Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a charging pad. The body defines first and second wheel wells on opposing lateral sides of the body. The body defines a cavity along a bottom surface of the body between the wheel wells and a rear end of the vehicle. The charging pad is disposed within the cavity such that the charging pad spans a distance between the first and second wheel wells. The charging pad has a secondary coil disposed therein. The secondary coil is configured to receive electrical power from a primary coil of a charging station via induction to recharge a vehicle battery.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle structure, and an off-center impact structure. The vehicle structure has a front side member with a front end and a front-section extending rearward from the front end. The front side member extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The off-center impact structure includes a leaf-spring assembly with a plurality of leaf-springs attached to one another. The off-center impact structure is attached to the front side member at the front-section such that the leaf-spring assembly extends in a lateral outboard direction from the front side member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device includes a deformable elongate member that is arranged such that the device, in use, deforms in a controlled manner upon the absorption of impact energy. The invention also provides a chassis and a vehicle incorporating the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A modular bed includes a base frame unit and a plurality of support frame units mounted on the base frame unit to be displaced from each other. Each of the support frame units has a lead bar, a trailing bar, four mounting frames, a support panel, and four bent leaf springs each coupling the support panel to a respective one of the mounting frames so as to provide cushioning effect for the support panel in response to movement of the support panel from an unloaded position to a loaded position.

Abstract: A rear impact guard includes first and second bumper support members that are identical to one another and configured to be coupled to a rear end of the vehicle along first and second sides of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, respectively. The rear impact guard also includes third and fourth bumper support members configured to be coupled to the rear end of the vehicle and coupled to a floor assembly of the vehicle. The third and fourth bumper support members are identical and different from the first and second bumper support members. The third bumper support member is spaced outwardly from the first bumper support member, and the fourth bumper support member is spaced outwardly from the second bumper support member. The rear impact guard further includes a horizontal bumper mounted at a lower end of each of the first, second, third, and fourth bumper support members.

Abstract: A rear impact guard includes a bumper support member configured to be coupled to a rear end of a vehicle and a horizontal bumper mounted at a lower end of the bumper support member. The bumper support member includes a generally triangular prism member having a generally triangular-shaped face, a vertical member, a horizontal member, and an angled member, and wherein the vertical, horizontal, and angled members are coupled to outer edges of the triangular-shaped face.

Abstract: A front end for a motor vehicle is disclosed which includes a bumper covering and a support extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the bumper covering and a supporting body component. The support has a buckling load which is less than the loading capacity of a connection of the support with the supporting body component and is able to elastically buckle in a collision.

Abstract: A shock absorbing trailer hitch attachment for vehicle protection is presented. A shock absorbing attachment is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver tube of any vehicle with an existing trailer hitch. The trailer hitch attachment contains shock absorbing capabilities and is designed to compress in order to reduce impact to the vehicle. Specifically, this attachment minimizes the amount of shock forces on a vehicle's bumper, via impact, between other vehicles, structures, and objects. The attachment does not require alteration of existing trailer hitch receivers and will add purpose to the routinely underutilized trailer hitch.

Abstract: A structural part for a motor vehicle includes an inner component having a generally rectangular cross section and configured in the form of a multichamber hollow section made of light metal, and an outer component having a generally rectangular cross section. The inner and outer components are movable in a telescoping manner relative to one another between an idle state and an activated state. A first locking mechanism is provided to lock the idle state and a second locking mechanism is provided to lock the activated state. The movement of the inner and outer components from the idle state to the activated state is hereby realized by an actuator.

Abstract: An underrun protector mounting structure includes: a chassis frame; a front underrun protector which is disposed at the front or rear of the chassis frame and extended in a lateral direction of the vehicle; a bracket 6 for fixing the front underrun protector to the chassis frame; and a support part interposed between the front underrun protector and the bracket. The support part has a first plate part disposed on the front underrun protector side and a second plate part disposed on the first plate part on the bracket 6 side. The first plate part is formed to be wider in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the second plate part 32. The first and second plate parts are stacked to form a leaf spring shape in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bumper of a motor vehicle includes a cross member which is disposed transversely to a side rail of a motor vehicle frame and movable from a standby position in a direction of the motor vehicle. Placed between the cross member and the side rail is a crash box. A coupler maintains a distance between the cross member and the crash box, when the cross member assumes the standby position, and a strut extends at an inclination between the cross member and the crash box to connect the cross member to the crash box. The strut is supported upon the cross member by a linear guide and supported upon the crash box by a swivel joint.

Abstract: A bumper of a motor vehicle includes a cross member which is disposed transversely to a side rail of a motor vehicle frame and movable from a standby position in a direction of the motor vehicle. Placed between the cross member and the side rail is a crash box. A coupler maintains a distance between the cross member and the crash box, when the cross member assumes the standby position, and a strut extends at an inclination between the cross member and the crash box to connect the cross member to the crash box. The strut is supported upon the cross member by a linear guide and supported upon the crash box by a swivel joint.

Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The bumper apparatus includes a bumper and a spring comprising a flexible ribbon of material. The spring has a first connector portion coupled to the bumper and a second connector portion adapted to couple to the vehicle. The spring also has a curvy portion coupled to the first and second connector portions. The bumper apparatus further includes a stop engaging the spring to hold the spring in a partially flexed state to preload the spring.

Abstract: An impact energy management system for absorbing or displacing kinetic energy during a collision. The system includes a housing defining a chamber and a contact element disposed at least partially within the chamber and longitudinally movable therein. At least a first load bearing pin is disposed between the energy adsorbing member and the housing. Prior to the collision, the contact element is disposed in an impact position, and upon the collision, the contact element moves within the chamber and the first pin deforms a segment of at least one of the housing or contact element, thereby reducing the force of the impact by transferring energy into the deformation.

Abstract: An impact energy management system for absorbing or displacing kinetic energy during a collision. The system includes a housing defining a chamber and a contact element disposed at least partially within the chamber and longitudinally movable therein. A tab extends from a side wall of one of the housing and the contact element. Prior to a collision, the contact element is disposed in an impact position, and upon the collision the contact element moves within the chamber. The tab contacts a side wall portion of an other of the one of the housing and the contact element. The side wall of the housing and/or the contact element tears to absorb or displace kinetic energy during the collision, thereby reducing the force of the impact by transferring energy through the tearing.

Abstract: A mechanical, active crash pulse management structure for providing modification of crash pulse, wherein the structure has a dormant (initial) state volume, but then in the event of a crash, timely expands into a much larger deployed volume for providing management of an expectant crash energy. The preferred crash energy management structure is a before expansion honeycomb celled material brick, wherein expansion of the honeycomb brick is in a plane transverse to the cellular axis of the cells thereof, and crash crush is intended to be parallel to the cellular axis. In the event of a crash, either an active or passive activation mechanism is provided for causing expansion of honeycomb celled material.

Abstract: A bumper device for an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) includes a bumper supporting member combined to a vehicle body of the AGV, and a bumper supported on the bumper supporting member. The bumper device also includes a movement supporting device installed at the bumper supporting member and to movably support the bumper, and a movement sensor to sense a movement of the bumper. Thus, the bumper device promptly senses and effectively absorbs an impact from multiple directions.

Abstract: A mechanical, active crash pulse management structure for providing modification of crash pulse, wherein the structure has a dormant (initial) state volume, but then in the event of a crash, timely expands into a much larger deployed volume for providing management of an expectant crash energy. The preferred crash energy management structure is a before expansion honeycomb celled material brick, wherein expansion of the honeycomb brick is in a plane transverse to the cellular axis of the cells thereof, and crash crush is intended to be parallel to the cellular axis. In the event of a crash, either an active or passive activation mechanism is provided for causing expansion of honeycomb celled material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bumper device for an AGV comprising a bumper supporting member combined to a vehicle body of the AGV, and a bumper supported on the bumper supporting member, further comprising a movement supporting means installed at the bumper supporting member and movably supporting the bumper; and a movement sensor sensing a movement of the bumper. With this configuration, the present invention provides a bumper device for an AGV, which can promptly sense and effectively absorb an impact given from every region and every direction.

Abstract: A bumper beam for motor vehicles includes vertical front and rear plates made of at least one metallic material. At least one elongated core made of metallic material is positioned between the two sole plates. An energy absorber is located at each end of the core and formed of a metallic hollow body, the energy absorber being positioned at right angles to the sole plates or to the core. The metallic materials of the core and the energy absorber have a ratio of elastic limit to breaking stress that is lower than that of the sole plate metallic material and lower than 0.9.

Abstract: This invention relates to a motor vehicle protector against car intrusion into its bottom. It mainly comprises two stationary frames (i.e., steady rests), two pendant arms (i.e., pending arms) and a pipe frame, wherein the upper end of the pendant arms is connected to the rear end of the stationary frame while the pipe frame is connected at the lower and rear side of the two pendant arms. The pipe frame is composed of an upper horizontal annular pipe, a lower horizontal annular pipe, a plurality of upright pipes, and multi-group piling pipes. Additionally, an warning alarm is provided at the rear end of the upper horizontal annular pipe, and a strip front fender is fixed at the internal side of the upright pipe and the lower horizontal annular pipe.

Abstract: An extendable element absorbs impact energy from a baffle and is capable of being moved by a trigger connected to a collision monitoring system. The device is moved in the longitudinal direction out of an initial position, in which it is received essentially in a vehicle side member, into a working position and is capable of being detained in this position. At the same time, the extendable element is guided in a cylinder arranged in the vehicle side member. The cylinder is connected to the vehicle side member via a turn-up profile arrangement which is capable of being transferred out of a position of rest into a deformation position.

Abstract: A safety bumper system provides both impact protection for a vehicle and its occupants, and also provides fire protection for one or more areas of the vehicle after an impact sufficient to collapse the bumper. A first embodiment comprises a safety bumper assembly for the front and/or rear of a vehicle having a movable outer bumper shell, which is affixed to an inner plate with a relatively fixed bumper support member of the vehicle structure in between the outer bumper shell and inner plate, with compression springs urging the outer shell to an extended position away from the bumper support member, and tension springs urging the inner plate toward the bumper support member. A collapsible bladder is positioned between the outer bumper shell and the fixed bumper support portion, and contains a fire suppressant with a nozzle extending from the bladder to one or more critical areas of the vehicle, e.g., fuel tank and engine.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing deformation system for a motor vehicle has at least one collapsing section movable with energy absorption from an extended absorption position into a telescoped deformation position. The at least one collapsing section is held in the normal resting position in its deformation position, and a drive device is associated with the at least one collapsing section. The collapsing section can be moved abruptly into an absorption position when the drive device is activated.

Abstract: bumper arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a bumper mounted in such a way that it can be moved between a rest position and an operating position. A spring acts on the bumper and is prestressed in the rest position. A locking device holds the bumper in the rest and/or operating position. A control unit actuates the locking device as a function of signals from an accident detection sensor system. When the locking device is unlocked, the spring moves the bumper abruptly into the operating position in which the bumper absorbs impact loads resulting from relative velocities up to a predetermined limit in a substantially elastic manner.

Abstract: A bumper structure for a vehicle comprises a first cross member, a bumper stay, a reinforcement, and a front bumper facsia. The bumper stay is connected with the first cross member to extend forward. The reinforcement is arranged in front of the bumper stay to be connected with the bumper stay. The bumper facsia is arranged in front of the reinforcement. The bumper stay includes a first portion being dispose on its front side and a second portion, which is different in strength from the first portion, being disposed on its rear side. The bumper facsia pushes backward the reinforcement with a front portion of the vehicle colliding with an obstacle. At that time, the reinforcement functions as a mass while one of the first portion and the second portion, which is low in strength, functions as a spring and is then crushed. Hence, a deceleration rises sharply relative to a moving stroke of the bumper facsia.

Abstract: If an impact occurs with an impact energy which exceeds an elastic limit of a bumper while a shock-absorbing member is in a projected position, a bumper stay is forced to move rearward along a first actuating chamber to cause the shock-absorbing member to pivot to a received position. The impact energy is primarily absorbed by an elastic force of a first spring which biases the shock-absorbing member toward the projected position. When the impact energy is not thoroughly absorbed by the first spring, the shock-absorbing member fully pivots into its received position by the bumper stay which is continuously moved rearward. At this time, a second spring which biases the shock-absorbing member forward and is prevented from being stretched forward by the shock-absorbing member, is contacted with the bumper stay via a support plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle bumper including an inner bumper member, an outer bumper member with facial protective cover, and a plurality of mechanical cushions spacedly extended between the two bumper members. The inner bumper member is provided at an inner side with a plurality of fixedly mounted first pressure-resistant magnet sets and is connected to the front of a vehicle via connecting members extended from a backside of the inner bumper member. With the mechanical cushions, a buffer space is left between the two bumper members, allowing the bumper to produce a multiplied pressure-resistant effect and evenly absorb external force impacting on the vehicle. A plurality of second pressure-resistant magnet sets are fixedly mounted to an inner side of the outer bumper member corresponding to the first pressure-resistant magnet sets. The first and the second magnet sets are magnetically repulsive, so that the outer bumper member is pushed outward when it approaches to the inner bumper member under external force.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device, preferably for trucks, attenuates the impact of colliding vehicles. A rigid mount secures the apparatus to the truck rear underside. A rigid chassis is suspended from the mount. An impact absorbing bumper exposed for contact at the truck rear controls a displaceable ram that is slidably captivated by the chassis. A wound band assembly suspended beneath the chassis is activated by displacement of the ram. The wound band assembly connects to suitable levers on each side of the chassis that interconnect it with shock absorbers. Energy is dissipated in the shock absorbers over a predetermined compression deflection. This distance is substantially less than the travel distance of the ram, and the mechanical advantage reduction is provided by the combination of the levers and the wound band assembly. When the bumper is forcibly impacted, the ram accelerates longitudinally, tightening the wound band assembly and compressing the shock absorbers through the levers.

Abstract: A bumper device for motor vehicle is disclosed. A series of impact absorbing means to reduce the force of impact from collision that is transmitted onto the chassis of a vehicle is disclosed. The impact absorbing means includes: a hydraulic cylinder and piston means, an impact receiving means, a liaising and resilient body means. The impact receiving means includes a pneumatic tubular body secured to it to be the contact body on collision.

Abstract: An accessory mounting unit for attachment to the rear end of a truck having an elongate substantially rigid mounting member which is coupled through a spring connection to a truck frame rail. Front and rear bumper shells having convex curvilinear external configurations are sealingly secured to front and rear faces of the mounting member. A depending portion of the mounting member is adapted to have a mudflap attached thereto, and apertures formed in the rear bumper shell are adapted to receive accessories such as vehicle lights.

Abstract: A flexible automobile grille, particularly suited for mounting flush with an impact-absorbing bumper, is capable of resiliently deflecting with the stroke of the bumper. The grille is provided with a dual support arrangement by which an upper edge of the grille is resiliently attached directly to the automobile engine hood, while the lower edge is resiliently supported by support members which interconnect the grille's lower edge to the engine hood. The dual support approach of this invention serves to enable greater stroking of the grille during impact, yet contributes additional rigidity to make the grille relatively unsusceptible to road and aerodynamically induced vibrations, and amenable to physical handling during opening and closing of the engine hood.

Abstract: The vehicle frame has a rear section carrying the engine and passenger bearing cab, and a front section carrying a resiliently mounted bumper. The two frame sections have confronting, overlapping end portions connected together for pivotal movement relative to each other about a vertical axis. A releasable locking pin is normally retained by a frangible detent in an operative position in which it prevents any pivotal movement of one frame section relative to the other. When the bumper collides with another vehicle, or the like, it drives a release pin against the locking pin thereby breaking the detent and releasing the locking pin while simultaneously causing the front frame section to be swung out of alignment with the rear frame section.

Abstract: A bumper for vehicles, particularly passenger cars, has a dimensionally stable support which is held in position on an adjacent vehicle body by holders. In order to reduce the expenditures of time and cost during the manufacturing of the dimensionally stable support and of the holders, the holders are integrally constructed in one piece with the dimensionally stable support.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mounting assembly for securing an energy absorber unit to vehicular support. A collar having a hub portion is secured to the energy absorber. The hub portion includes at least one circumferential ramp and flange. A mounting plate having at least one tab is secured to the vehicular support. As the collar is placed adjacent the mounting plate, the ramp is rotated into a slip fit with the tab. Preferably, a locking projection of the mounting plate is received in an opening on the flange of the collar to prevent inadvertent rotation of the collar out of a secured position. Also, an alignment key and notch can be formed on the mounting plate and collar, respectively, to facilitate proper orientation of the collar during installation.

Abstract: A vehicular bumper assembly is formed of an outer bumper with one or more arcuate faces and one or more resilient pipes having outer surfaces conforming to the arcuate faces. The pipes are located adjacent to the faces and serve a buffering function when the outer bumper moves rearwardly in a collision. A buffer spring assembly absorbs an initial first portion of a collision force. The pipes then absorb a second portion of the collision force. The assembly also has a touch switch for enabling the vehicle's horn during a collision.

Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A push roll assembly mounted to a material receiving apparatus, such as a paver or other material receiving machine, includes a resilient link which allows energy transferred during contact of a supply truck with the push rolls to be gradually transferred to the material receiving machine, to thereby smoothen the impact between such truck and the machine.

Abstract: A safety step bumper assembly for a vehicle includes a frame having a base member constructed for fixed attachment to the chassis of a vehicle, an elongated step bumper member mounted upon the frame in a predetermined axial position and a predetermined rotational position, and a pin joining the step bumper member and frame in pivotable relationship. The step bumper member pivots, relative to the frame, from, and returns to, the predetermined rotational position. The safety step bumper assembly defines a slot, and the pin member engages in the slot and moves therein between a first pin position spaced from the chassis, with the step bumper member in the predetermined axial position, and a second pin position relatively closer to the chassis. The assembly also includes, e.g. a leaf spring for biasing the step bumper member toward the predetermined axial and rotational position.

Abstract: An energy and absorption and barrier device for automotive vehicles and a method manufacture thereof. The device includes a plurality of metal strips in stacked relation having sinusoidal shapes and devices for securing the ends of the strips together. The method involves forming the strips in dies having adjustable stroke lengths so as to successively form corrugations in the strip in sequence from the center to the outer ends of the strip.

Abstract: An energy absorber for preventing vehicle damage during low speed collisions comprising a threaded post for slideably mounting a vehicle bumper to a vehicle structure, a housing for tightly embracing a friction member, a friction member rotatably mounted in the housing, a sleeve engaging the threaded post which is responsive to the movement of the bumper for rotatably driving the friction member and a clutch for engaging the friction member with the sleeve. During a low speed vehicle impact, the inward displacement of the vehicle's bumper, with respect to the vehicle's structure, rotatably drives the friction member in the housing and the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is absorbed by the work done in rotating the friction member in the housing. After the impact, the bumper is returned to its initial position by a spring.

Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves toward the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle. A spring urged extension is telescopically received in the end of the molding and defines the molding camming surface. The extension takes up any space between the molding and the end portion of the bumper.

Abstract: A movable molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to the wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating abutment surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating abutment surfaces interact causing the molding to be moved against the action of a spring along a slide element thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring biases the molding back to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bumper arrangement for an automotive vehicle is disclosed which includes a bending-resistant bumper support resting on parts affixed to the vehicle, an undulating leaf spring extending over the length of the bumper arranged in front of this bumper support, and a cover which can be locked to the bumper support and which serves to hide the leaf spring from view. The leaf spring is fashioned integrally with the bumper support, and is preferably made of a reinforced synthetic resin. The wavy windings of the leaf spring are aligned in the support zone extending transversely with respect to the automotive vehicle, in the longitudinal vehicle direction, and, in the laterally wrapped-around end zones of the support, approximately in the transverse vehicle direction. Energy absorbing elements and impact buffers are interposed between the undulations of the leaf spring and between the bearing support and the adjacent section of the leaf spring.

Abstract: This bumper assembly forms a streamlined end of a vehicle and incorporates a channeled inner spring bumper which supports a cellular energy absorber unit and displaceable lamp assemblies. The lamp assemblies are displaced to a protected position within the inner bumper as the energy absorber unit and the inner spring bumper operate to dissipate impact energy.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing bumper arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a cover made of an elastic material and a beam is constructed so as to eliminate the use of hydraulic damper struts by constructing the beam of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (at least in its transversely extending part) and fixing the beam to body frame elements in the manner of a 2-point loaded beam at two locations spaced relatively far apart outside of a middle longitudinal plane of the vehicle. The beam is constructed of a transverse part and approximately longitudinally directed support parts which secure the beam to body frame elements. In accordance with one embodiment, the transverse part and the supports of the beam are unitarily constructed as a single piece, while, in accordance with a second embodiment, the transverse part, which is formed of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, is formed as a part that is separate from the support parts, which support parts are formed of a light metal and plugged into hollow ends of the beam.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved bumper construction for an automotive vehicle.The vehicle has a plurality of bumper mounting stays and a body panel adjacent the stays.The bumper construction comprises a thin-walled plastic bumper, a reinforcement member mounted to the bumper at an intermediate section thereof adjacent the body panel and a spring member interposed between the reinforcement member and the vehicle body panel. The reinforcement member and the intermediate section of the bumper are adapted to define a closed bumper configuration. The spring member is operatively connected to the reinforcement member and the vehicle body panel such that the intermediate section of the bumper is supported through the spring member by the body panel.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper that incorporates a "C" section face bar attached to a truss-formed backplate to achieve a box section construction. The face bar, although a conventional "C" section, has more nearly horizontal upper and lower shelves combined with a reduced frontal face height to offer, when further combined with the backplate, a nearly square box beam. Functional height is extended beyond the beam section with a plurality of strategically located underride stops drawn from the lower shelf. These stops provide low pendulum impact performance at minimal weight while facilitating forming of the bumper beam ends. The stops preferably are concealed with a flexible shield which provides conventional appearance in addition to opportunities of cost, weight, airflow and model appearance differentiation when replacing separate air deflectors and sight shields. The bumper assembly configuration provides a highly weight efficient section modulus, improved torsional stiffness and improved dent resistance.

Abstract: An elastic guard brace for attaching bumpers to an automobile is disclosed. The brace consists of a relatively thick elastic member which is connected between the bumper and the automobile and is oriented so that the direction of its elasticity is parallel to the direction of a force acting on the bumper. At least one inelastic member is positioned within the elastic member and is oriented parallel to the direction of the force acting on the bumper so that it can buckle in an inelastic manner and absorb energy upon impact. The elasticity of the elastic member minimizes the inelastic deformation of the elastic element and returns the bumper to its original position.