Claims:We claim:
1. An energy absorber (200) for front bumper (100) of a vehicle to provide pedestrian protection, the energy absorber (200) comprising:
a first portion (208) affixed to an apron (102), wherein the front portion (208) comprises:
a first upper portion (212); and
a first lower portion (214), wherein the first upper portion (212) and the first lower portion (214) are separated by a first slot (216); and
a second portion (210) extending from the first portion (208) along the width (206) of the vehicle and towards the front (204) of the vehicle, so that the second portion (210) overhangs from the first portion (208), wherein the second portion (210) comprises:
a second upper portion (218); and
a second lower portion (220), wherein the second upper portion (218) and the second lower portion (220) are separated along a first portion side (300) by a second slot (222).

2. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the second slot (222) and the first slot (216) are along a same line; and
the second slot (222) and the first slot (216) are separated by an intermediate portion (302), wherein the intermediate portion (302) connects the upper portions (212, 218) and the lower portions (214, 220) along the first portion side (300).

3. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy absorber (200) is a hollow structure.

4. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (208) comprises an upper connecting portion (224) and a lower connecting portion (226), wherein the upper connecting portion (224) and the lower connecting portion (226) are configured to connect the first portion (208) of the energy absorber (200) to a flange (800) of the apron (102).

5. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the upper connecting portion (224) and the lower connecting portion (226) define a through hole (304) for allowing a connector (502) to pass through.

6. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second upper portion (218) and the second lower portion (220) are connected to each other at second portion front face (306).

7. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second upper portion (218) defines a slit (308) extending from the second portion front face (306) to the apron (102), wherein the slit (308) tapers towards the apron (102).

8. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (210) defines a side slit (400) along a lateral side (310), wherein the side slit (400) extends from the second portion front face (306) to the apron (102), wherein the side slit (400) tapers towards the apron (102).

9. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base portion (402) defines a triangular profile.

10. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base portion (402) defines a first base slit (404), wherein the first base slit (404) tapers towards the apron (102).

11. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base portion (402) comprises:
a front face (406), wherein the front face (406) tapers from the second lower portion (220); and
an extender (408) that extends from a side of the front face (406) towards the front bumper (100).

12. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the base portion (402) defines a second base slit (500) that extends from the extender (408) towards a lower connecting portion (226), wherein the lower connecting portion (226) is configured to connect the first portion (208) of the energy absorber (200) to a flange (800) of the apron (102).

13. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy absorber (200) comprises:
a horizontal upper rib (228) configured to connect the first upper portion (212) and the second upper portion (218); and
a horizontal lower rib (230) configured to connect the first lower portion (214) and the second lower portion (220).

14. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (208) comprises a plurality of vertical ribs (232), wherein the plurality of vertical ribs (232) are configured to connect the first upper portion (208) and an upper connecting portion (224).

15. The energy absorber (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (208) comprises an adjacent connecting portion (600) adjacent to the lower connecting portion (226), wherein the adjacent connecting portion (600) is transverse to the lower connecting portion (226), wherein the adjacent connecting portion (600) is configured to connect the first portion (208) of the energy absorber (200) to an apron face (900) of the apron (102).

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The subject matter in general relates to a front end structure of a vehicle. More particularly, the subject matter relates to an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle to provide pedestrian protection.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] During the head-on collision of a pedestrian with a vehicle, the rigid front bumper beam of the vehicle would restrict the knee region but the tibia region would be free to move forward as there is no restriction of deflection of bumper. Due to this, there are high chances of injury to pedestrian’s knee cap during impact.
[004] Referring to FIG. 1, disclosed is a conventional front bumper 100 of a vehicle. The front bumper 100 is connected to an apron 102, wherein the apron 102 is located behind the front bumper 100. Also, the apron 102 is located near to the either end of bumper beam in transverse direction of vehicle. During the head-on collision of the pedestrian, the movement of the knee region is mitigated using the portion 104 located between the front bumper 100 and the apron 102 at location 108. However, at location 110, there is an empty space 106 between the front bumper 100 and the apron 102. The tibia region would be free to move forward as there is no restriction of deflection of the front bumper 100, due to the empty space 106, thereby causing damage to the knee and tibia region of the pedestrian.
[005] In order to conform to pedestrian regulation, various kind of absorbers have been used in the existing vehicles. The plastic absorbers, which have been used so far are generally fitted under the vehicle, where bumper lower mountings are provided and it traverses throughout the lower periphery of the bumper, thereby requiring a large tool involving a high cost.
[006] Sheet metal absorbers have also been used in existing vehicles but the cost incurred for sheet metal parts are higher compared to corresponding plastic parts.
[007] Hence, there is a necessity of an additional part, which would restrict the movement of tibia region into the front bumper and would ensure that the tibia and femur would maintain the same vertical orientation with the knee, during the event of a collision which would prevent any considerable injury to the knee.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[008] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[009] It is an object of the present disclosure to propose an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to propose an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle that provides enhanced pedestrian protection.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to propose an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle that prevents the movement of tibia region into the front bumper.
[0012] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to propose an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle that maintains the vertical orientation of the tibia and femur with the knee during the course of a collision.
[0013] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to propose an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle that prevents knee injury of the pedestrian.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to front bumper of a vehicle. 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.
[0016] The present disclosure relates to an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle to provide pedestrian protection. The energy absorber comprises a first portion affixed to an apron and a second portion extending from the first portion along the width of the vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle, so that the second portion overhangs from the first portion. The front portion comprises a first upper portion and a first lower portion. The first upper portion and the first lower portion are separated by a first slot. The second portion comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion. The second upper portion and the second lower portion are separated along a first portion side by a second slot. The second slot and the first slot are along a same line. The second slot and the first slot are separated by an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion connects the first upper portion and the first lower portion along the first portion side.
[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 discloses a conventional front bumper assembly.
[0020] FIGs. 2-7 disclose various views of an energy absorber, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0021] FIGs. 8-9 disclose the attachment of the energy absorber to an apron, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10 disclose the energy absorber attached to the apron along with the front bumper, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0023] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0025] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0027] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0028] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0030] Referring to FIGs. 2-7, disclosed is an energy absorber 200 for front bumper 100 of a vehicle (not shown) to provide pedestrian protection. The energy absorber 200 may comprise a first portion 208 and a second portion 210. For reference purposes, the direction 204 is towards the front (length) of the vehicle, the direction 206 is along the width of the vehicle and the direction 202 is along the height of the vehicle.
[0031] The first portion 208 may comprise a first upper portion 212 and a first lower portion 214. The first upper portion 212 and the first lower portion 214 may be separated by a first slot 216.
[0032] The second portion 210 may extend from the first portion 208 along the width 206 of the vehicle and towards the front 204 of the vehicle such that the second portion 210 overhangs from the first portion 208. The second portion 210 may comprise a second upper portion 218 and a second lower portion 220. The second upper portion 218 and the second lower portion 220 may be separated along a first portion side 300 by a second slot 222. The first portion side 300 of the second portion 210 may be the side that is adjacent to the first portion 208.
[0033] In an embodiment, the second slot 222 and the first slot 216 may be along a same line. The second slot 222 and the first slot 216 may be separated by an intermediate portion 302. The intermediate portion 302 may be configured to connect the upper portions 212, 218 and the lower portions 214, 220 along the first portion side 300.
[0034] In an embodiment, the first slot 216 and the second slot 222 may taper towards the apron 102.
[0035] In an embodiment, the first portion 208 may comprise an upper connecting portion 224 and a lower connecting portion 226. The upper connecting portion 224 and the lower connecting portion 226 may be configured to connect the first portion 208 of the energy absorber 200 to a flange 800 (shown in FIG. 8) of the apron 102.
[0036] In an embodiment, each of the upper connecting portion 224 and the lower connecting portion 226 may define a through-hole 304 for allowing a connector 502 to pass through. The connector 502 may be any one of the multiple connecting elements that exist in the market such as nut-bolt, screws, among others.
[0037] In an embodiment, the first portion 208 may comprise a plurality of vertical ribs 232. The plurality of vertical ribs 232 may be configured to connect the first upper portion 208 and the upper connecting portion 224.
[0038] In an embodiment, the second upper portion 218 and the second lower portion 220 may be connected to each other at second portion front face 306. The second portion front face 306 may be the face that faces the front bumper 100.
[0039] In an embodiment, the second upper portion 218 may define a slit 308 that may extend from the second portion front face 306 towards the apron 102. The slit 308 may taper towards the apron 102.
[0040] In an embodiment, the second portion 210 may define a side slit 400 along a lateral side 310. The lateral side 310 may be the side of the second portion 210 that is away from the first portion 208 and opposite to the first portion side 300. The side slit 400 may extend from the second portion front face 306 towards the apron 102. The side slit 400 may taper towards the apron 102.
[0041] In an embodiment, the second portion 210 may comprise a base portion 402. The base portion 402 may be configured to assume the shape of the front bumper 100 in proximity of it so that the front bumper 100 may easily be assembled along with the energy absorber 200.
[0042] In an embodiment, the base portion 402 may define a triangular profile.
[0043] In an embodiment, the base portion 402 may define a first base slit 404. The first base slit 404 may be along the same plane as that of the lateral side 310. The first base slit 404 may taper towards the apron 102.
[0044] In an embodiment, the base portion 402 may comprise a front face 406. The front face 406 may taper from the second lower portion 220.
[0045] In an embodiment, the base portion 402 may comprise an extender 408 that may extend from a side of the front face 406 towards the front bumper 100. The width of extender 408 along the direction 206 may increase from the second portion 210 towards the very bottom of the base portion 402. The width of extender 408 along the direction 204 may increase from the base portion 402 towards the front bumper 100.
[0046] In an embodiment, the base portion 402 may define a second base slit 500 that may extend from the extender 408 towards the lower connecting portion 226.
[0047] In an embodiment, the energy absorber 200 may comprise a horizontal upper rib 228 and a horizontal lower rib 230. The horizontal upper rib 228 may be configured to connect the first upper portion 212 and the second upper portion 218. The horizontal lower rib 230 may be configured to connect the first lower portion 214 and the second lower portion 220.
[0048] In an embodiment, the first portion 208 may comprise an adjacent connecting portion 600 that may be adjacent to the lower connecting portion 226. The adjacent connecting portion 600 may be transverse to the lower connecting portion 226 such that the adjacent connecting portion 600 is an extension of the extender 408 opposite to the direction 204. In an embodiment, the adjacent connecting portion 600 may define a through-hole 602 for allowing a connector 502 to pass through. The connector 502 may be any one of the multiple connecting elements that exist in the market such as nut-bolt, screws, among others.
[0049] The adjacent connecting portion 600 may be configured to connect the first portion 208 of the energy absorber 200 to an apron face 900 of the apron 102.
[0050] In an embodiment, the energy absorber 200 may be a hollow structure.
ATTACHMENT OF THE ENERGY ABSORBER TO THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE
[0051] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, energy absorber 200 is affixed to the apron 102 using the upper connecting portion 224, the lower connecting portion 226 and the adjacent connecting portion 600. The upper connecting portion 224 and the lower connecting portion 226 are placed flat on the flange 800 of the apron 102. The flange 800 of the apron may define through holes that are concentric to the through-hole 304 so that the connector 502 may be used to affix the energy absorber 200 to the apron 102.
[0052] The apron face 900 may define through-holes that are concentric to the through-hole 602 so that the connector 502 may pass through the through-holes and further strengthen the attachment of the energy absorber 200 to the apron 102.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 10, the energy absorber 200 is affixed to the apron 102 and is disposed between the apron and the front bumper 100. During the course of a collision between a pedestrian and the front bumper, the movement of the knee portion of the pedestrian in the region 1000 is naturally restricted by the presence of the portion 104. The presence of the energy absorber 200 along the lower portion of the front bumper 100 in the region 1002, restricts the movement of the tibia region of the pedestrian, thereby maintaining the vertical orientation of the tibia and femur with the knee during the course of the collision. This prevents knee injury of the pedestrian.
[0054] During the course of the collision with high speed impact, the front portion of the energy absorber 200, facing the front bumper 100, is configured to crumple. However, the rear portion of the energy absorber 200 that is in contact with the apron 102 is configured to stay firm and restrict the inward movement of the front bumper 100, thereby preventing the injury to the pedestrian leg. The tapering of the first slot 216, the second slot 222, slit 308, side slit 400 and the first base slit 404 may provide for the smooth transition in stiffness from the second portion front face 306 towards the rear of the energy absorber 200 that is in contact with the apron 102, with the second portion front face 306 having low stiffness and the rear of the energy absorber 200 having the more stiffness.
[0055] The presence of the horizontal upper rib 228 and the horizontal lower rib 230 prevents the torsional rotation of the energy absorber 200 about the point wherein the energy absorber 200 is affixed to the apron 102. This leads to the deformation of the energy absorber 200 along the direction opposite to the direction 204, during the course of the collision.
[0056] The presence of the vertical ribs 232 may provide the strength that may be required for the upper connecting portion 224 to be connected to the apron 102 during the course of the collision.
[0057] In an embodiment, another symmetrical energy absorber 200 may be positioned at the other end of the front bumper 100 so that two energy absorbers 200 are located at the right end and left end of the front bumper 100.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0058] The present disclosure proposes an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle.
[0059] The present disclosure proposes an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle that provides enhanced pedestrian protection.
[0060] The present disclosure proposes an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle that prevents the movement of tibia region into the front bumper.
[0061] The present disclosure proposes an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle that maintains the vertical orientation of the tibia and femur with the knee during the course of a collision.
[0062] The present disclosure proposes an energy absorber for front bumper of a vehicle that prevents knee injury of the pedestrian.
[0063] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0064] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0065] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0066] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0067] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure 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.
[0068] The term “vehicle” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.