Bumper assemblies including a bumper cover reinforcement and vehicles incorporating the same

A bumper assembly includes a bumper reinforcement beam, a bumper energy absorber member coupled to a face of the bumper reinforcement beam, and a bumper cover reinforcement coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam, the bumper cover reinforcement including a base portion and an outward extending portion extending outward of the base portion in a vehicle longitudinal direction to an end, the bumper cover support portion including a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion, where the at least one of the horizontally extending portion decreases in dimension in the vehicle lateral direction and the vertically extending portion decreases in dimension in the vehicle vertical direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to bumper assemblies and vehicles that include bumper assemblies, and more specifically, bumper assemblies that include a bumper cover reinforcement.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles may be equipped with bumper assemblies and impact protection structures that elastically and plastically deform to absorb energy in the event of an impact. A number of standards and tests currently exist, and various organizations are introducing a number of pedestrian regulations and rating criteria for automotive vehicles. As one example, test methods have been developed to assess the protection of an adult pedestrian by simulating leg-impact conditions during a car-to-pedestrian impact. Such criteria can affect the rigidity or feel of the bumper assemblies.

Accordingly, bumper assemblies are desired that allow for static subjective rigidity, particularly in the vertical direction, while maintaining pedestrian performance.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a bumper assembly includes a bumper reinforcement beam that extends in a vehicle lateral direction, and a bumper cover reinforcement coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam, the bumper cover reinforcement including a bumper cover support portion including a base portion coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam, and an outward extending portion extending outward from the base portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction to an end, the outward extending portion including a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction from the horizontally extending portion, where at least one of the horizontally extending portion decreases in dimension in the vehicle lateral direction along a length of the bumper cover support portion from the base portion to the end and the vertically extending portion decreases in dimension in the vehicle vertical direction along the length of the bumper cover support portion from the base portion to the end.

In another embodiment, a vehicle includes a bumper reinforcement beam that extends in a vehicle lateral direction, a bumper energy absorber member coupled to a face of the bumper reinforcement beam, the bumper energy absorber member including a base that extends laterally along a length of the bumper reinforcement beam and energy absorbing lobes that extend outward from the base in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a bumper cover positioned above the bumper energy absorber in a vehicle vertical direction, and a bumper cover reinforcement coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam, the bumper cover reinforcement including a bumper cover support portion including a base portion coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam, and an outward extending portion extending outward of the base portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction to an end, where the outward extending portion includes a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion extending from the horizontally extending portion in the vehicle vertical direction, and where the bumper cover support portion resists a downward force applied to the bumper cover in the vehicle vertical direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Bumper assemblies according to the present specification bumper include a bumper reinforcement beam, a bumper cover positioned above the bumper reinforcement beam in a vehicle vertical direction, and a bumper cover reinforcement coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam, the bumper cover reinforcement including a bumper cover support portion including a base portion coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam, and an outward extending portion extending outward from the base portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction to an end. The outward extending portion includes a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion, where at least one of the horizontally extending portion decreases in dimension along a length of the bumper cover support portion and the vertically extending portion decreases in dimension along the length of the bumper cover support portion. The bumper cover reinforcement limits movement of a bumper cover in response to a downward vertical force, which can improve static subjective rigidity of the bumper cover. The bumper cover reinforcement also selectively deforms and may disengage from the bumper reinforcement beam in response to a vehicle longitudinal force, which can maintain pedestrian performance of the bumper assembly. These and other embodiments will be described in more detail below in reference to the appended drawings.

As used herein, the term “vehicle longitudinal direction” refers to the forward-rearward direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the +/− vehicle X-direction as depicted). The term “vehicle lateral direction” refers to the cross-vehicle direction (i.e., in the +/− vehicle Y-direction as depicted), and is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction. The term “vehicle vertical direction” refers to the upward-downward direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the +/− vehicle Z-direction as depicted). Further, the terms “inboard” and “outboard” are used to describe the relative positioning of various components of the vehicle with respect to a centerline of the vehicle in the vehicle lateral direction.

Motor vehicles that incorporate elements according to the present disclosure may include a variety of construction methodologies that are conventionally known, including the unibody construction methodology as well as a body-on-frame construction methodology. While the embodiments of the present disclosure are described and depicted herein in reference to body-on-frame structures, it should be understood that vehicles that are constructed with unibody construction may incorporate the elements that are shown and described herein.

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a vehicle10is depicted. The vehicle10includes a body12onto which a vehicle drivetrain is coupled. The vehicle10also includes a cabin13that is integral with the body12. The cabin13generally defines a passenger cabin of the vehicle10. A front portion16of the vehicle10includes a hood18, front fenders20and22, an upper grille assembly24, a front bumper assembly26and a lower grille assembly28extending between the front fenders20and22in the vehicle lateral direction. Generally, the upper grille assembly24includes a covering portion30with a number of horizontally oriented grille deflectors32, a mesh or other suitable covering that protects a radiator behind the covering portion30, while allowing air to flow past the covering portion30and over the radiator. The front bumper assembly26of the vehicle10includes an outer covering or bumper fascia34, an upper projecting bumper portion36and a lower projecting bumper portion38that under hangs the upper projecting bumper portion36. In some embodiments, the bumper fascia34may provide a bumper cover45. In other embodiments, the bumper cover45may be formed by a separate cover structure as part of the lower projecting bumper portion38. The lower grille assembly28may include a covering portion41with a number of horizontally oriented grille deflectors43and be located between the upper projecting bumper portion36and the lower projecting bumper portion38.

Referring toFIG. 2, the bumper fascia34is an outer covering for covering a bumper reinforcement beam40and a bumper energy absorber member42that both extend in the vehicle lateral direction between the front fenders20and22(FIG. 1). The bumper reinforcement beam40may generally have a curved shape in the vehicle lateral direction and extend forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction to a front face44. The bumper fascia34also extends forward at the upper projecting bumper portion36to cover the bumper reinforcement beam40and bumper energy absorber member42. A space may be provided between the bumper fascia34and the bumper energy absorber member42. The space can allow for some rearward deformation of the bumper fascia34at the upper projecting bumper portion36before contacting the bumper energy absorber member42. In other embodiments, the space may not be provided between the bumper fascia34and the bumper energy absorber member42. For example, the bumper fascia34may be coupled directly to the bumper energy absorber member42.

The front bumper assembly26includes the bumper reinforcement beam40with the bumper energy absorber member42coupled thereto and extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bumper energy absorber member42may be coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40by any suitable method, including but not limited to, welded joints, brazed joints, mechanical fasteners, and structural adhesives. The bumper energy absorber member42may generally include a mounting structure or base46that extends laterally along a length of the bumper reinforcement beam40. A set of energy absorbing lobes50project forward from the base46in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Referring collectively toFIGS. 2 and 3, each of the energy absorbing lobes50includes a top52, a bottom54, sides56and58and an end60forming an at least partially closed, box-like structure. The energy absorbing lobes50may be each spaced-apart from each other in the vehicle lateral direction. The bumper energy absorber member42and the energy absorbing lobes50may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, and be formed by any suitable method, such as molding, machining, etc.

Referring again toFIG. 2, a bumper cover reinforcement100is used to reinforce the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. The bumper cover reinforcement100may include an anchor portion102that includes an upper beam engaging portion104that engages a top face81of the bumper reinforcement beam40and a rear beam engaging portion108that engages a rear face80of the bumper reinforcement beam40. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the upper beam engaging portion104of the anchor portion102extends rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction over the top face81and a rear upper corner82of the bumper reinforcement beam40. The rear beam engaging portion108extends downward in the vehicle vertical direction from the upper beam engaging portion104such that the anchor portion102extends over at least a portion of the rear face80of the bumper reinforcement beam40. In some embodiments, a releasable connection84, such as a releasable fastener, adhesive, etc., may be used to releasably secure the rear beam engaging portion108to the rear face80of the bumper reinforcement beam40. In other embodiments, the anchor portion102may be rigidly coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40by any suitable attachment, including but not limited to, welded joints, brazed joints, mechanical fasteners, and structural adhesives.

Referring toFIG. 3, a top view of the bumper cover reinforcement100and the bumper energy absorber member42is depicted. As shown, each of the energy absorbing lobes50and the bumper cover support portions110extend forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the bumper reinforcement beam40. Ones of the bumper cover support portions110of the bumper cover reinforcement100are aligned with ones of the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42in the vehicle lateral direction and are positioned directly above ones the energy absorbing lobes50in the vehicle vertical direction. In embodiments, ones of the bumper cover support portions110of the bumper cover reinforcement100and ones of the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may be offset from one another in the vehicle lateral direction, such that the bumper cover support portions110and the energy absorbing lobes50are staggered in the vehicle lateral direction.

Referring toFIG. 4, a perspective view of the bumper cover reinforcement100is depicted. Each of the bumper cover support portions110include a base portion116that is integral with the anchor portion102and an outward extending portion111that extends outward from the base portion116in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outward extending portions111include a horizontally extending portion114that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extends in a horizontal plane (i.e., in the X-Y plane as depicted), a vertically extending portion or vertically extending portions112that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extend in a vertical plane (i.e., in the X-Z plane as depicted).

The horizontally extending portion114of each of the outward extending portions111includes a bottom floor130that extends between the base portion116and an end106of the bumper cover support portions110in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The vertically extending portions112of each of the outward extending portions111include a side wall or side walls120that extend upward from the bottom floor130. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, each of the vertically extending portions112include the pair of side walls120that are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle lateral direction and that extend upward from the bottom floor130, thereby giving each of the outward extending portions111a u-shaped cross-section or cup shape.

Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, a top view and a front view, respectively, of the bumper cover reinforcement100is depicted. The bottom floor130of the outward extending portions111extends upward in the vehicle vertical direction along a length of outward extending portions111extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In particular, the bottom floor130is positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction where the bottom floor130meets the base portion116than at the position where the bottom floor130meets the end106. The pair of side walls120have a base height90evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the position where the pair of side walls120meet the base portion116, and the pair of side walls120have a end height92evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the end106, where the base height90is greater than the end height92. The pair of side walls120are spaced apart from one another by a base width96evaluated in the vehicle lateral direction where the pair of side walls120meet the base portion116, and the pair of side walls120are spaced apart from one another by a end width94evaluated in the vehicle lateral direction at the end106, where the base width96is greater than the end width94.

Accordingly, each of the bumper cover support portions110are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion116, thereby decreasing in dimension in both the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle lateral direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions110from the base portion116to the end106. As a result of the tapered shape of the bumper cover support portions110, the bumper cover support portions110may have a higher strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions110evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the bumper cover support portions110include one or more reduced thickness regions140positioned on the bottom floor130and/or the side walls120of the outward extending portions111. In embodiments, the reduced thickness regions140may include through holes and/or slots through the bottom floor130and/or the side walls120. The reduced thickness regions140may alternatively or additionally include regions of locally reduced material thickness in which the material thickness within the reduced thickness regions140is less than a material thickness of the bumper cover support portions110at positions outside the reduced thickness regions140. In either instance, the reduced thickness regions140may reduce the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions110evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction as compared to bumper cover support portions110that do not include reduced thickness regions140, such that the bumper cover support portions110preferentially deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in operation, the bumper cover reinforcement100provides additional resistance to a downward force F applied to the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. Such a force F tends to cause downward deflection of the bumper cover45, movement of which is resisted by the bumper cover reinforcement100, and in particular the bumper cover support portions110of the bumper cover reinforcement100positioned adjacent to the bumper cover45. As the bumper cover support portions110are coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40, downward movement of the bumper cover support portions110may be resisted by the bumper reinforcement beam40.

However, during an impact or impact test, such as a legform impact test or upper legform impact test, a force F′ may be applied to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction. While the force F′ is depicted as being primarily directed rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, it should be understood that the force F′ may additionally be applied at least partially upward or downward in the vehicle vertical direction, such as during an upper legform impact test. Such a force tends to cause rearward deflection of the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, movement of which is resisted by the bumper energy absorber member42and the bumper cover reinforcement100. The bumper energy absorber member42, and in particular the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

The bumper cover support portions110of the bumper cover support may similarly selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact. As described above, the outward extending portions111of the bumper cover support portions110are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction such that the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions110evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is less than the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions110evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction. Additionally, in some embodiments, the bumper cover support portions110include the reduced thickness regions140that reduce the strength and/or the stiffness of the bumper cover support portions110evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper cover support portions110through the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover support portions110may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a manner that is similar to the bumper energy absorber member42.

Further, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover reinforcement100may selectively detach from the bumper reinforcement beam40, such as when the bumper cover reinforcement100is coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40with the releasable connection84. By selectively detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement100may provide little or no resistance to the application of the force F′ in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the bumper fascia34. Accordingly, by selectively deforming in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement100may provide minimal resistance to the rearward movement of the bumper fascia34in addition to the resistance provided by the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42. In this way, the bumper cover reinforcement100may not significantly affect the selective deformation of the bumper energy absorber member42upon the application of the force F′ to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that front portion16of the vehicle10absorbs energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

Referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, a top view and a front view of another embodiment of a bumper cover reinforcement200is depicted. Similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2-5B, the bumper cover reinforcement200includes a bumper cover support portion or bumper cover support portions210that include an outward extending portion211that extends from the base portion216to an end206in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outward extending portions211include a horizontally extending portion214that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extends in a horizontal plane (i.e., in the X-Y plane as depicted), a vertically extending portion or vertically extending portions212that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extend in a vertical plane (i.e., in the X-Z plane as depicted), and a base portion216. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the horizontally extending portion214extends upward in the vehicle vertical direction in an arc218along a length of the bumper cover support portions210in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

The horizontally extending portion214of the outward extending portions211includes a bottom floor230that extends between a base portion216and an end206of the outward extending portions211in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The vertically extending portions212of each of the outward extending portions211include a side wall or side walls220that extend upward from the bottom floor230in the vehicle vertical direction. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, each of the outward extending portions211include the pair of side walls220that are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle lateral direction and extend upward from the bottom floor230, thereby giving each of the outward extending portions211a u-shaped cross-section or cup shape.

The bottom floor230extends upward in the vehicle vertical direction in the arc218along a length of the bumper cover support portions210in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion216to the end206. In particular, the bottom floor230is positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction where the bottom floor230meets the base portion216than at the position where the bottom floor230meets the end206. The pair of side walls220have a base height90evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the position where the pair of side walls220meet the base portion216, and the pair of side walls220have a end height92evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the end206, where the base height90is greater than the end height92. The pair of side walls220are spaced apart from one another by a base width96in the vehicle lateral direction where the pair of side walls220meet the base portion216, and the pair of side walls220are spaced apart from one another by a end width94evaluated in the vehicle lateral direction at the end206, where the base width96is greater than the end width94.

Accordingly, each outward extending portion211of the bumper cover support portions210are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion216, thereby decreasing in dimension in both the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle lateral direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions210from the base portion216to the end206. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the height of the side walls220decrease in dimension in the vehicle vertical direction along the arc218extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result of the tapered shape of the bumper cover support portions210, the bumper cover support portions210may have a higher strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to the strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the bumper cover support portions210include one or more reduced thickness regions240positioned on the bottom floor230and/or the side walls220of the outward extending portions211. In embodiments, the reduced thickness regions240may include through holes and/or slots through the bottom floor230and/or the side walls220. The reduced thickness regions240may alternatively or additionally include regions of locally reduced material thickness in which the material thickness within the reduced thickness regions240is less than a material thickness of the bumper cover support portions210positioned outside the reduced thickness regions240. In either instance, the reduced thickness regions240may reduce the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions210evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction as compared to bumper cover support portions210that do not include reduced thickness regions240, such that the bumper cover support portions210preferentially deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in operation, the bumper cover reinforcement200provides additional resistance to a downward force F applied to the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. Such a force F tends to cause downward deflection of the bumper cover45, movement of which is resisted by the bumper cover reinforcement200, and in particular the bumper cover support portions210of the bumper cover reinforcement200positioned adjacent to the bumper cover45. As the bumper cover support portions210are coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40, downward movement of the bumper cover support portions210may be resisted by the bumper reinforcement beam40.

When the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the bumper energy absorber member42, and in particular the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bumper cover support portions210of the bumper cover support may similarly selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact. As described above, the outward extending portions211of the bumper cover support portions210are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction such that the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions210evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is less than the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions210evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction.

Further, the horizontally extending portion214of the bumper cover support portions210extend upward in the vehicle vertical direction along the arc218, which may encourage the bumper cover support portions210to selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In particular, upon application of the force F′ to the bumper cover support portions210in the vehicle longitudinal direction through the bumper fascia34, the arc218may encourage the bumper cover support portions210to bend or fold upward in the vehicle vertical direction about the vehicle lateral direction. By bending or folding upward, the bumper cover support portions may selectively deform, allowing the bumper fascia34to translate rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the bumper cover support portions210include the reduced thickness regions240that reduce the strength and/or the stiffness of the bumper cover support portions210evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper cover support portions210through the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover support portions210may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a manner that is similar to the bumper energy absorber member42.

Further, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover reinforcement200may selectively detach from the bumper reinforcement beam40, such as when the bumper cover reinforcement200is coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40with the releasable connection84. By selectively detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement200may provide little or no resistance to the application of the force F′ in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the bumper fascia34. Accordingly, by selectively deforming in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement200may provide minimal resistance to the rearward movement of the bumper fascia34in addition to the resistance provided by the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42. In this way, the bumper cover reinforcement200may not significantly affect the selective deformation of the bumper energy absorber member42upon the application of the force F′ to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that front portion16of the vehicle10absorbs energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, a top view and a front view of another embodiment of a bumper cover reinforcement300is depicted. Similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2-6B, the bumper cover reinforcement300include a bumper cover support portion or bumper cover support portions310that include an outward extending portion311that extends forward from the base portion316to an end306in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outward extending portions311include a horizontally extending portion314that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extends in a horizontal plane (i.e., in the X-Y plane as depicted), a vertically extending portion or vertically extending portions312that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extend in a vertical plane (i.e., in the X-Z plane as depicted), and a base portion316. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the horizontally extending portion314extends forward from the base portion316to a point332in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the vertically extending portions312extend forward and upward from the point332of the horizontally extending portion314.

The horizontally extending portion314of the outward extending portions311includes a bottom floor330that extends between a base portion316of the bumper cover support portions310and the point223of the horizontally extending portion314. The vertically extending portions312of each of the outward extending portions311include a side wall or side walls320that extend upward from the bottom floor330in the vehicle vertical direction. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, each of the outward extending portions311include the pair of side walls320that are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle lateral direction and extend upward from the bottom floor330, thereby giving each of the outward extending portions311a u-shaped cross-section or cup shape.

The bottom floor330extends upward in the vehicle vertical direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions310in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion316to the point332. In particular, the bottom floor330is positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction where the bottom floor330meets the base portion316than at the position where the bottom floor330meets the point332. The pair of side walls320have a base height90evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the position where the pair of side walls320meet the base portion316, and the pair of side walls320have a end height92evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the end306, where the base height90is greater than the end height92. The pair of side walls320are spaced apart from one another by a base width96in the vehicle lateral direction where the pair of side walls320meet the base portion316, and the pair of side walls320are spaced apart from one another by a end width94evaluated in the vehicle lateral direction at the end306, where the base width96is greater than the end width94.

Accordingly, each of the outward extending portions311are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion316, thereby decreasing in dimension in both the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle lateral direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions310from the base portion316to the end306. As a result of the tapered shape of the bumper cover support portions310, the bumper cover support portions310may have a higher strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to the strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the bumper cover support portions310include one or more reduced thickness regions340positioned on the bottom floor330and/or the side walls320of the outward extending portions311. In embodiments, the reduced thickness regions340may include through holes and/or slots through the bottom floor330and/or the side walls320. The reduced thickness regions340may alternatively or additionally include regions of locally reduced material thickness in which the material thickness within the reduced thickness regions340is less than a material thickness of the bumper cover support portions310positioned outside the reduced thickness regions340. In either instance, the reduced thickness regions340may reduce the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions310evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction as compared to bumper cover support portions310that do not include reduced thickness regions340, such that the bumper cover support portions310preferentially deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in operation, the bumper cover reinforcement300provides additional resistance to a downward force F applied to the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. Such a force F tends to cause downward deflection of the bumper cover45, movement of which is resisted by the bumper cover reinforcement300, and in particular the bumper cover support portions310of the bumper cover reinforcement300positioned adjacent to the bumper cover45. As the bumper cover support portions310are coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40, downward movement of the bumper cover support portions310may be resisted by the bumper reinforcement beam40.

When the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the bumper energy absorber member42, and in particular the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bumper cover support portions310of the bumper cover support may similarly selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact. As described above, the outward extending portions311are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction such that the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions310evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is less than the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions310evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction. Further, the vertically extending portions312of the bumper cover support portions310extend forward of the point332of the horizontally extending portion314of the bumper cover support portions310. As the vertically extending portions312extend forward of the horizontally extending portion314of the bumper cover support portions310, the bumper cover support portions310may have a reduced cross-section at the end306as compared the bumper cover support portion310at the base portion316. By including a reduced cross-section the end306of the bumper cover support portions310may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction at the end306, allowing the bumper fascia34to translate rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the bumper cover support portions310include the reduced thickness regions340that reduce the strength and/or the stiffness of the bumper cover support portions310evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper cover support portions310through the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover support portions310may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a manner that is similar to the bumper energy absorber member42.

Further, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover reinforcement300may selectively detach from the bumper reinforcement beam40, such as when the bumper cover reinforcement300is coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40with the releasable connection84. By selectively detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement300may provide little or no resistance to the application of the force F′ in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the bumper fascia34. Accordingly, by selectively deforming in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement300may provide minimal resistance to the rearward movement of the bumper fascia34in addition to the resistance provided by the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42. In this way, the bumper cover reinforcement300may not significantly affect the selective deformation of the bumper energy absorber member42upon the application of the force F′ to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that front portion16of the vehicle10absorbs energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

Referring toFIGS. 8A and 8B, a top view and a front view of another embodiment of a bumper cover reinforcement400is depicted. Similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2-7B, the bumper cover reinforcement400includes a bumper cover support portion or bumper cover support portions410that include an outward extending portion411that extends forward from the base portion416to an end406in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outward extending portions411include a horizontally extending portion414that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extends in a horizontal plane (i.e., in the X-Y plane as depicted), a vertically extending portion or vertically extending portions412that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extend in a vertical plane (i.e., in the X-Z plane as depicted), and a base portion416. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the horizontally extending portion414of the bumper cover support portions410include a first bottom floor432and a second bottom floor434that is positioned at an angle98with respect to the first bottom floor432.

The first bottom floor432and the second bottom floor434extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the base portion416and the end406and are positioned at an angle98with respect to one another. In embodiments, the angle98is less than 180°. In some embodiments, the angle98is less than 180° and is greater than 45°. By positioning the first bottom floor432an the angle98with respect to the second bottom floor434, the bumper cover support portions410may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

The vertically extending portions412of each of the outward extending portions411include a side wall or side walls420that extend upward from the first bottom floor432and the second bottom floor434in the vehicle vertical direction. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, each of the outward extending portions411include the pair of side walls420that are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle lateral direction and extend upward from the first bottom floor432and the second bottom floor434, thereby giving each of the outward extending portions411a u-shaped cross-section or cup shape.

The first bottom floor432and the second bottom floor434extend upward in the vehicle vertical direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions410in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion416to the end406. In particular, the first bottom floor432and the second bottom floor434are positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction where the first bottom floor432and the second bottom floor434meet the base portion416than at the position where the first bottom floor432and the second bottom floor434meet the end406of the bumper cover support portion410. The pair of side walls420have a base height90evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the position where the pair of side walls420meet the base portion416, and the pair of side walls420have a end height92evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the end406, where the base height90is greater than the end height92. The pair of side walls420are spaced apart from one another by a base width96in the vehicle lateral direction where the pair of side walls420meet the base portion416, and the pair of side walls420are spaced apart from one another by a end width94evaluated in the vehicle lateral direction at the end406, where the base width96is greater than the end width94.

Accordingly, each of the bumper cover support portions410are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion416, thereby decreasing in dimension in both the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle lateral direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions410from the base portion416to the end406. As a result of the tapered shape of the bumper cover support portions410, the bumper cover support portions410may have a higher strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to the strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the bumper cover support portions410include one or more reduced thickness regions440positioned on the first bottom floor432, the second bottom floor434and/or the side walls420of the outward extending portions411. In embodiments, the reduced thickness regions440may include through holes and/or slots through the bottom floor430and/or the side walls420. The reduced thickness regions440may alternatively or additionally include regions of locally reduced material thickness in which the material thickness within the reduced thickness regions440is less than a material thickness of the bumper cover support portions410positioned outside the reduced thickness regions440. In either instance, the reduced thickness regions440may reduce the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions410evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that the bumper cover support portions410preferentially deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in operation, the bumper cover reinforcement400provides additional resistance to a downward force F applied to the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. Such a force F tends to cause downward deflection of the bumper cover45, movement of which is resisted by the bumper cover reinforcement400, and in particular the bumper cover support portions410of the bumper cover reinforcement400positioned adjacent to the bumper cover45. As the bumper cover support portions410are coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40, downward movement of the bumper cover support portions410may be resisted by the bumper reinforcement beam40.

When the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the bumper energy absorber member42, and in particular the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bumper cover support portions410of the bumper cover support may similarly selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact. As described above, the outward extending portions411are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction such that the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions410evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is less than the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions410evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction. Further, the first bottom floor432and the second bottom floor434are positioned at an angle with respect to one another, which may cause the horizontally extending portion414to preferentially collapse and deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the bumper cover support portions410include the reduced thickness regions440that reduce the strength and/or the stiffness of the bumper cover support portions410evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper cover support portions410through the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover support portions410may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a manner that is similar to the bumper energy absorber member42.

Further, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover reinforcement400may selectively detach from the bumper reinforcement beam40, such as when the bumper cover reinforcement400is coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40with the releasable connection84. By selectively detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement400may provide little or no resistance to the application of the force F′ in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the bumper fascia34. Accordingly, by selectively deforming in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement400may provide minimal resistance to the rearward movement of the bumper fascia34in addition to the resistance provided by the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42. In this way, the bumper cover reinforcement400may not significantly affect the selective deformation of the bumper energy absorber member42upon the application of the force F′ to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that front portion16of the vehicle10absorbs energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

Referring toFIGS. 9A and 9B, a top view and a front view of another embodiment of a bumper cover reinforcement500is depicted. Similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2-8B, the bumper cover reinforcement500includes a bumper cover support portion or bumper cover support portions510that includes an outward extending portion511that extends forward from the base portion516to an end506in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outward extending portions511include a horizontally extending portion514that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extends in a horizontal plane (i.e., in the X-Y plane as depicted), a vertically extending portion or vertically extending portions512that generally, although not necessarily exclusively, extend in a vertical plane (i.e., in the X-Z plane as depicted), and a base portion516. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the horizontally extending portion514and the vertically extending portions512extend to a point532at the end506of the bumper cover support portions510.

The horizontally extending portion514includes a bottom floor530that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the base portion516and the end506. The vertically extending portions512of each of the outward extending portions511include a side wall or side walls520that extend upward from the bottom floor530in the vehicle vertical direction. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, each of the bumper cover support portions510include the pair of side walls520that are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle lateral direction and extend upward from the bottom floor530, thereby giving each of the outward extending portions511a u-shaped cross-section or cup shape.

The bottom floor530extends upward in the vehicle vertical direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions510in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion516to the end506. In particular, the bottom floor530is positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction where the bottom floor530meets the base portion516than at the position where the bottom floor530meets the end506of the bumper cover support portion510. The pair of side walls520have a base height90evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the position where the pair of side walls520meet the base portion516, and the pair of side walls520taper to the point532along a length of the bumper cover support portion510, where the base height90is greater than the end height92. The pair of side walls520are spaced apart from one another by a base width96in the vehicle lateral direction where the pair of side walls520meet the base portion516, and the pair of side walls520taper inward to the point532at the end506.

Accordingly, each of outward extending portions511are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion516, thereby decreasing in dimension in both the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle lateral direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions510from the base portion516to the end506. As a result of the tapered shape of the bumper cover support portions510, the bumper cover support portions510may have a higher strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to the strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the bumper cover support portions510include one or more reduced thickness regions540positioned on the bottom floor530and/or the side walls520of the outward extending portions511. In embodiments, the reduced thickness regions540may include through holes and/or slots through the bottom floor530and/or the side walls520. The reduced thickness regions540may alternatively or additionally include regions of locally reduced material thickness in which the material thickness within the reduced thickness regions540is less than a material thickness of the bumper cover support portions510positioned outside the reduced thickness regions540. In either instance, the reduced thickness regions540may reduce the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions510evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that the bumper cover support portions510preferentially deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in operation, the bumper cover reinforcement500provides additional resistance to a downward force F applied to the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. Such a force F tends to cause downward deflection of the bumper cover45, movement of which is resisted by the bumper cover reinforcement500, and in particular the bumper cover support portions510of the bumper cover reinforcement500positioned adjacent to the bumper cover45. As the bumper cover support portions510are coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40, downward movement of the bumper cover support portions510may be resisted by the bumper reinforcement beam40.

When the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the bumper energy absorber member42, and in particular the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bumper cover support portions510of the bumper cover support may similarly selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact. As described above, the outward extending portions511are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction such that the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions510evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is less than the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions510evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the bumper cover support portions510include the reduced thickness regions540that reduce the strength and/or the stiffness of the bumper cover support portions510evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper cover support portions510through the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover support portions510may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a manner that is similar to the bumper energy absorber member42.

Further, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover reinforcement500may selectively detach from the bumper reinforcement beam40, such as when the bumper cover reinforcement500is coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40with the releasable connection84. By selectively detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement500may provide little or no resistance to the application of the force F′ in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the bumper fascia34. Accordingly, by selectively deforming in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement500may provide minimal resistance to the rearward movement of the bumper fascia34in addition to the resistance provided by the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42. In this way, the bumper cover reinforcement500may not significantly affect the selective deformation of the bumper energy absorber member42upon the application of the force F′ to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that front portion16of the vehicle10absorbs energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

Referring toFIGS. 10A and 10B, a top view and a front view of another embodiment of a bumper cover reinforcement600is depicted. Similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2-9B, the bumper cover reinforcement600includes a bumper cover support portion or bumper cover support portions610that include an outward extending portion611that extends forward from the base portion616to an end606in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outward extending portions611include a horizontally extending portion614that generally extends in a horizontal plane (i.e., in the X-Y plane as depicted), a vertically extending portion or vertically extending portions612that generally extend in a vertical plane (i.e., in the X-Z plane as depicted), and a base portion616. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the horizontally extending portion614is generally planar extending forward from the base portion616in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the vertically extending portions612and the horizontally extending portion614extend to a point632at the end606.

The horizontally extending portion614includes a bottom floor630that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the base portion616and the end606. The vertically extending portions612of each of the outward extending portions611include a side wall or side walls620that extend upward from the bottom floor630in the vehicle vertical direction. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, each of the bumper cover support portions610include the pair of side walls620that are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle lateral direction and extend upward from the bottom floor630, thereby giving each of the bumper cover support portions610a u-shaped cross-section or cup shape.

The pair of side walls620have a base height90evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the position where the pair of side walls620meet the base portion616, and the base height90of the side walls620may be generally constant extending forward from the base portion616in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The pair of side walls620are spaced apart from one another by a base width96in the vehicle lateral direction where the pair of side walls620meet the base portion616, and the pair of side walls620taper inward to the point632at the end606extending forward from the base portion616in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, each of the outward extending portions611are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion616, thereby decreasing in dimension in the vehicle lateral direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions610from the base portion616to the end606. As a result of the tapered shape of the bumper cover support portions610, the bumper cover support portions610may have a higher strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to the strength and/or stiffness in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the bumper cover support portions610include one or more reduced thickness regions640positioned on the bottom floor630and/or the side walls620of the outward extending portions611. In embodiments, the reduced thickness regions640may include through holes and/or slots through the bottom floor630and/or the side walls620. The reduced thickness regions640may alternatively or additionally include regions of locally reduced material thickness in which the material thickness within the reduced thickness regions640is less than a material thickness of the bumper cover support portions610positioned outside the reduced thickness regions640. In either instance, the reduced thickness regions640may reduce the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions610evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that the bumper cover support portions610preferentially deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in operation, the bumper cover reinforcement600provides additional resistance to a downward force F applied to the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. Such a force F tends to cause downward deflection of the bumper cover45, movement of which is resisted by the bumper cover reinforcement600, and in particular the bumper cover support portions610of the bumper cover reinforcement600positioned adjacent to the bumper cover45. As the bumper cover support portions610are coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40, downward movement of the bumper cover support portions610may be resisted by the bumper reinforcement beam40.

When the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the bumper energy absorber member42, and in particular the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bumper cover support portions610of the bumper cover support may similarly selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact. As described above, the outward extending portions611are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction such that the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions610evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is less than the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions610evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the bumper cover support portions610include the reduced thickness regions640that reduce the strength and/or the stiffness of the bumper cover support portions610evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper cover support portions610through the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover support portions610may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a manner that is similar to the bumper energy absorber member42.

Further, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover reinforcement600may selectively detach from the bumper reinforcement beam40, such as when the bumper cover reinforcement600is coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40with the releasable connection84. By selectively detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement600may provide little or no resistance to the application of the force F′ in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the bumper fascia34. Accordingly, by selectively deforming in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement600may provide minimal resistance to the rearward movement of the bumper fascia34in addition to the resistance provided by the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42. In this way, the bumper cover reinforcement600may not significantly affect the selective deformation of the bumper energy absorber member42upon the application of the force F′ to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that front portion16of the vehicle10absorbs energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

Referring toFIGS. 11A and 11B, a top view and a front view of another embodiment of a bumper cover reinforcement700is depicted. Similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2-10B, the bumper cover reinforcement700includes a bumper cover support portion or bumper cover support portions710that includes an outward extending portion711that extends forward from the base portion716to an end706in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outward extending portions711include a horizontally extending portion714that generally extends in a horizontal plane (i.e., in the X-Y plane as depicted), a vertically extending portion or vertically extending portions712that generally extend in a vertical plane (i.e., in the X-Z plane as depicted), and a base portion716. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, each of the bumper cover support portions710include a central portion780that divides each of the bumper cover support portions710into a first support portion782and a second support portion784.

The horizontally extending portion714includes a bottom floor730that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the base portion716and the end706. The vertically extending portions712of each of the outward extending portions711include a side wall or side walls720that extend upward from the bottom floor730in the vehicle vertical direction. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, each of the outward extending portions711include the pair of side walls720that are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle lateral direction and extend upward from the bottom floor730, thereby giving each of the outward extending portions711a u-shaped cross-section or cup shape.

The pair of side walls720have a base height90evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the position where the pair of side walls720meet the base portion716, and the base height90of the side walls720may be generally constant extending forward from the base portion716in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The pair of side walls720are spaced apart from one another by a base width96in the vehicle lateral direction where the pair of side walls720meet the base portion716, and the pair of side walls720taper inward to the central portion780at the end706extending forward from the base portion716in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, each of the outward extending portions711are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion716, thereby decreasing in dimension in the vehicle lateral direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions710from the base portion716to the end706. As a result of the tapered shape of the bumper cover support portions710, the bumper cover support portions710may have a higher strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to the vehicle longitudinal direction.

The central portion780of the bumper cover support portions710extends forward from the base portion716in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the end706. In embodiments, the central portion708may include a central member786positioned between the first support portion782and the second support portion784in the vehicle lateral direction. The central member786may be coupled to the base portion716, the horizontally extending portion714, and/or the vertically extending portions712by any suitable method, including but not limited to, welded joints, brazed joints, mechanical fasteners, and structural adhesives. The central member786may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, or composite, and be formed by any suitable method, such as molding, machining, etc. The central member786may increase the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions710in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to bumper cover support portions710that do not include the central member786. The central member786may also selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

In some embodiments, the central portion780may define a gap positioned between the first support portion782and the second support portion784in the vehicle lateral direction. By defining a gap between the first support portion782and the second support portion784, the central portion780may encourage selective deformation of the first support portion782and the second support portion784in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 11A and 11B, the bumper cover support portions710include one or more reduced thickness regions740positioned on the bottom floor730and/or the side walls720of the outward extending portions711. In embodiments, the reduced thickness regions740may include through holes and/or slots through the bottom floor730and/or the side walls720. The reduced thickness regions740may alternatively or additionally include regions of locally reduced material thickness in which the material thickness within the reduced thickness regions740is less than a material thickness of the bumper cover support portions710positioned outside the reduced thickness regions740. In either instance, the reduced thickness regions740may reduce the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions710evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that the bumper cover support portions710preferentially deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in operation, the bumper cover reinforcement700provides additional resistance to a downward force F applied to the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. Such a force F tends to cause downward deflection of the bumper cover45, movement of which is resisted by the bumper cover reinforcement700, and in particular the bumper cover support portions710of the bumper cover reinforcement700positioned adjacent to the bumper cover45. As the bumper cover support portions710are coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40, downward movement of the bumper cover support portions710may be resisted by the bumper reinforcement beam40. Further, in embodiments that include the central member786, the central member increases the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions710in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to bumper cover support portions710that do not include the central member786. Accordingly, the central member786may further resist the downward force F applied to the bumper cover45.

When the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the bumper energy absorber member42, and in particular the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bumper cover support portions710of the bumper cover support may similarly selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact. As described above, the outward extending portions711are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction such that the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions710evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is less than the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions710evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction. Further in embodiments that include the central member786, the central member786may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In embodiments that include the gap defined by the central portion780, the gap may encourage the first support portion782and the second support portion784to selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the bumper cover support portions710include the reduced thickness regions740that reduce the strength and/or the stiffness of the bumper cover support portions710evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper cover support portions710through the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover support portions710may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a manner that is similar to the bumper energy absorber member42.

Further, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover reinforcement700may selectively detach from the bumper reinforcement beam40, such as when the bumper cover reinforcement700is coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40with the releasable connection84. By selectively detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement700may provide little or no resistance to the application of the force F′ in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the bumper fascia34. Accordingly, by selectively deforming in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement700may provide minimal resistance to the rearward movement of the bumper fascia34in addition to the resistance provided by the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42. In this way, the bumper cover reinforcement700may not significantly affect the selective deformation of the bumper energy absorber member42upon the application of the force F′ to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that front portion16of the vehicle10absorbs energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

Referring toFIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C, a top view, a front view, and a side view of another embodiment of a bumper cover reinforcement800is depicted. Similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2-11B, the bumper cover reinforcement800includes a bumper cover support portion or bumper cover support portions810that includes an outward extending portion811that extends forward from the base portion816to an end806in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outward extending portions811include a horizontally extending portion814that generally extends in a horizontal plane (i.e., in the X-Y plane as depicted), a vertically extending portion or vertically extending portions812that generally extend in a vertical plane (i.e., in the X-Z plane as depicted), and a base portion716. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 12A-12C, the horizontally extending portion814is positioned above the vertically extending portion812.

The horizontally extending portion814includes a top face830that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the base portion816and the end806. The vertically extending portion812of each of the outward extending portions811includes a central portion820that extends downward from the top face830in the vehicle vertical direction. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B, each of the outward extending portions811include the central portion820that is positioned beneath the top face830in the vehicle vertical direction and is centrally positioned with respect to the top face830in the vehicle lateral direction, thereby giving each of the outward extending portions811a T-shaped cross-section

The central portion820has a base height90evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction at the position where the central portion820meets the base portion816, and the central portion820tapers to a point832at the end806. The top face830has a base width96in the vehicle lateral direction where the top face830meets the base portion816, and the top face830has a end width94evaluated in the vehicle lateral direction at the end806, where the end width94is less than the base width96.

Accordingly, each of the bumper cover support portions810are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the base portion816, thereby decreasing in dimension in both the vehicle lateral direction and the vehicle vertical direction along a length of the bumper cover support portions810from the base portion816to the end806. As a result of the tapered shape of the bumper cover support portions810, the bumper cover support portions810may have a higher strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction as compared to the strength and/or stiffness evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 12A-12C, the bumper cover support portions810include one or more reduced thickness regions840positioned on the top face830and/or the central portion820of the outward extending portions811. In embodiments, the reduced thickness regions840may include through holes and/or slots through the top face830and/or central portion820. The reduced thickness regions840may alternatively or additionally include regions of locally reduced material thickness in which the material thickness within the reduced thickness regions840is less than a material thickness of the bumper cover support portions810positioned outside the reduced thickness regions840. In either instance, the reduced thickness regions840may reduce the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions810evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that the bumper cover support portions810preferentially deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in operation, the bumper cover reinforcement800provides additional resistance to a downward force F applied to the bumper cover45in the vehicle vertical direction. Such a force F tends to cause downward deflection of the bumper cover45, movement of which is resisted by the bumper cover reinforcement800, and in particular the bumper cover support portions810of the bumper cover reinforcement800positioned adjacent to the bumper cover45. As the bumper cover support portions810are coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40, downward movement of the bumper cover support portions810may be resisted by the bumper reinforcement beam40.

When the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the bumper energy absorber member42, and in particular the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bumper cover support portions810of the bumper cover support may similarly selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction, absorbing energy associated with the impact. As described above, the outward extending portions811are tapered extending forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction such that the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions810evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is less than the strength and/or stiffness of the bumper cover support portions810evaluated in the vehicle vertical direction. Additionally, in some embodiments, the bumper cover support portions810include the reduced thickness regions840that reduce the strength and/or the stiffness of the bumper cover support portions810evaluated in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper cover support portions810through the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover support portions810may selectively deform in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a manner that is similar to the bumper energy absorber member42.

Further, when the force F′ is applied to the bumper fascia34, the bumper cover reinforcement800may selectively detach from the bumper reinforcement beam40, such as when the bumper cover reinforcement800is coupled to the bumper reinforcement beam40with the releasable connection84. By selectively detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement800may provide little or no resistance to the application of the force F′ in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the bumper fascia34. Accordingly, by selectively deforming in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or detaching from the bumper reinforcement beam40, the bumper cover reinforcement800may provide minimal resistance to the rearward movement of the bumper fascia34in addition to the resistance provided by the energy absorbing lobes50of the bumper energy absorber member42. In this way, the bumper cover reinforcement800may not significantly affect the selective deformation of the bumper energy absorber member42upon the application of the force F′ to the bumper fascia34in the vehicle longitudinal direction, such that front portion16of the vehicle10absorbs energy associated with the impact in accordance with pedestrian impact standards.

It should now be understood, the above-described bumper cover reinforcements can provide a bumper cover that is reinforced in a vehicle vertical direction against a bumper reinforcement beam. The bumper assembly includes a bumper cover reinforcement that extends forward of the bumper reinforcement beam and toward the bumper cover that limits movement of the bumper cover in response to a downward vertical force, which can improve static subjective rigidity of the bumper cover. The bumper cover reinforcement also selectively deforms and may disengage from the bumper reinforcement beam in response to a vehicle longitudinal force, which can maintain pedestrian performance of the bumper assembly.