Bumper beam with integrated energy absorber

A method for creating a component for absorbing energy during a collision, comprising the steps of:

• providing a beam structural member;
• providing at least one energy absorber;
• providing a beam cover plate;
• providing at least one vehicle attachment plate operable for connection with a vehicle;
• connecting said beam cover plate to said beam structural member through resistive implant welding;
• overmolding said at least one vehicle attachment plate to said beam cover plate;
• connecting said at least one energy absorber to said beam structural member such that said at least one energy absorber absorbs energy when said vehicle undergoes a collision.

An energy absorbing component externally mounted to a vehicle, comprising:

• a beam structural member;
• at least one energy absorber;
• a beam cover plate connected to said beam structural member through resistive implant welding;
• and
• at least one vehicle attachment plate connected to a vehicle, said at least one vehicle attachment plate overmolded to said beam cover plate.

An energy absorbing component externally mounted to a vehicle, comprising:

• a beam structural member operable for attachment to a vehicle;
• a beam cover plate connected to said beam structural to form a closed section, at least one vehicle attachment plate overmolded to said beam cover plate, said vehicle attachment plate operable for connection with a vehicle;
• and
• at least one energy absorber operably connected to said beam structural member such that said at least one energy absorber absorbs energy when said vehicle undergoes a collision.

An energy absorbing component externally mounted to a vehicle, comprising:

• a beam structural member operable for attachment to a vehicle;
• a beam cover plate made to form a closed section,
• a plurality of ribs, a portion of said plurality of ribs being formed as part of said beam cover plate, and a portion of said plurality of ribs being formed as part of said beam structural member, and
• at least one energy absorber operably connected to said beam structural member such that said at least one energy absorber absorbs energy when said vehicle undergoes a collision.