Abstract: The motor vehicle front assembly (10) according to the invention comprises a first relatively deformable trim element (12), and a second relatively deformable trim element (14), separate from the first (12). The front assembly (10) comprises a rigid fastener element (18) for fastening trim elements (12, 14) to the body shell of the vehicle, the fastener element (18) comprising: fastener means (62) for fixing the fastener element (18) to the body shell of the vehicle; fastener means for fixing the first trim element (12) to the fastener element (18); and fastener means for fixing the second trim element (14) to the fastener element (18); the fastener element (18) forming a one-piece assembly.
Abstract: A segmented tube formed of a magnesium-based alloy and wrapped or jacketed with a reinforcement to apply a restraining force on the external surface of the tube for resisting fragmentation of the tube by the compressive force applied to the end of the tube serves as a structural member for receiving a compressive stress applied to an end of the tube and acting along the axis of the tube toward the opposing end of the tube. The magnesium alloy tube is comparatively light, and the segmented and wrapped or jacketed tube has an increased capacity to absorb compressive forces. The tubes are useful as components of automotive vehicles.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 23, 2012
Publication date:
October 24, 2013
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Hamid G. Kia, Aihua A. Luo, John N. Owens, James F. Quinn
Abstract: A bumper structure which as a whole has a reduced weight and which has sufficient buckling strength. A bumper structure has a box-like outer shape constituted of a front flange (2), a rear flange (3), an upper web (4), and a lower web (5) which consist of a steel material. An intermediate web (6) consisting of a material other than the steel material is disposed between the upper web (4) and the lower web (5). If the Young's modulus of the steel material is E1, the density of the steel material is ?1, the Young's modulus of the material which forms the intermediate web (6) is E2, and the density of the material which forms the intermediate web (6) is ?2, the bumper structure satisfies E1/?13<E2/?23.
Abstract: The present invention provides for various embodiments of a corner energy absorber. In one embodiment the corner energy absorber includes a body portion and an arm portion. The body portion comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and a front wall that extends from the top surface to the bottom surface. The corner energy absorber further includes a crush member extending from the front wall of the body portion between the top surface and the bottom surface of the body portion. In another embodiment, at least one of the body portion and the arm portion comprises an attachment feature. The invention also provides for various embodiments of a bumper system comprising a corner energy absorber connected to a bumper beam.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 21, 2007
Date of Patent:
August 13, 2013
Assignee:
Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
Inventors:
Brian Joseph Czopek, Eric Jon Jaarda, Eric D. Kowal
Abstract: Disclosed is a bumper structure equipped with an inner plate (42) in a hollow section (41) formed by a bumper beam (15) and a safety plate (16). The safety plate (16) comprises a top plate (35), a bottom plate (36), and a load input plate (37) connecting both. The inner plate (42) comprises a mounted section (46) that is mounted to the bumper beam (15), a leg section (48) that continues from the mounted section (46) and extends downward, a back support section (51) that continues from the leg section (48) and is approximately parallel to the top plate (35), and a load input flange (52) that continues from the back support section (51).
Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly for impact energy absorption can comprise: an elongated plastic member having a major axis, a first side and a second side, comprising a central portion disposed between a first end portion and a second end portion, the second side defines a channel extending from the first end portion to the second end portion; and an elongated insert having a front, edges, tips, and a rear, wherein the insert is configured to flex upon impact, and is removably friction fit within the channel such that the plastic member surrounds the front, and greater than or equal to 50% of the edges and tips. The energy absorbing assembly can be configured to attach to a vehicle to absorb energy absorption impact. A vehicle can comprise: a vehicle rail and the energy absorbing assembly attached to the vehicle rail.
Abstract: There is provided a vehicle bumper structure. The vehicle bumper structure includes a bumper face exposed outward from a vehicle at a front end of a vehicle body, and a load transmission member having a front end opposing a surface of the bumper face at a vehicle rear side and a rear end secured to a vehicle body structural member. The load transmission member has a groove in either of an upper portion and a lower portion thereof. The groove serves as a starting point for bending the load transmission member in response to a compressive load in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle.
Abstract: There is provided a structure for mounting an attachment for vehicle capable of absorbing the marginal difference of a front spoiler and reducing the procedures for controlling the dimension of the front spoiler. The structure for mounting a front spoiler on a front bumper includes: a male clip provided on the front spoiler; an insertion hole provided on the front bumper for inserting the male clip therethrough; and a female clip engaged with the male clip and allowing the front spoiler to be held by the front bumper. The male clip is loosely inserted through the insertion hole and engaged with the female clip around the insertion hole via an abutting brim, thereby producing a gap between the insertion hole and the male clip, thus increasing the degree of freedom of positional adjustment, reducing the steps for mounting and controlling the accuracy of the attachment, reducing the overall cost.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 29, 2010
Date of Patent:
July 9, 2013
Assignee:
Honda Access Corp.
Inventors:
Kazutaka Mitsuo, Ryoichi Adachi, Jun Takada, Masanori Seo
Abstract: A bumper reinforcement having end portions in a width direction of a vehicle, includes a main wall extending in a first direction perpendicular to the width direction, first and second walls protruding from the main wall in the first direction to extend toward an interior side of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, flanges protruding from respective ends of the first and second walls along the first direction, the main wall, the first and second walls, and the flanges being integrally formed with one another, and gradually narrowing portions formed, in the width direction, at end portions of each of the first and second walls, wherein respective protruding lengths of the first and second walls in the longitudinal direction gradually decrease from an intermediate portion of the bumper reinforcement to the end portions of the bumper reinforcement in the width direction to form the gradually narrowing portions.
Abstract: A front section for a motor vehicle body features a main frame that includes, but is not limited to an upper bumper carrier, a lower reinforcing element for the bumper that extends underneath the upper bumper carrier and a sub-frame that is elastically fixed on the main frame by means of a buffer. The buffer is held between an end piece of the reinforcing element and the main frame.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 27, 2007
Date of Patent:
June 4, 2013
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Inventors:
Theobald Hock, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Martin Leonhard Sachs
Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear bumper that extends in a vehicle width direction at a rear section of a vehicle body and that has a recess bulging toward a front side of the vehicle body, and a reflector attached to the recess. The recess has an opening for fixing the reflector to the rear bumper. The reflector has an attachment portion attached to the opening and a guide wall portion extending in the vertical direction. The recess has a first return hole at a position corresponding to an area below the vertical wall portion.
Abstract: A method for punching bodywork components, in particular a skin in order to install parking-assistance sensors or headlight washers therein. The invention also relates to a punching machine having an anvil for receiving the bodywork component, a punch, and movement means for moving the punch, initially over a first stroke in order to bring it into a utilization position, and then over a second stroke in order to pierce said component. The movement of the punch over the second stroke takes place at a travel speed not exceeding 10 mm/s and less than the travel speed of the punch over the first stroke. The means for moving the punch over the second stroke comprise a punching actuator coupled to a force-multiplication mechanism. Finally, the invention relates to the use of a machine and to a bodywork component obtained by performing the method.
Abstract: A bumper reinforcement structure capable of achieving a weight reduction while still securing required bending strength in a bumper reinforcement structure with closed cross-section structure configured by joining together an inside member and an outside member. A bumper reinforcement is formed with two closed cross-sections configured by joining together three top-to-bottom flanges of an inner panel to three top-to-bottom flanges of an outer panel. The flanges of the inner panel are disposed in the same front-rear direction position as that of the wall portions that configure the closed cross-sections.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy absorbing component externally mounted to a vehicle having a beam structural member and at least one energy absorber operably connected to the beam structural member. The energy absorber absorbs energy when the vehicle undergoes a collision. Also included is a beam cover plate connected to the beam structural member through the use of resistive implant welding, which simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves manufacturing costs. There are two vehicle attachment plates which are overmolded to the beam cover plate, the vehicle attachment plates allow for the beam cover plate to be attached to a vehicle. The beam cover plate, beam structural member, and energy absorber form a component that is operable to function as a bumper that is connected to a vehicle, which absorbs energy during a collision.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 7, 2011
Date of Patent:
May 14, 2013
Assignee:
Magna International Inc.
Inventors:
Alan C. Cave, Robert Dernovsek, Richard W. Haveman
Abstract: A bumper reinforcement includes end portions and an intermediate portion, wherein the bumper reinforcement is made of a light alloy extruded material including a hollow cross-section and is configured to be arranged at a vehicle, the bumper reinforcement is configured to be assembled on and supported by a supporting member at each of the end portions bent toward a vehicle body side, the hollow cross-section includes a closed cross-section at the intermediate portion and includes an open cross-section provided with an opening at each of the end portions, each of the end portions is formed in a manner that a thickness of the hollow cross-section thereof in a vehicle front-rear direction is gradually reduced toward an end, and each of the openings is configured to be at least partially closed with a connecting portion of the supporting member and is restricted from being expanded.
Abstract: Methods of providing a corrosion-resistant plating on a steel bumper are provided. A galvanized zinc layer is deposited over a steel substrate. A plurality of nickel layers is deposited over the zinc layer. The plurality of zinc layers has at least a first porosity and a second porosity. A chrome layer is applied over the plurality of nickel layers. The porous nickel layer is immediately adjacent the chrome layer such that a stress applied to the chrome layer is distributed over the porous nickel layer. The porous nickel layer delocalizes a stress applied at an impact area to a dispersed area and the dispersed area is larger than the impact area.
Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a first side member having first lower and upper darts. The motor vehicle also includes a second side member parallel with and spaced apart from the first side member, the second side member having second lower and upper darts. The upper darts are positioned between the lower darts and end portions of the respective first or second side members. The motor vehicle further includes first and second bumper brackets coupled to the end portion of the respective first or second side members, a bumper reinforcement member coupled to the first and second bumper brackets, and a counter rotation bracket coupled to the bumper reinforcement member and extending upwards from the bumper reinforcement member. The lower darts and the upper darts form a preferential buckling zone of the first and the second side members.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 15, 2011
Date of Patent:
April 2, 2013
Assignees:
Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Inventors:
Paul Maria-Antonius Slaats, Kanichi Saito, Paxton Steven Williams, Joseph Charles Walusek, Sagar Vilas Kulkarni
Abstract: A modular reconfigurable bumper system for an off road vehicle includes a center base mountable to the front of the vehicle. The center base has ends, a top face, and a front face. A pair of first mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the front face of the center base adjacent its ends and a pair of second mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the top face adjacent the ends of the center base. A pair of third mounting locations are located on the ends of the center base. A plurality of optional accessories including end plates, end extenders, an overrider, a prerunner, a stinger, and D-rings are selectively mountable to the center base, all via the first, second, and third mounting locations. The system also includes a rear bumper assembly mountable to the back of the vehicle and having a hinged spare tire carrier and D-rings selectively attachable to the rear bumper via common fourth mounting locations.
Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic composite bumper beam for a vehicle, which can achieve a reduction in weight and cost and has improved mechanical properties, structural strength, and crash performance, load introduction, load distribution to the fixation points, thus reducing the thickness of the bumper, compared to conventional plastic composite bumper beams. Therefore, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in design and the marketability due to the reduction in thickness of the bumper. More specifically, the plastic composite bumper beam for a vehicle includes a bumper beam body having the shape of a bumper beam and formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material; and an insert reinforcing member inserted into the bumper beam body, the insert reinforcing member having a loop shape and disposed in the longitudinal direction of the bumper beam body.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 21, 2011
Date of Patent:
February 19, 2013
Assignees:
Hyundai Motor Company, EELCEE SA
Inventors:
Chihoon Choi, Yohan Hahm, Jan-Anders Manson, Tony Jonsson
Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a bumper fascia panel, a fender body panel and a mounting flange attachment arrangement. The fascia panel includes a fascia mounting flange forming a first outboard abutment edge visible from an exterior of the vehicle body structure. The fender body panel includes a fender mounting flange forming a second outboard abutment edge visible from the exterior. The mounting flange attachment arrangement includes first and second fastening members overlying the fascia and fender mounting flanges, respectively, and a fastening element coupling the first and second fastening members together while sandwiching the mounting flanges. The fastening element has a tool engagement portion at a first end on an inboard side of the attachment arrangement and a second end opposite to the first end, with a center fastening axis extending from the second to first end in an upward direction of the vehicle body structure.
Abstract: A bumper crossbeam for a motor vehicle includes an outer section configured as a roll-formed hollow profile which is closed at least in some areas. At least one inner section, configured as a separate component, is arranged in the outer section and connected to the outer section. The inner section has at least one wall extending from a front section zone of the outer section to a rear section zone of the outer section.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 28, 2010
Date of Patent:
January 29, 2013
Assignee:
Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
Inventors:
Christian Handing, Michael Roll, Stephan Possberg
Abstract: Disclosed is a bumper structure equipped with an inner plate (42) in a hollow section (41) formed by a bumper beam (15) and a safety plate (16). The safety plate (16) comprises a top plate (35), a bottom plate (36), and a load input plate (37) connecting both. The inner plate (42) comprises a mounted section (46) that is mounted to the bumper beam (15), a leg section (48) that continues from the mounted section (46) and extends downward, a back support section (51) that continues from the leg section (48) and is approximately parallel to the top plate (35), and a load input flange (52) that continues from the back support section (51).
Abstract: A flip-up bumper assembly for a motor vehicle having a at least one attachment assembly, a support member, a bumper frame, a lift height adjustment member, an extendable member. Additionally, the flip-up bumper assembly may further include a variable height bumper frame and/or a pivot member. The flip up bumper assembly is generally coupled to the motor vehicle. The bumper frame is operably connected to the support member wherein the bumper frame rotates about a pivot point on the support member. The extendable member is coupled to both the attachment member and the bumper frame. The extendable member extends in a generally horizontal direction and causes the bottom of the bumper frame to angularly deflect about the pivot point, resulting in an outward and upward translation. The variable height flip-up bumper assembly of the present invention allows for the use of a plurality of bumper sizes as selected by the vehicle owner.
Abstract: A vehicle bumper is provided that can increase the rigidity while ensuring a superior drainage capability in the vicinity of the location where the bumper is attached to a side face member. A vehicle bumper includes a middle portion extending in vehicle width direction, two lateral portions extending from the two ends of the middle portion towards side face members (front fender panels), an upper flange protruding inward, with respect to a vehicle body, from an upper edge of the lateral portions, an attachment flange that is continuous with the upper flange near an end of the lateral portions and protruding further inside the vehicle body than the upper flange, a long groove formed by a depression in an upper face of the upper flange, at least one rib that partitions the long groove in vehicle width direction into depressions, and water drainage holes formed in the depressions.
Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle to which a towing hook member can be removably coupled includes a bumper beam having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls are separated at a distance. Also, the bumper assembly includes a receiver having a receiver opening operable to removably couple to and removably receive the towing hook member. The receiver opening is exposed from the bumper beam, and the receiver also has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is removably coupled to the first wall of the bumper beam, and the second portion is removably coupled to the second wall of the bumper beam.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 17, 2011
Publication date:
November 22, 2012
Inventors:
Michael C. Hermanson, Dennis E. Runyon, Alfred J. Gryn, Ronald S. Lazarevich
Abstract: The present invention relates to a bumper reinforcement for vehicles having a fixing portion 11 to be fixed to a vehicle structural member at a part of the bumper reinforcement in a longitudinal direction. The bumper reinforcement is constituted by an integrally molded product obtained by deforming a hollow extruded product by plastic working. When the fixing portion 11 and vicinities thereof is defined as a reinforced portion 1, light-weighted portion 21s and 22 smaller in second moment of area and cross-sectional area than the reinforced portion 1 are provided at least part of a non-reinforced portion constituted by a portion other than the reinforced portion. This makes it possible to decrease the number of parts and trim the weight while securing strength.
Abstract: An energy absorbing structure 10 for protecting an impacted body, such as a pedestrian 12. The structure has an incident surface that meets the pedestrian and has at least some expanded metallic structure 18. A pair of wall support surfaces 20, 22 lie substantially in-plane with respect to a normal component of the impacting force. They extend from the incident surface in a direction opposite to the direction of the impact. The substantially in-plane surfaces also have at least some expanded metallic structure. A pair of basal surfaces 26, 28 support the in-plane surfaces, and also have at least some expanded metallic structure.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 1, 2010
Date of Patent:
October 16, 2012
Assignee:
Oakwood Energy Management, Inc.
Inventors:
Joel Matthew Cormier, Donald Scott Smith, Richard Francois Audi
Abstract: A tow hook cover for concealing an opening formed in a bumper cover of an automotive vehicle is provided. The tow hook cover includes a generally planar member having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. A tether hook is disposed on the inner surface of the generally planar member. The tether hook has an elongated leg having a proximate end attached to the inner surface of the generally planar member and a distal end spaced apart from the inner surface. The distal end has a first arm extending generally normal from the elongated leg and a second arm defining an acute angle between the elongated leg and the second arm. Upon installation, the first arm extends through an aperture formed adjacent the tow hook opening prior to the second arm which deflects upon insertion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 22, 2010
Date of Patent:
August 28, 2012
Assignee:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Abstract: An automotive air deflector is substantially V-shaped with a pair of opposed wing panels configured such that impinging air is directed around the deflector. The deflector is configured for placement at various locations on a vehicle, including on the front end of the vehicle, on the rear end of the vehicle, and in front of the tires of the vehicle. The air deflector is constructed of a lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the service environment but is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes so as to accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles and in the various locations on those vehicles. By reducing turbulence and providing for the smooth flow of air around the vehicle, the air deflector reduces the effect of aerodynamic drag, and thus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced vehicle operating costs.
Abstract: A bumper beam has an open hat beam profile with a central flange (11), two webs (12, 13) and two side flanges (14, 15), and it has two fastening portions (16, 17) in which the central flange has transverse recesses (30, 31), which continue along the webs for a maximum of 40% of the extent of the webs in the transverse direction. These recesses strengthen the profile and provide controlled deformation in response to collision loading.
Abstract: A bumper system for motor vehicles includes a cross member, and at least one crush box positioned between the cross member and the vehicle frame. Two coupling levers have opposite ends operably and pivotally connected with a crush box and cross member. The coupling levers are arranged in a mutually parallel relationship and oriented at an angle relative to vehicle travel, such that the cross member is supported by the crush box for displacement from a ready position toward the vehicle frame in both horizontal and vertical directions. An energy absorption element constructed from a foam material was positioned between a cross member and the crush box, and is clamped between the coupling levers to selectively resist inward movement of the cross member from the ready position upon impact to absorb impact energy.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 29, 2010
Date of Patent:
August 14, 2012
Assignee:
Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
Inventors:
Holger Wiedermann, Frank Seifert, Torsten Groning
Abstract: A mold structure used to form a molded object having an undercut portion includes a fixed mold as a first mold having a first molding surface for molding an obverse surface of the molded object; a slide core having an undercut molding surface used to mold the undercut portion as part of the obverse surface of the molded object; and a movable mold as a second mold having a second molding surface used to mold the reverse surface of the molded object. The first molding surface and the undercut molding surface form a cavity surface. A step is formed between the first molding surface and the second molding surface at a parting position between the fixed mold and the slide core on the cavity surface.
Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes a cross-member having a U-shape that opens away from the motor vehicle and includes a pair of outer flanges. At least one crush box is connected with the cross-member and supports the same on the motor vehicle. A closure member is operably connected with the outer flanges of the cross-member, and includes first and second longitudinal segments, each of which has a generally U-shaped configuration which opens toward the cross-member, and includes a base, a pair of legs, and a pair of flanges. A coupling member attaches the first and second segments of the closure member to the outer flanges of the cross-member and includes a connecting bar that extends in a generally vertical plane and is connected with the base of each of the first and second segments.
Abstract: Disclosed is a safety bar having a resiliently flexible neck connecting a shaft to a head. The head includes a surface connected to at least one pair of spaced apart opposing legs. The surface and the spaced apart opposing legs define a passage and a channel intermediate the surface and the passage. Also disclosed is a method of making such a safety bar. The safety bar can be installed in a reach lift truck for protecting an operator of the reach lift truck from injury due to accidental impact.
Abstract: A structural arrangement of a motor vehicle, of type including a cabin and a loading bed, between which a substantially vertical partition extends, of type including a cabin floor that extends at a first height, and a loading floor of the bed that extends at a second height that differs from the first height of the cabin floor, and of type including a hollow body that stiffens the structure and extends substantially vertically between the first height of the cabin floor and the second height of the loading floor. The hollow body includes two substantially vertical structural elements, and the first structural element is formed by the lower portion of the partition.
Abstract: An energy absorbing extruded bumper for a vehicle is formed from a lightweight metal, preferably aluminum base alloy material. The extruded bumper includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a top wall connecting the outer and inner walls, and a bottom wall connecting the outer and inner walls. Extending between the outer and inner walls are two or more s-curved trigger stiffeners. The trigger stiffeners include an upper s-curved trigger stiffener connecting the outer and inner walls and a lower s-curved trigger stiffener connecting the outer and inner walls. The lower s-curved trigger stiffener is spaced apart from the upper s-curved trigger stiffener.
Abstract: A crash box for a vehicle is made from a sheet blank (10) which is bent in a U to form the front plate (11), a top side (12) and a bottom side (13), and the top side and bottom side are bent to form overlapping flaps (16-19) which are joined together at the overlapping, and to form rear fastening plates (14,15).
Abstract: A bumper attachment (1) for a motor vehicle (3) has: a base attachment part (4) with a front side (5) for installation of a license plate (8) and a rear side (6) for installation of the bumper attachment (1) in a license plate trough (2) of the motor vehicle (3). At least one impact protection element (9, 10) extends from the front (5) of the base attachment part (4) and has a reinforcing insert (11, 12) and a receiving section (13, 14) for receiving the reinforcing insert (11, 12).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 19, 2011
Date of Patent:
June 5, 2012
Assignee:
Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
Abstract: A bumper cross member for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a first chamber located in driving direction at the front and a second chamber located in driving direction behind the first chamber. The first and the second chamber are embodied as hollow sheet metal profiles and the first chamber has a higher deformability than the second chamber.
Abstract: It is desired to make a shock absorbing structure small in size. The shock absorbing structure includes a beam-like structural member having a concave section; and a shock absorbing member, one end of which is arranged in the concave section to abut to the structural member and the other end of which is arranged outside the structural member. Even in a case of a dead stroke when the shock absorbing member is bottomed out, the concave section overlaps with the structural member supporting the structure, so that there is no wasteful space.
Abstract: An energy absorbing beam structure has controlled crush characteristics. The beam is an elongated structure in which at least a portion of the length of the beam is configured so that a cross section taken transverse to the length of the beam defines a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first hollow flange projecting from the first sidewall and a second hollow flange projecting from the second sidewall together with a front wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The beam may be configured to define an open or closed tubular structure and may define one or more central lobes. In an impact condition the beam crushes in a reliable and controlled manner so as to absorb a large amount of kinetic energy. Further disclosed are motor vehicles which include the energy absorbing beams as well as roll forming processes for fabricating the beams.
Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle includes a crossbeam having a hat profile defined by a bottom wall, legs respectively adjoining the bottom wall, and flanges respectively extending from the legs. The hat profile has sections of varying cross sectional configuration in a longitudinal direction. A face plate closes the hat profile to define a hollow space, with the crossbeam being mountable with the face plate such as to point outwards. An upper one of the legs has a width which is greater than a width of a lower one of the legs in a center section of the crossbeam. The crossbeam has curved ends oriented in a direction of the motor vehicle, and the face plate includes in the center section a stiffening embossment which is oriented into the hollow space defined by the hat profile and the face plate.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 31, 2011
Publication date:
May 3, 2012
Applicant:
Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
Inventors:
CHRISTIAN HANDING, Michael Roll, Ulrich Lüdtke-Bexten, Elmar Mollemeier
Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle includes a lightweight cross member attachable transversely to the longitudinal rails of the motor vehicle frame. The cross member includes two longitudinal profiles which are displaceable relative to each other and support each other during the displacement. The bumper provides improved functionality and increased energy absorption capability.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 30, 2009
Date of Patent:
April 10, 2012
Assignee:
Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
Inventors:
Ulrich Lütke-Bexten, Michael Roll, Elmar Mollemeier
Abstract: A motor vehicle front structure is provided with at least one front frame having two side members and an impact cross member structure. Two crash boxes are fixed between the respective front end of the side members and the impact cross member structure. Each of the crash boxes includes, but is not limited to a first and a second leg that are jointly fixed to the front end of each side member and in the shape of a V merge with ends spread from each other in the direction of the impact cross member structure. The spread ends are fixed on end regions of the impact cross member structure. A connecting structure with honeycomb construction is arranged between the legs.
Abstract: A reinforcement beam for a vehicle bumper system comprises a single sheet deformed to define first and second tubes sharing a common single center wall. A channel rib is formed on each tubes and a crevice rib over the center leg forms a third rib. Edges of the sheet are deformed to a radius so that their surface consistently engages an associated radiused corner formed on ends of the center leg, which facilitates consistent abutting line engagement of material surfaces, and thus facilitates consistent welding. In a preferred beam, front wall sections of each tube are coplanar and form a face of the beam, with each channel rib and crevice rib providing added stiffness to the beam, and yet nothing extends forward of the coplanar front wall sections. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 9, 2011
Publication date:
March 29, 2012
Inventors:
Thomas Johnson, Doug Witte, Daniel Gatti, Brian Oxley, Brian Malkowski, Kannan Ramamoorthy, Ed Pendergrass
Abstract: A tow hook cover for concealing an opening formed in a bumper cover of an automotive vehicle is provided. The tow hook cover includes a generally planar member having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. A tether hook is disposed on the inner surface of the generally planar member. The tether hook has an elongated leg having a proximate end attached to the inner surface of the generally planar member and a distal end spaced apart from the inner surface. The distal end has a first arm extending generally normal from the elongated leg and a second arm defining an acute angle between the elongated leg and the second arm. Upon installation, the first arm extends through an aperture formed adjacent the tow hook opening prior to the second arm which deflects upon insertion.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 22, 2010
Publication date:
March 22, 2012
Applicant:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Abstract: With a front structure for a motor vehicle, a holding mechanism for connecting a bumper to a fender includes a fastening strip and a guide rail. The fastening strip spring-elastically supports itself on the fender and is screwed to the guide rail. The bumper is latched to the guide rail.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 22, 2011
Publication date:
February 23, 2012
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
Martin Leonhard SACHS, Theobald HOCK, Rolf EWERT
Abstract: A bumper structure which as a whole has a reduced weight and which has sufficient buckling strength. A bumper structure has a box-like outer shape constituted of a front flange (2), a rear flange (3), an upper web (4), and a lower web (5) which consist of a steel material. An intermediate web (6) consisting of a material other than the steel material is disposed between the upper web (4) and the lower web (5). If the Young's modulus of the steel material is E1, the density of the steel material is ?1, the Young's modulus of the material which forms the intermediate web (6) is E2, and the density of the material which forms the intermediate web (6) is ?2, the bumper structure satisfies E1/?13<E2/?23.
Abstract: A bumper reinforcement having end portions in a width direction of a vehicle, includes a main wall extending in a first direction perpendicular to the width direction, first and second walls protruding from the main wall in the first direction to extend toward an interior side of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, flanges protruding from respective ends of the first and second walls along the first direction, the main wall, the first and second walls, and the flanges being integrally formed with one another, and gradually narrowing portions formed, in the width direction, at end portions of each of the first and second walls, wherein respective protruding lengths of the first and second walls in the longitudinal direction gradually decrease from an intermediate portion of the bumper reinforcement to the end portions of the bumper reinforcement in the width direction to form the gradually narrowing portions.