Floating bumper beam system
AssigneeMeridian Automotive Systems, Inc.
InventorsJeffrey A. Anderson, Sherry LaPeer, Chris Pelto
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bumper beam assembly comprising a center beam and at least two end caps that mount the center beam between structural components extending outward from a vehicle and a method of selectively altering side or offset impact resistance of a bumper beam assembly separate from the bumper beam assembly's front impact resistance by providing crush zones in the end caps and adjusting parameters for said end caps to alter the side or offset impact resistance.
Claims11
A bumper beam assembly comprising a center beam and at least two end caps that mount the center beam between structural components extending outward from a vehicle wherein the end caps have a first aperture adapted to receive ends of the structural components extending outward from a vehicle and second aperture adapted to receive opposing ends of the center beam.
A bumper beam assembly for mounting on structural components extending outward from a vehicle, such bumper beam assembly comprising a center beam and at least two end caps that mount the center beam such that the entire center beam is disposed between vertical planes formed by each of the structural components wherein an outward surface of each of the end caps is curved or angled to accommodate a curved fascia mounted thereto.
A method of selectively altering corner or offset impact resistance of a bumper beam assembly mounted on outwardly-projecting structural components of a vehicle, said assembly comprising a beam and at least two end caps wherein the beam is a center beam mounted between the structural components extending outward from a vehicle, such method comprising forming end caps having a first aperture adapted to receive ends of the structural components extending outward from a vehicle and second aperture adapted to receive opposing ends of the center beam, providing crush zones in the end caps, and adjusting parameters for said end caps to alter the side or offset impact resistance.
A method of selectively altering corner or offset impact resistance of a bumper beam assembly mounted on outwardly-projecting structural components of a vehicle, said assembly comprising a beam and at least two end caps wherein the beam is a center beam mounted between the structural components extending outward from a vehicle, such method comprising forming end caps that mount the entire beam between vertical planes formed by each of the structural components, providing crush zones in the end caps located outside of the structural components extending outward from a vehicle, and adjusting parameters for said end caps to alter the side or offset impact resistance.
A bumper beam assembly for mounting on structural components extending outward from a vehicle, such bumper beam assembly comprising a center beam and at least two end caps that mount the center beam such that the entire center beam is disposed between vertical planes formed by each of the structural components, wherein the end caps include crush zones located outside of the structural components extending outward from a vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.