Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system is provided wherein a bumper cap contacts a bumper. A chamber is at least partially fit into a side rail attached to the bumper, wherein the chamber is sealed by the bumper cap. The bumper cap and chamber together enclose a space containing a volume of air. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a crashbox is provided. The motor vehicle includes a side member, a bumper, and a crashbox that connects the bumper to the side member. A wall of the crashbox in section along a section plane extending in longitudinal direction of the crashbox has waves. The amplitude of the waves in longitudinal direction of the crashbox is variable.

Abstract: An energy absorber for a bumper assembly of a vehicle and a method for the manufacture thereof are described. The absorber includes a tubular body (1) aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with a first end (1a) for being joined to the body of the vehicle and a second end (1b) for being joined to a transversely arranged bumper cross-member. The tubular body (1) is made of a single piece of bent sheet metal with two end edges (11, 12) defining the first and second ends (1a, 1b) and two adjacent side edges (13, 14) joined together defining a longitudinal seam (2) extending between the first and second ends (1a, 1b). The method includes providing sheet metal provided with opposite side edges (13, 14) and bending it until the side edges (13, 14) are adjacent to form a tubular body (1) with first and second ends (1a, 1b) defined by the end edges (11, 12) and joining the adjacent side edges (13, 14) together defining a longitudinal seam (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a length-variable bumper capable of adjusting the length of a vehicle body to lengthen a time interval over which momentum changes upon collision. The length-variable bumper includes a bumper member primarily absorbing collision energy, a collision energy absorbing member foldable in a longitudinal direction, and an operation unit configured to transit the collision energy absorbing member to an unfolded state when a vehicle speed is a predetermined level or more and to transit the collision energy absorbing member to a folded state when the vehicle is the to predetermined level or less. The collision energy absorbing member has one end connected to a frame of the vehicle and the other end connected to the bumper member and configured to be deformed upon collision to secondarily absorb the collision energy.

Abstract: A crash structure is provided that is interposed between a vehicle's bumper and a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading in a compact structure that is easily removed and replaced during post-collision repairs. The structure includes an actuator member coupled to the bumper, the actuator member passing into, and slidably disposed within, a hollow housing of the crash structure. The hollow housing contains a plurality of deformable members that at least partially surround a first portion of the actuator member. A second portion of the actuator member, which is between the bumper and the first portion of the actuator member, has a larger diameter than that of the first portion of the actuator member and may be coupled to the first portion via a chamfered transition region.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylindrical small diameter portion, a cylindrical large diameter portion, and an annular step portion that connects the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion to each other. The shock absorber absorbs load applied thereto through plastic deformation that starts at the annular step portion thereby absorbing impact energy. In the deformation, the small diameter portion is folded back into the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion has protrusions, which extend in the axial direction and protrude radially outward. Therefore, the shock absorber stabilizes turning deformation and is capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy. A bumper device for a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper beam having a bumper beam surface extending along a bumper plane X and a crash box including a crash box surface extending along a crash box plane Y. One of the bumper beam and the crash box includes an alignment joint to mate the bumper beam and the crash box and dispose the surfaces in abutting and aligned relationship relative to one another for establishing a linear load path extending linearly along the planes X, Y. A method of assembling a bumper assembly includes the steps of mating the bumper beam and the crash box about the alignment joint and connecting the bumper beam and the crash box together along the alignment joint. The step of connecting the bumper beam and the crash box includes friction stir welding the bumper box and the crash box together along the alignment joint.

Abstract: A bumper beam assembly for a vehicle may include a bumper beam having a horizontal support plate, front and rear vertical support plates attached to the horizontal support plate, wherein the rear vertical support plate includes an insertion hole, a partition formed along the horizontal support plate between the front and rear vertical support plates, and a stay, an end portion of which may be inserted into the insertion hole.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an energy absorbing device comprises: a metal component comprising greater than or equal to three walls forming a metal component channel; and a plastic component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of walls defining comb channels therein. The plastic component is located in the metal component channel forming a crash can. The plastic component is inseparable from the metal component without damage to the metal component and/or the plastic component. In one embodiment, a method of making an energy absorbing device can comprise: co-molding the metal component and the plastic component to form a crash can. The energy absorbing device can be used on a vehicle, adjacent to a vehicle component.

Abstract: A crash box arrangement includes a hollow member having a first hardness and defining a hollow space in communication with at least one ventilation opening; and a damper having a second hardness which is smaller than the first hardness. The damper has an impulse cavity in communication with the hollow space of the hollow member.

Abstract: A bumper arrangement for an automobile includes a crossbeam with crash boxes and a pedestrian protection element arranged on the crossbeam. The material of the pedestrian protection element has a lower firmness compared to the material of the crossbeam. A deformation element is arranged in the pedestrian protection element. The deformation element can be retracted into the crossbeam in an impact with a pedestrian, so that only the pedestrian protection element produces a damping effect. In a high-intensity crash, the deformation element can be rigidly connected with the crossbeam and thus lengthen the available deformation path of the crash box along the deformation element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact element having at least one carrier and at least one deformation element, wherein the carrier has a strip-shaped insert which is at least partly sheathed with plastic, wherein the strip-shaped insert is slit into at least two strips in at least one profile section and one strip is set back with respect to the other strip by shaping while forming a gap, with the deformation element being able to be fastened or being fastened to the carrier by means of at least one fastening means and the fastening means being guided through the gap between the strips of the insert, with at least one plastic molding being provided which is arranged such that it inhibits and/or prevents a relative movement between the fastening means or the deformation element and the insert.

Abstract: A bumper device for a vehicle, includes a bumper reinforcement extending in a width direction of the vehicle, a connecting member extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to an end portion of the bumper reinforcement, the connecting member including a bottom wall portion that is in contact with the bumper reinforcement, a fitting bore formed in either one of the bottom wall portion and a contact wall portion of the bumper reinforcement, an insertion portion formed at the other one of the bottom wall portion and the contact wall portion and inserted in the fitting bore, and a flange extending from an edge of the insertion portion, wherein the one of the bottom wall portion and the contact wall portion, including the fitting bore is supported by the flange and the other one of the bottom wall portion and the contact wall portion, including the flange.

Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle has a cross member disposed transversely in relation to side rails of a vehicle frame and is supported on the side rails by crash boxes. The cross member includes a central longitudinal section having opposite ends, a crash box attachment section with a substantially vertical rear wall and two legs, and an end section having in cross-section a U-shaped configuration defined by two legs and a web which interconnects the legs and forms an outward-projecting bulge. The bulge is joined with the substantially vertical rear wall of the attachment section.

Abstract: A system and method for temporarily attaching an accessory component such as a fog light cover, to a vehicle body panel prior to a painting operation are described. The system and method eliminate the need for jigs or other support structures typically used to support the accessory during painting of the accessory and body panel.

Abstract: Flanges (68) are provided on outer sides (in an upper-lower direction) of a pair of narrow side walls (66) of a crash box (50). Each of flanges (68) is provided to be connected to the narrow side wall (66) at the central portion thereof, and the both lateral portions thereof (wing-like flanges (70a, 70b)) extend parallel to the narrow side walls (66) and in the opposite directions relative to each other. Therefore, even when an impact load is applied to the crash box (50) in an oblique direction of the vehicle, owing to disposition of the flanges (68) the crush box (50) is suppressed from lateral falling, so that excellent impact-absorbing property is stably obtained. Because the flanges (68) are formed parallel to the narrow side walls (66), the impact absorbing member can be appropriately prevented from the lateral falling resulted from the impact load acting in an oblique direction of the vehicle, and can be compactified in size. As a result, mountability on a vehicle is improved.

Abstract: A bumper beam of the present invention is provided with a tubular bumper reinforcement member (1) and a tubular crush box (2). A reinforcement member hole (15) is provided in an outer peripheral wall (11) of the bumper reinforcement member (1) in a penetrated manner. A partition wall (22) is provided so as to bridge opposed inner wall surfaces of an outer peripheral wall (21) of the crush box (2). The tip end portion of the crush box (2) is arranged so as to penetrate the reinforcement hole (15). In this state, ridge portions (25a, 25b) are formed, by means of a tube expansion process using a tube expansion die, on the crush box (2) so as to extend in a circumferential direction thereof at a front side and a rear side of the reinforcement hole (15). With this, the crush box (2) is secured to the bumper reinforcement member (1). According to the present invention, the bumper beam can be reduced in size and weight.

Abstract: A mechanical device including an elongated structural element provided for absorbing, at least in part, certain shocks by deformation. The structural element or piece has a selected right sectional profile, the profile being provided with localized alterations, shapes, and with selected respective positions for approximately satisfying a given law of deformation under the combined effort of compression in an axis of the piece and of the moment of the axis perpendicular to a plane passing through the axis. The law includes an energy absorption phase followed by a retraction of the piece.

Abstract: A front body structure of a vehicle comprises a pair of front side frames, a bumper reinforcement, a bumper face, a leg-part sweeping-away member which is provided below the bumper reinforcement and extends in a vehicle width direction, a front end of which is positioned in front of the bumper reinforcement, and a support member which supports the leg-part sweeping-away member at the front side frame. The support member has a specified length in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and comprises beads which absorb an impact load inputted in the vehicle longitudinal direction through their deformation in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Of side wall portions (60a, 60b) of a tubular body portion (52) mainly constituting an impact absorbing member (50), a wider side wall portion (60a) on the vehicle inner side is provided with a projecting rib (70) projects outward in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the body portion. The projecting rib (70) extends from an axial end (52a) adjacent to a mounting plate (54) and parallel to the axial direction of the body portion. Therefore, even when an impact load is applied to the impact absorbing member (50) in an oblique direction with respect to the vehicle to generate a moment load, the existence of the projecting rib (70) prevents the impact absorbing member from falling down laterally. Accordingly, excellent impact-absorbing properties are stably obtained. The projecting rib (70) is formed not to reach the load input side, i.e., the axial end (52b) adjacent to a mounting plate (56), where collapse starts.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator for attachment to a host vehicle includes an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on its front end for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on their front ends. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly for a vehicle that has a bumper and a frame. A receptacle is defined within the frame. A collapsible member is provided between the bumper and a recessed location spaced away from the bumper in the receptacle. The collapsible member may collapse at least partially into the receptacle in the event of a collision.

Abstract: A bumper system for motor vehicles has a cross-member and two crush boxes. The cross-member is made from steel and the crush boxes are made from aluminum, or vice versa. The bumper member that is made from steel has a zinc coating on at least the joint area thereof. A braze weld fixedly connects the crush boxes to the cross-member along associated joints.

Abstract: This assembly includes a plastics material structural frame (2) including at least a lower cross member (8) and vertical struts (10, 12), each of said struts (10, 12) forming, over at least a portion of its height, a deformable energy absorption component (14), the module further including a plastics material shield (4) formed so as to match the shape of a shield skin (56) and arranged against the structural frame (2), said shield (4) including an upper cross member (34) and a lower cross member (36) interconnected via vertical connecting beams (38). The upper (34) and lower (36) cross members and the connecting beams (38) include a plurality of ribs (48) which form cells (50) in the cross members (34, 36) and the beams (38), at least some of said cells (50) passing through the shield (4).

Abstract: An energy-absorbing front end structure for a motor vehicle includes a pair of frame rails, struts (crushable members) made movable relative to the frame rails along a longitudinal axis, a bumper beam supported by the struts, and a spring resisting rearward movement of each strut relative to the frame rail. An inertia-activated locking device inhibits rearward movement of the strut when the vehicle undergoes a longitudinal deceleration above a threshold level so that the strut may absorb crash energy in a high-speed collision. If the vehicle is involved in a lower energy collision, such as with a pedestrian, the deceleration experienced by the vehicle is below the threshold level and the strut remains in an unlocked condition in which it is able to move rearward against the spring to lessen the crash energy transmitted to the pedestrian.

Abstract: A modular bumper arrangement for a vehicle, including a cross-member composed of fiber reinforced plastic, two side parts made of plastic, wherein one side part is arranged or is arrangeable in each case at each of the two ends of the cross-member, and two fastening parts for fastening the bumper arrangement to a body structure of the vehicle, in which one fastening part is fastened or is fastenable to each side part.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing front end structure for a motor vehicle includes a pair of frame rails, struts (crushable members) made movable relative to the frame rails along a longitudinal axis, a bumper beam supported by the struts, and a spring resisting rearward movement of each strut relative to the frame rail. An inertia-activated locking device inhibits rearward movement of the strut when the vehicle undergoes a longitudinal deceleration above a threshold level so that the strut may absorb crash energy in a high-speed collision. If the vehicle is involved in a lower energy collision, such as with a pedestrian, the deceleration experienced by the vehicle is below the threshold level and the strut remains in an unlocked condition in which it is able to move rearward against the spring to lessen the crash energy transmitted to the pedestrian.

Abstract: Disclosed is a profiled element (66) which is designed as a hollow profiled support section and is used for fastening a bumper to longitudinal beams (30) of a vehicle. Said profiled element (66) is assigned to a longitudinal beam (30) made of steel as an insertable section for the interior (32) of the longitudinal beam (30). The final edge (67) of at least two opposite walls (68) of the insertable section of the profiled element (66), which is made of a light metal material, is attached inside an insertion member (70) which, as a separation layer, prevents adjacent surfaces that are made of light metal and iron-carbon alloys from corroding. The insertable section is inserted into the longitudinal beam (30) along with the insertion members (70).

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.

Abstract: A crash load absorption structure for a motor vehicle. The structure includes a compressible load absorbing structure. The compressible load absorbing structure includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion and the rear portion are arranged to compress under a crash load along a generally longitudinal direction. The compressible load absorbing structure also includes a structural joint located within the compressible load absorbing structure, the joint is between at least two structural members. A load transfer element is configured to promote breaking of the structural joint during a vehicle crash.

Abstract: A front end structure for an automobile includes a resin-made shroud panel supporting a heat exchanger. The front end structure further includes: a panel support part supporting the shroud panel against car body members; and a rearward movement allowing part allowing the heat exchanger to move rearward of the automobile relative to the panel support part when an impact load works on the shroud panel from the front of the automobile.

Abstract: The present invention provides for various embodiments of a unitary fascia energy absorber including an aesthetic appearance while also providing improved energy management. In one embodiment the fascia energy absorber includes an outer member and an inner member joined together. The inner member has a base including a plurality of crush lobes and at least one of the plurality of crush lobes includes a projected wall spaced a distance from the base and at least one sidewall which extends from the base to the projected wall of the crush lobe. The plurality of crush lobes are spaced apart from one another and separated by a portion of the base. In another embodiment a process for producing a fascia energy absorber includes heating and forming a polymer sheets to form an outer member and heating and forming a second polymer sheet to form an inner member. The inner member and the outer member are then joined to form a fascia energy absorber.

Abstract: A crash can with a cross-shaped cross section is provided between a side frame and a bumper beam. The crash can connects to an end portion of the side frame in a state where its four projecting portions are directed respectively in upper, lower, right and left directions. The bumper beam comprises a protruding portion which extends in the vehicle width direction. The right and left projecting portions are joined to a top face of the protruding portion and that the upper and lower projecting portions are joined to upper and lower faces of the protruding portion respectively. Plural beads are formed at the crash can at positions which avoid spot-joint positions. Accordingly, the impact energy can absorbed effectively by the crash can.

Abstract: An energy absorber device is provided that includes a generally cylindrical member defining an axis and having an outer surface. One or more axially-spaced, substantially annular members are operatively connected to the generally cylindrical member at the outer surface to create areas of stress concentration in the generally cylindrical member, such that deformation of the generally cylindrical member due to a sufficient force applied to the generally cylindrical member is initiated at the areas of stress concentration, with the areas of stress concentration being reinforced by the substantially annular members. The areas of stress concentration act as crush initiation features and are formed by the connection of the substantially annular members to the generally cylindrical member. Thus, expensive tooling, such as preformed dies, to form the initiation features in the generally cylindrical member is not required.

Abstract: A front region of a vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to an upper front region, a middle front region, and a lower front region. The upper front region includes, but is not limited to an engine hood, front regions of mudguards headlamps or driving direction indicators. The middle front region includes, but is not limited to an impact energy-absorbing region and has molding elements in driving direction. The molding elements interact with impact energy-absorbing, yielding structures. The yielding structures are plastically deformable. The lower front region includes, but is not limited to a molding apron. The lower front region is elastically deformable.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a crossbeam having ends constructed to form attachment zones, and two crash boxes which are secured to side rails of a motor vehicle and coupled to the attachment zones, respectively. The crossbeam has a front wall, a rear wall, and an inner wall which extends between the front and rear walls along a major length of the crossbeam. The inner wall is hereby recessed to leave a gap in the area of the attachment zones.

Abstract: Bumper structure 10 for a motor vehicle includes at least two polymeric crash boxes 30 having preferably an alveolar structure, and including a cross member 20 which extends between the at least two polymeric crash boxes 30, in which the cross member 20 is a metallic cross member 20. The bumper structure 10 includes connection elements 40 which extend between the metallic cross member 20 and a frame of the motor vehicle, and besides which are positioned in proximity of the at least two polymeric crash boxes 30. The connection elements 40 are plastically deformable and are unable to resist to compression stresses avoiding advantageously to transmit the compression stresses to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure has a pair of right and left apron side members 1 each extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and having a closed cross section structure, a bumper 2 located on the vehicle front side Fr of the front end portion of the apron side member 1, and a grille 5 attached to air intake openings 3, 4 in the bumper 2. In this vehicle front structure, shock absorbing parts 20 formed integrally with the grille 5 are disposed between the bumper 2 and the front end portions of the apron side members 1.

Abstract: An automobile that includes: a lower crossbar including longitudinal arms connected by links to vehicle side rails located above the arms; a technical front surface defining a plate, the plate including an inner face and an outer face and being adapted to be attached to a structural member of the vehicle; a shield convergent element including two absorption members capable of absorbing by deformation thereof the energy of a shock to the vehicle; each longitudinal arm of the crossbar being attached by a first fastener to the inner surface of the plate; and each absorption member being attached by a second fastener to the outer face of the plate so that the two absorption members are capable of deformation along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle upon a shock; the inner surface including ribs.

Abstract: A deformation element for a motor vehicle for absorbing kinetic energy caused by an impact, through plastic deformation includes a base body having an outer surface area formed with depressions for stiffening. The depressions are directed into the base body and extend in a longitudinal direction of the base body. The outer surface area of the base body has a rectangular profile in a transition from a narrow side to a broadside, and adjacent depressions have varying length.

Abstract: Embodiments of a body of a motor vehicle are provided, as are embodiments of an energy absorbing element for a motor vehicle body. In one embodiment, the body of a vehicle includes a longitudinal member, a cross-member, and an energy absorbing element mounted between the longitudinal member and the cross-member and extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The energy absorbing element includes a tube section, which is formed from a single metal strip and which includes: (i) a cross-section having at least one concavity, as taken along a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tube section, and (ii) opposing longitudinal edges disposed substantially adjacent one another and within the at least one concavity. The energy absorbing element further includes at least one weld seam joining the opposing longitudinal edges to the single metal strip.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an energy absorbing device comprises: a metal component comprising greater than or equal to three walls forming a metal component channel; and a plastic component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of walls defining comb channels therein. The plastic component is located in the metal component channel forming a crash can. The plastic component is inseparable from the metal component without damage to the metal component and/or the plastic component. In one embodiment, a method of making an energy absorbing device can comprise: co-molding the metal component and the plastic component to form a crash can. The energy absorbing device can be used on a vehicle, adjacent to a vehicle component.

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 in the direction of the impact cross member structure turn into ends spread from each other The spread ends are fixed on end regions of the impact cross member structure.

Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system is provided wherein a bumper cap contacts a bumper. A chamber is at least partially fit into a side rail attached to the bumper, wherein the chamber is sealed by the bumper cap. The bumper cap and chamber together enclose a space containing a volume of air. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly can comprise: a support structure having a first wall and an outer wall that extend in an x direction from a first end to a second end; an energy absorber that extends across the first wall of the support structure, the energy absorber comprising a plurality of crushable members are configured to crush and absorb energy upon impact, a first crash can; and a second crash can, wherein the first and second crash cans extend from the first and second ends of the support structure. The energy absorbing assembly is an in situ formed single element. A method of making an energy absorbing assembly can comprise: introducing molten thermoplastic material to a mold to in situ form the energy absorbing assembly and removing the energy absorbing assembly from the mold by moving the mold in a y direction.

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 crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.

Abstract: A bumper system for motor vehicles includes an energy absorption assembly that extends generally perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel and is connected with the longitudinal supports of the vehicle frame by crush boxes. The energy absorption assembly has first and second generally parallel bumper members, which support one another along first and second contact surfaces. The first bumper member is slideably supported by the second bumper member and is configured such that upon impact, the first bumper member is slidingly displaced along the first and second contact surfaces both horizontally relative to the longitudinal supports of the vehicle frame and vertically relative to the second bumper member.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle and the associated vehicle comprising this bumper assembly are described. The vehicle comprises a chassis. The bumper assembly comprises: a bumper core. The bumper core, in turn, comprises: a first cross member made of a first thermoplastic material and a first and a second substantially undeformable connection device for rigidly fixing the first cross member to the chassis of the vehicle. The first and the second substantially undeformable connection devices co-operate with the first cross member. The bumper core also comprises a second cross member and at least one shock absorbing element arranged between the first cross member and the second cross member. The second cross member is connected to said first and second substantially undeformable connection devices or it is formed as one piece with said substantially undeformable connection devices.

Abstract: The invention discussed above provides a reinforcing element for a lower impact region of a front bumper of a motor vehicle for the protection of pedestrians during the impact of a lower leg section against the lower impact region of the front bumper. The reinforcing element is thus connected behind, in direction of travel, the lower front bumper region to the latter. The reinforcing element has a base plate with reinforcing ribs attached thereto. It extends essentially in horizontal direction, approximately over the width of the front bumper. It is thus proposed for the first time that the reinforcing element is designed as a separate plate which can be integrated in the lower bumper region. The above invention also discusses a front bumper equipped therewith for a motor vehicle.