knee location.
, Description:AN IMPACT ABSORBING GRILLE CONFIGURED WITH A BUMPER OF A VEHICLE
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle bumper. In particular, the invention relates to a bumper for pedestrian impact.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] The front portion of vehicles are relatively complex assemblies and include numerous parts and pieces. There are many reasons for this, including both styling and functional reasons, for example, the vehicle front portion and associated bumper systems must not only be able to resist damage upon low-energy impacts, but must also allow the bumper to absorb substantial energy upon high-energy impacts, for example, during a pedestrian impact. Normally, during such impacts, knee and lower leg portion of the pedestrians are greatly affected.
[003] Vehicle impact absorbers are known in the state of the art that are designed to be placed placing a front or rear impact beam of the vehicle that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, at the front of it when the beam is situated behind the front bumper skin of the vehicle. In this way, the absorber is interposed between the beam and the bumper skin. Such absorbers may also be placed on the rear beam of the vehicle. However, such impact absorbers are inefficient in reducing an impact to a lower leg portion of the pedestrians, and also does not meet the safety requirements as per AIS 100 lower leg form regulation requirement.
[004] United States Patent publication US9434334B2 provides a corner energy absorber having a plurality of layers with a plurality of ribs connecting the layers, wherein the layers and ribs comprise a first thermoplastic material; a composite insert comprising a second plastic material and reinforcement, wherein the second plastic material is different than the first thermoplastic material, and wherein the composite insert is disposed in the layers, the ribs, or both; an extension configured to extend into the end of a bumper beam.
[005] However, the components, assembly, shape, and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art is not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide an impact absorbing grille configured with a bumper of a vehicle.
[007] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently designed grille that is distinct from all conventional designs, and includes necessary structural strength and aesthetic capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] The present invention relates to an impact absorbing grille configured with a bumper of a vehicle. The impact absorbing grille includes a plurality of first impact absorbing zones provided on left and right portions of the impact absorbing grille, the plurality of first impact absorbing zones includes a wall along a vertical height of the vehicle, and a cross-ribbed structure configured with the wall; and a second impact absorbing zone intermediate to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones, and positioned between the bumper and a lower frame member of the vehicle, the second impact absorbing zone includes a reinforcement portion proximal to a bumper end, the reinforcement portion including a plurality of beads, and a plurality of mounting portions extending from the reinforcement portion and configured to be mounted on the lower frame member.
[009] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates an impact absorbing grille configured with a bumper of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates a first sectional view along a section A-A of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1;
[0013] Fig. 3a illustrates a second sectional view along a section B-B of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1;
[0014] Fig. 3b illustrates a third sectional view along a section C-C of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1;
[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth sectional view along a section F-F of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1;
[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates a fifth sectional view along a section D-D of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1; and
[0017] Fig. 6 illustrates a sixth sectional view along a section E-E of the impact absorbing grille of Fig. 1.
[0018] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0019] The present disclosure presents embodiments for an impact absorbing grille configured with a bumper of a vehicle. The impact absorbing grille includes a plurality of first impact absorbing zones provided on left and right portions of the impact absorbing grille, the plurality of first impact absorbing zones includes a wall along a vertical height of the vehicle, and a cross-ribbed structure configured with the wall; and a second impact absorbing zone intermediate to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones, and positioned between the bumper and a lower frame member of the vehicle, the second impact absorbing zone includes a reinforcement portion proximal to a bumper end, the reinforcement portion including a plurality of beads, and a plurality of mounting portions extending from the reinforcement portion and configured to be mounted on the lower frame member.
[0020] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0021] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0022] Fig. 1 illustrates an impact absorbing grille 100 configured with a bumper 101 of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the impact absorbing grille 100 reduces injuries on knee and Tibia portion of pedestrian leg during an impact with vehicle front end. Further, the impact absorbing grille 100 meet the safety requirements as per AIS 100 lower leg form regulation requirement.
[0023] In an embodiment, the impact absorbing grille 100 includes a plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102 provided on left and right portions of the impact absorbing grille 100. The plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102 includes a wall 104 along a vertical height of the vehicle, and a cross-ribbed structure 106 configured with the wall 104. In an example, the cross-ribbed structure 106 defines a plurality of box shaped structures 120. The box shaped structures 120 provides strength and necessary impact absorbing capability to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102. In an example, positioning of the plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102, and in turn of the cross-ribbed structure 106 is such that during a pedestrian leg impact, the cross-ribbed structure 106 protects an MCL (Medical collateral ligament), ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament), PCL (Posterior cruciate ligament) elongation. In an example, the cross-ribbed structure 106 is positioned to reduce the injury of pedestrian leg at Tibia (T4) and knee joint location.
[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates a first sectional view along a section A-A of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 1 and 2, the impact absorbing grille 100 further includes a second impact absorbing zone 108 intermediate to the plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102. In an example, the second impact absorbing zone 108 is positioned between the bumper 101 and a lower frame member 110 of the vehicle and runs along a width of the vehicle. As shown, the second impact absorbing zone 108 includes a reinforcement portion 112 proximal to a bumper end 114. In an example, the reinforcement portion 112 is perpendicular to a vertical face 202 of the lower frame member 110 with a gap “G1” in between.
[0025] Fig. 3a illustrates a second sectional view along a section B-B of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3b illustrates a third sectional view along a section C-C of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 3a-3b, the impact absorbing grille 100 further includes a plurality of mounting portions 118 extending from the reinforcement portion 112 and configured to be mounted on the lower frame member 110. In an example, the plurality of mounting portions 118 overlaps a bottom face 302 of the lower frame member 110.
[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth sectional view along a section F-F of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, the reinforcement portion 112 described earlier includes a plurality of beads 116. In an example, the plurality of beads 116 includes a semi hollow cylinder shape providing a corrugated structure to the second impact absorbing zone 108. In an example, positioning of the second impact absorbing zone 108, and in turn of the reinforcement portion 112, the plurality of beads 116, and the plurality of mounting portions 118 is such that during a pedestrian leg impact, the second impact absorbing zone 108 controls a tibia bending moment. In an example, the second impact absorbing zone 108 is positioned to cater controlled deformation of the impact absorbing grille 100 to reduce pedestrian leg injuries at Tibia and knee location. In an example, the plurality of first impact absorbing zones 102 and the second impact absorbing zone 108 is molded with the impact absorbing grille 100.
[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates a fifth sectional view along a section D-D of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 6 illustrates a sixth sectional view along a section E-E of the impact absorbing grille 100 of Fig. 1, wherein section D-D is along a vertical direction of the cross-ribbed structure 106, and section E-E is along a horizontal direction of the cross-ribbed structure 106.
[0028] As mentioned earlier, the impact absorbing grille 100 reduces effects on knee and lower leg portion of pedestrians during an impact like situation, and the impact absorbing grille 100 meet the safety requirements as per AIS 100 lower leg form regulation requirement. Further, the impact absorbing grille 100 provides a compact impact absorbing system within minimum space available. Further, the impact absorbing grille 100 does not require a separate absorber part, that further reduces assembly lead time, weight, cost, and need for center members for mounting absorber structure.
[0029] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.