Author(s)

Matt Bonnell

Contributor(s)

Blucher, Joseph

Abstract

This report describes the development of an active front bumper system for small automobiles. This system anticipates a collision and extends a structure from the front of the car, increasing the length over which the collision takes place. The increased length dissipates the energy of the accident over a greater amount of time and reduces the force transferred to the occupants of the vehicle, lowering their risk of severe injuries. The main components of this design are a sensing system and a collabpsible structure that extends from the front of the automobile prior to impact. This project focuses on the design of the collapsible structure. The final design recommendation for the structure is a series of six columns that collapse in much the same way as the font frame of a modern vericle, or crumple zone. Each column has an aluminum foam center surrounded by a thin steel frame. The columns are 12 inces in length with a 3 inch square cross section, and are connected to the front bumper of the automobile.

Notes

Capstone Design Course ME 1501-1502, Technical Design Report, Project #9, Final report

Keywords

automobile bumpers, collapsible bumper

Publisher

Northeastern University

Publication Date

10-9-2007

Rights Holder

Northeastern University, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Permanent URL

http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d10011018


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