PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10974688-B1
Application Number: US-201916439843-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Extendable bumpers for vehicles

Abstract:
A vehicle includes a body portion, an opening defined by the body portion, and an extendable bumper that is positioned in the opening and is moveable with respect to the body portions between an extended position and a retracted position. The extendable bumper includes an inflatable structure that causes movement of the extendable bumper between the retracted position and the extended position in response to inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 a vehicle structure; and 
 an extendable bumper that is connected to the vehicle structure and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the vehicle structure, wherein the extendable bumper includes an inflatable structure that causes movement of the extendable bumper between the retracted position and the extended position in response to inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure, 
 wherein the inflatable structure includes a plurality of internal chambers, 
 wherein the internal chambers of the inflatable structure are pressurized to different pressures in the extended position, and 
 wherein the internal chambers of the inflatable structure are arranged vertically with respect to one another. 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a valve assembly operable to supply a pressurized gas to the internal chambers of the inflatable structure; and 
 an electronic control unit operable to control supply of the pressurized gas, wherein the electronic control unit causes supply of the pressurized gas to the internal chambers of the inflatable structure in response to sensing an imminent collision. 
 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable structure is formed from a flexible material and the inflatable structure defines an exterior vehicle surface. 
     
     
       4. A vehicle, comprising:
 a body portion; 
 an opening defined by the body portion; 
 an elongate inflatable structure that extends in a transverse direction, is positioned in the opening, and includes internal chambers that are disposed in a vertically stacked arrangement with respect to each other; 
 a source of a pressurized gas; and 
 a valve assembly operable to supply the pressurized gas to the internal chambers of the elongate inflatable structure to cause the elongate inflatable structure to move from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to control a maximum inflation pressure of each of the internal chambers such that each of the internal chambers may be pressurized to a different pressure in order to influence motion of external structures. 
 
     
     
       5. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein the internal chambers include an upper internal chamber and a lower internal chamber, the valve assembly is configured to pressurize the upper internal chamber to a lowest pressure, and the valve assembly is configured to pressurize the lower internal chamber to a highest pressure. 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein the source of the pressurized gas includes a compressor. 
     
     
       7. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein the source of the pressurized gas includes a pyrotechnic inflator. 
     
     
       8. The vehicle of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 an electronic control unit that controls supply of the pressurized gas to the internal chambers to cause movement of the elongate inflatable structure from the retracted position to the extended position. 
 
     
     
       9. The vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein the electronic control unit causes supply of the pressurized gas to the internal chambers in response to sensing an imminent collision. 
     
     
       10. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein the elongate inflatable structure defines an exterior vehicle surface. 
     
     
       11. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein the elongate inflatable structure is formed from a flexible material. 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein the elongate inflatable structure is formed from an elastic material. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein the elongate inflatable structure is formed from an inelastic material. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a vehicle structure, wherein the elongate inflatable structure includes a mounting portion that is connected to the vehicle structure. 
 
     
     
       15. The vehicle of  claim 14 , wherein the mounting portion is a rigid member that forms part of a sealed interior of the elongate inflatable structure. 
     
     
       16. The vehicle of  claim 15 , wherein the mounting portion is formed from a rigid crushable material. 
     
     
       17. The vehicle of  claim 16 , wherein the rigid crushable material is a rigid crushable foam. 
     
     
       18. A vehicle, comprising:
 a body portion; 
 an opening defined by the body portion; 
 an inflatable bumper that includes a first internal chamber, a second internal chamber that is positioned below the first internal chamber, and a third internal chamber that is positioned below the second internal chamber; 
 a source of a pressurized gas; and 
 an electronic control unit that controls supply of the pressurized gas to the first internal chamber, the second internal chamber, and the third internal chamber to pressurize the first internal chamber to a lowest pressure, to pressurize the second internal chamber to an intermediate pressure, and to pressurize the third internal chamber to a highest pressure. 
 
     
     
       19. The vehicle of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a valve assembly that is controlled by the electronic control unit to supply the pressurized gas from the source of the pressurized gas to the first internal chamber, the second internal chamber, and the third internal chamber of the inflatable bumper. 
 
     
     
       20. The vehicle of  claim 18 , wherein the electronic control unit causes the supply of the pressurized gas to the first internal chamber, the second internal chamber, and the third internal chamber in response to sensing an imminent collision.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/355,674, filed on Nov. 18, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/256,766, filed on Nov. 18, 2015. The contents of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicle body structures. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the automotive field, bumpers are vehicle structures that are typically positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle. Functions performed by bumpers include reducing the extent of pedestrian injuries by providing a soft initial contact, absorbing impact to prevent damage to other portions of the vehicle during a low-speed collision, and reducing the extent of height mismatch between vehicles of different sizes. 
     Bumpers often protrude longitudinally forward with respect to other vehicle structures such as body panels, or longitudinally rearward of other vehicle structures. In the event of a collision at the front or rear of a vehicle, the bumper is often the first part of the vehicle that is struck. 
     A number of vehicle bumper structures have been utilized. A simple design includes a laterally extending metal beam that is supported forward of other vehicle structures by two or more support structures. Many modern designs include a plastic bumper cover that conceals an underlying bumper structure that is designed to absorb impact by crushing, such as a cellular structure formed from plastic. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a body portion, an opening defined by the body portion, and an extendable bumper that is positioned in the opening and is moveable with respect to the body portions between an extended position and a retracted position. The extendable bumper includes an inflatable structure that causes movement of the extendable bumper between the retracted position and the extended position in response to inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a vehicle structure and an extendable bumper that includes one or more pivoting structures that are pivotally moveable relatively to the vehicle structure between an extended position and a retracted position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a body portion, an opening defined by the body portion, and an extendable bumper that is positioned in the opening and is moveable with respect to the body portion between an extended position and a retracted position. The extendable bumper is disposed forward relative to the body portion in the extended position and the extendable bumper is at least one of disposed in alignment with the body portion or disposed rearward of the body portion in the retracted position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a body portion and a moveable panel that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the moveable panel is adjacent to a lower surface of the body portion in the retracted position and the moveable panel is adjacent to a front surface of the body portion in the extended position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts through several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a first example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the first example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a second example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the second example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a third example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the third example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a fourth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a fourth example during impact with an object. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a fifth example in an extended position prior to inflation of a secondary inflatable portion. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a fifth example subsequent to inflation of the secondary inflatable portion. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a sixth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the sixth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a seventh example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to an eighth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the eighth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a ninth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the ninth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a tenth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 19  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the tenth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 20  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to an eleventh example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the eleventh example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 22  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a twelfth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 23  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the twelfth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 24  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a thirteenth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 25  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the thirteenth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 26  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a fourteenth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 27  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the fourteenth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 28  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a fifteenth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 29  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the fifteenth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 30  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including a bumper system according to a sixteenth example that includes a variable speed hydraulic damper. 
         FIG. 31  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a seventeenth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 32  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the seventeenth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 33  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to an eighteenth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 34  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the eighteenth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 35  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a nineteenth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 36  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the nineteenth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 37  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a twentieth example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 38  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the twentieth example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 39  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a twenty-first example in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 40  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to the twenty-first example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 41  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including an extendable bumper system according to a twenty-second example in an extended position. 
         FIG. 42  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including the extendable bumper system according to the twenty-second example in a first intermediate position. 
         FIG. 43  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including the extendable bumper system according to a twenty-second example in a second intermediate position. 
         FIG. 44  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle including the extendable bumper system according to the twenty-second example in a retracted position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure relates to extendable bumper systems for vehicles. Moving a bumper from a retracted position to an extended position changes the location of initial contact during a collision relative to other parts of the vehicle, such as external body panels and internal structure members. By allowing movement to the retracted position, the bumpers of the vehicle need not be positioned at all times at locations selected based on criteria such as collision performance. For example, the bumpers can be disposed in retracted positions when the vehicle is parked to reduce the overall length of the vehicle. 
       FIGS. 1-2  shows portions of a vehicle  100  that includes a vehicle structure  102  and a body portion  104 . The vehicle structure  102  in this example is an internal structural member of the vehicle  100  that supports the body portion  104  and can support other portions of the vehicle  100  such as suspension components and drivetrain components. As examples, the vehicle structure  102  can be all of or a portion of a frame, a subframe, a unibody, or a monocoque. The body portion  104  can be an external panel of the vehicle  100 . The body portion  104  can be a unitary part or can be an assembly of multiple parts. In the illustrated example, the body portion  104  is positioned at the longitudinal front of the vehicle  100 . 
     The vehicle  100  includes an extendable bumper system  106 . At least a portion of the extendable bumper system  106  is able to move between a retracted position ( FIG. 1 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 2 ). The extendable bumper system  106  includes a bumper cover  108 , and an inflatable structure  110 . The extendable bumper system  106  can also include one or more connecting structures that connect the bumper cover  108  to one or more of the vehicle structure  102  or the body portion  104  and allow movement of the bumper cover  108  between the retracted position and the extended position. In the illustrated example, these connecting structures include a first flexible hinge  112  and a second flexible hinge  114 . 
     The bumper cover  108  is as an elongate structure that extends laterally across a majority of the transverse width of the vehicle  100 . The bumper cover  108  is an external structure that is visible from the exterior of the vehicle  100 , and defines part of the external body of the vehicle  100  along with the body portion  104 . In the illustrated implementation, the bumper cover  108  is positioned in an opening  116  that is defined by the body portion  104 . The opening  116  can be sized complementary to the bumper cover  108 , such as by having a similar shape when viewed from the front of the vehicle and being slightly larger than the bumper cover  108  to allow for motion of the bumper cover  108  relative to the opening  116 . 
     The bumper cover  108  may be a non-expanding structure that is rigid. For example, the bumper cover  108  may have higher rigidity than the inflatable structure  110  and may have sufficient rigidity to allow motion of the bumper cover  108  is response to expansion and contraction of the inflatable structure  110  without significant deformation of the bumper cover  108 . 
     Suitable materials for the bumper cover  108  include materials that do not deform significantly during normal use of the vehicle  100 . For example, the material used for the bumper cover  108  can be selected such that the bumper cover  108  does not deform during extension and retraction of the extendable bumper system  106 . As one example, rubber modified polypropylenes such as PP-EDM can be used as a material for forming the bumper cover  108 . Regardless of the material selected for the bumper cover  108 , the bumper cover  108  may have a geometric configuration that increases or decreases the rigidity of the bumper cover in certain areas, such as internal structural ribs (not shown). 
     In the retracted position, a front surface of the bumper cover  108  can be substantially aligned (e.g. flush) with respect to the body portion  104 . In the extended position, the bumper cover  108  can extend longitudinally forward from the body portion  104 , where the extendable bumper system  106  is positioned at the front of the vehicle  100  as in the illustrated example. In implementations where the extendable bumper system  106  is positioned at the rear of the vehicle  100 , the bumper cover  108  would instead extend rearward from the body portion  104 . The distance by which the bumper cover  108  extends from the body portion  104  can vary based on the needs of a given implementation, but will generally fall within a range of approximately 20 mm-160 mm. 
     The inflatable structure  110  is a structure that is able to increase or decrease its volumetric displacement in response to supply and removal of gas. To allow this, the inflatable structure  110  has an interior space that is sealed relative to its exterior except as otherwise described herein. The inflatable structure  110  can be formed from a flexible material such as a flexible plastic or gas-impermeable cloth. In some implementations, the material from which the inflatable structure  110  if formed is inelastic. In other implementations, the material from which the inflatable structure  110  is formed is elastic. In all of these implementations, the inflatable structure  110  can be pressurized, by resisting a further change in volume in response to introduction of additional volumes of gas into its interior, either as a result of the structural configuration and material properties of the inflatable structure  110  itself, or by virtue of by disposed within an enclosed and relatively inelastic space, such as in the hollow interior  109  of the bumper cover  108 . 
     The inflatable structure  110  can receive gas from an external source, as will be discussed herein. Upon supply of gas, such as air, to the inflatable structure, the volume displaced by the inflatable structure  110  increases. Conversely, the volume displaced by the inflatable structure  110  can be decreased by removing gas from the inflatable structure  110 . 
     The inflatable structure  110  is disposed adjacent to the bumper cover  108 , and is positioned so that the inflatable structure is able to either directly engage or indirectly engage the bumper cover  108  such that the inflatable structure  110  can cause motion of the bumper cover  108  relative to one or both of the vehicle structure  102  and the body portion  104 . In the illustrated implementation, bumper cover  108  has a u-shaped cross-section when viewed along a line that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle  100 , which defines a hollow interior  109  for the bumper cover  108 . The inflatable structure  110  is disposed within the hollow interior  109  of the bumper cover  108 . 
     The inflatable structure  110  is disposed between the bumper cover  108  and a fixed portion of the vehicle  100 , such as the vehicle structure  102 . For example, the inflatable structure  110  can be mounted in a fixed relationship with respect to the vehicle structure using means such as mechanical fasteners or adhesives. By disposing the inflatable structure  110  between the vehicle structure  102 , which is fixed, and the bumper cover  108 , which is moveable, inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure  110  causes movement of the bumper cover  108  relative to other portions of the vehicle  100  such as the vehicle structure  102 . 
     The first flexible hinge  112  and the second flexible hinge  114  are each connected to the bumper cover  108  and the body portion  104 . The first flexible hinge  112  and the second flexible hinge  114  function to attach the bumper cover  108  to the body portion  104  in a manner that provides a smooth transition between the bumper cover  108  and the body portion  104 . The connection of each of the first flexible hinge  112  and the second flexible hinge  114  with respect to the bumper cover  108  and the body portion  104  can be made using structures such as adhesives and/or mechanical fasteners including clips, clamps, screws or bolts. Other fastening structures could be used. Suitable materials for the first flexible hinge  112  and the second flexible hinge  114  include thermoplastic elastomers such as TPE-V and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM rubbers. The bumper cover  108  may also be supported with respect to the body portion  104  by addition components, such as components that allow the bumper cover  108  to slide linearly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle  100  by restraining motion of the bumper cover  108  in other directions. 
     The first flexible hinge  112  and the second flexible hinge  114  are positioned above and below the bumper cover  108  in the illustrated implementation and are described herein as independent structures. It should be understood that the first flexible hinge  112  and the second flexible could instead be portions of a single flexible hinge that surrounds the bumper cover  108  peripherally. 
     The extendable bumper system can include one or more structures that are operable to urge the bumper cover  108  toward the retracted position. In some implementations, this function is performed at least in part by the first flexible hinge  112  and the second flexible hinge  114 . In addition or as an alternative, the extendable bumper system can include one or more biasing elements such as one or more tension springs  126  that are connected to the bumper cover  108  and to another portion of the vehicle  100  such as the vehicle structure  102 . 
     The extendable bumper system  106  includes components that are able to cause inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure  110 . A valve assembly  118  is connected to the inflatable structure  110  by a pneumatic line  120 . The valve assembly  118  includes one or more individual valves that are operable to move between open and closed positions to supply gas to or allow gas to be expelled from the interior of the inflatable structure  110 . The valves incorporated by the valve assembly  118  can be electronically actuated, such as in response to signals from an electronic control unit  122 , or can be pressure actuated, such as by opening in response to pressure in excess of a threshold. 
     The pneumatic line  120  is any structure that is able to provide fluid communication between the inflatable structure and the valve assembly  118 . In the illustrated implementation, the pneumatic line  120  extends from the valve assembly  118  to the inflatable structure  110 . It should be understood, however, that the fluid communication provided by the pneumatic line  120  could be provided in other ways, such as by connecting the valve assembly  118  directly to the inflatable structure  110 . 
     A compressor  124  is operable to provide pressurized gas such as compressed air to the inflatable structure  110 . The compressor  124  can be a conventional motor-driven compressor of any type, and can be driven by an integrated motor or by a motor that is part of the drivetrain of the vehicle  100 . Operation of the compressor  124  can be controlled by the electronic control unit  122 , such as by starting and stopping operation of the compressor  124  in response to signals from the electronic control unit  122 . Flow of the pressurized gas from the compressor  124  to the inflatable structure can be controlled by the valve assembly  118 . 
     The electronic control unit  122  is operable to cause movement of the bumper cover  108  between the extended position and the retracted position. Movement of the bumper cover  108  can be caused in response to an operating condition of the vehicle  100 . As one example, the electronic control unit  122  can cause movement the bumper cover  108  from the retracted position to the extended position when the vehicle  100  is turned on, and cause movement of the bumper cover  108  from the extended position to the retracted position when the vehicle  100  is turned off. As another example, the electronic control unit  122  can cause movement of the bumper cover  108  from the retracted position to the extended position when the vehicle  100  is placed into a “drive” mode, and move the bumper cover  108  from the extended position to the retracted position when the vehicle  100  is placed into a “park” mode. As another example, the electronic control unit  122  can cause movement of the bumper cover  108  from the retracted position to the extended position when a speed of the vehicle  100  exceeds a threshold value, such as five miles per hour or eight kilometers per hour, and move the bumper cover  108  from the extended position to the retracted position when the speed of the vehicle  100  falls below the threshold value. Once moved to the extended position, the electronic control unit  122  can cause the bumper cover  108  to remain in the extended position until the operating condition changes. 
     To cause movement of bumper cover  108  from the retracted position to the extended position, the electronic control unit can, as an example, cause operation of the compressor  124  and cause the valve assembly to allow compressed gas to flow from the compressor  124  to the inflatable structure  110  through the pneumatic line  120 . As the compressed gas enters the inflatable structure  110  the volumetric displacement of the inflatable structure  110  increases, which causes the inflatable structure  110  to expand within the hollow interior  109  of the bumper cover  108  and apply a force to the bumper cover  108  that acts in opposition to the force applied to the bumper cover  108  by the tension springs  126 . As a result of the force applied to the bumper cover  108  by the inflatable structure  110 , the bumper cover  108  moves toward the extended position. 
     To cause movement of the bumper cover  108  from the extended position to the retracted position, the electronic control unit  122  can cause the valve assembly  118  allow the pressurized gas to exit the interior of the inflatable structure. For example, the electronic control unit  122  can cause the valve assembly  118  to open one or more valves that allow the inflatable structure to communicate with atmosphere and thereby vent a portion of the pressurized gas that is present within the interior of the inflatable structure  110  to atmosphere. While the interior of the inflatable structure is in communication with a lower pressure area such as atmosphere, the pressurized gas exits the inflatable structure  110 , and deflation of the inflatable structure  110  can be assisted by the force applied to the bumper cover  108  by the tension springs  126  to urge the bumper cover  108  to the retracted position. As an alternative or in addition, the electronic control unit  122  can cause the valve assembly  118  to couple the inflatable structure  110  to the compressor  124  such that vacuum pressure is applied to the inflatable structure  110  by the compressor  124  in order to remove pressurized gas from the interior of the inflatable structure  110 . 
       FIGS. 3-4  show a vehicle  200 , that includes a vehicle structure  202 , a body portion  204 , and an extendable bumper system  206 . The vehicle  200  is similar to the vehicle  100  except as otherwise described herein. 
     The extendable bumper system  206  includes an inflatable structure  210  that moves between a retracted position ( FIG. 3 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 4 ) by inflating and deflating. The inflatable structure  210  defines a sealed interior that allows it to hold pressurized gas, similar to the structure described with respect to the inflatable structure  110 . The inflatable structure  210  is formed from a material that is both flexible and elastic. Accordingly, the material from which the inflatable structure  210  is formed stretches as the inflatable structure  210  is inflated, which increases the volumetric displacement of the inflatable structure  210 . Inflation of the inflatable structure  210  moves the position of the front of the inflatable structure  210  by a distance of approximately 20 mm-160 mm. 
     The inflatable structure  210  extends through an opening  216  that is defined by the body portion  204  of the vehicle  200 . The inflatable structure  210  defines part of the exterior of the vehicle  200  (i.e., an exterior vehicle surface), and is not disposed within a bumper cover. 
     The inflatable structure  210  can be connected to the vehicle structure  102  and/or the body portion  204  by a mounting portion  228 . In one implementation, the mounting portion  228  is formed from the same material as the inflatable structure  210 , and may be formed separately or as an integral portion of the inflatable structure  210 . In another implementation, the mounting portion  228  is a rigid member that defines part of the sealed interior of the inflatable structure  210  by being sealingly connected to the inflatable structure  210 , such as by the mounting portion  228  being bonded to the inflatable structure  210  with and adhesive or by the mounting portion  228  being mechanically clamped to the inflatable structure  210 . 
     The inflatable structure  210  is connected to a valve assembly  218  by a pneumatic line  220 . The valve assembly  218  is connected to a source of pressurized gas such as a compressor  224 . The valve assembly  218  and the compressor  224  can be controlled by an electronic control unit  222 , which can be similar to the electronic control unit  122 . 
     The inflatable structure  210  is inflated in order to move the extendable bumper system  206  to the extended position from the retracted position. To inflate the inflatable structure  210 , compressed gas is supplied to the inflatable structure from the compressor  224  through the valve assembly  218  and the pneumatic line  220 . Inflation of the inflatable structure  210  can be performed in response to control signals received at the valve assembly  218  and the compressor  224  from the electronic control unit  222 , as explained with respect to the electronic control unit  122 . 
     The inflatable structure  210  is deflated in order to move the extendable bumper system  206  to the retracted position from the extended position. As one example, the valve assembly  218  can vent the pressurized gas in the inflatable structure  210  to atmosphere in response to control signals from the electronic control unit  222 , while the elastic material of the inflatable structure  210  contracts, which expels the pressurized gas from the interior of the inflatable structure  210 . As another example, the compressor  224  can be used to evacuate the interior of the inflatable structure  210 . 
       FIGS. 5-6  show a vehicle  300 , that includes a vehicle structure  302 , a body portion  304 , and an extendable bumper system  306 . The vehicle  300  is similar to the vehicle  200  except as otherwise described herein. 
     The extendable bumper system  306  includes an inflatable structure  310  that moves between a retracted position ( FIG. 5 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 6 ) by inflating and deflating. The inflatable structure  310  defines a sealed interior that allows it to hold pressurized gas, similar to the structure described with respect to the inflatable structure  310 . The inflatable structure  310  is formed from a material that is flexible but is inelastic. Accordingly, the material from which the inflatable structure  310  is formed inflates without stretch as the volumetric displacement of the inflatable structure  310  increases. Inflation of the inflatable structure  310  moves the position of the front of the inflatable structure  310  by a distance of approximately 20 mm-160 mm. 
     The inflatable structure  310  extends through an opening  316  that is defined by the body portion  304  of the vehicle  300 . The inflatable structure  310  defines part of the exterior of the vehicle  300 , and is not disposed within a bumper cover. 
     The inflatable structure  310  can be connected to the vehicle structure  302  and/or the body portion  304  by a mounting portion  328 . In one implementation, the mounting portion  328  is formed from the same material as the inflatable structure  310 , and may be formed separately or as an integral portion of the inflatable structure  310 . In another implementation, the mounting portion  328  is a rigid member that defines part of the sealed interior of the inflatable structure  310  by being sealingly connected to the inflatable structure  310 , such as by the mounting portion  328  being bonded to the inflatable structure  310  with and adhesive or by the mounting portion  328  being mechanically clamped to the inflatable structure  310 . As an example, the rigid material can be a crushable material such as foam that maintains its shape during normal use but is able to crush in response to the types of forces experienced in a collision. 
     Because the inflatable structure  310  is formed from an inelastic material, excess material is present when the inflatable structure  310  is deflated, and the overall surface area of the inflatable structure  310  is greater than the area define d by the opening. To allow the inflatable structure to be neatly deflated, a plurality of elongate ribs  330  are formed on the mounting portion  328 . The elongate ribs  330  extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle  300 , which is also the long dimension of the inflatable structure  310 . The elongate ribs  330  are separated from one another by a plurality of troughs  332  that are in approximate alignment with the body portion  304  in the fore to aft direction of the vehicle  300 . The elongate ribs  330  extend forward relative to the troughs  332  and the body portion  304 . For example, the elongate ribs  330  can extend forward from the body portion  304  by approximately half the distance by which the inflatable structure  310  extends forward from the body portion  304  when the inflatable structure  310  is in the extended position. Accordingly, the elongate ribs  330  provide additional area that the inflatable structure  310  can conform to when deflated. 
     The inflatable structure  310  is connected to a valve assembly  318  by a pneumatic line  320 . The valve assembly  318  is connected to a source of pressurized gas such as a compressor  324 . The valve assembly  318  and the compressor  324  can be controlled by an electronic control unit  322 , which can be similar to the electronic control unit  122 . 
     The inflatable structure  310  is inflated in order to move the extendable bumper system  306  to the extended position from the retracted position. To inflate the inflatable structure  310 , compressed gas is supplied to the inflatable structure from the compressor  324  through the valve assembly  318  and the pneumatic line  320 . Inflation of the inflatable structure  310  can be performed in response to control signals received at the valve assembly  318  and the compressor  324  from the electronic control unit  322 , as explained with respect to the electronic control unit  122 . 
     The inflatable structure  310  is deflated in order to move the extendable bumper system  306  to the retracted position from the extended position. To deflate the interior of the inflatable structure, the valve assembly  318  places the interior of the inflatable structure  310  into fluid communication with the inlet side of the compressor  324 , which operates to evacuate gas from the interior of the inflatable structure  310 . As the interior of the inflatable structure  310  is evacuated, the inflatable structure  310  conforms to the geometry of the elongate ribs  330  and troughs  332 , thus returning to the retracted position. 
       FIG. 7  shows a vehicle  400 , that includes a vehicle structure  402 , a body portion  404 , and an extendable bumper system  406  disposed in an extended position. The vehicle  400  is similar to the vehicle  200  except as otherwise described herein. 
     The inflatable structure  410  is an elongate member that extends across the majority of the transverse dimension of the vehicle. The inflatable structure  410  defines a sealed interior that allows it to hold pressurized gas, similar to the structure described with respect to the inflatable structure  410 . The inflatable structure  410  is formed from a material that is flexible and may be elastic or inelastic. Inflation of the inflatable structure  410  moves the position of the front of the inflatable structure  410  by a distance of approximately 20 mm-160 mm. 
     The inflatable structure  410  extends through an opening  416  that is defined by the body portion  404  of the vehicle  400 . In this implementation the inflatable structure  410  may be deployed in response to sensing an impact, and thus may be concealed by structure such as a frangible panel (not shown) prior to moving to the extended position. 
     The inflatable structure  410  can be connected to the vehicle structure  402  and/or the body portion  404  by a mounting portion  428 . In one implementation, the mounting portion  428  is formed from the same material as the inflatable structure  410 , and may be formed separately or as an integral portion of the inflatable structure  410 . In another implementation, the mounting portion  428  is a rigid member that defines part of the sealed interior of the inflatable structure  410  by being sealingly connected to the inflatable structure  410 , such as by the mounting portion  428  being bonded to the inflatable structure  410  with and adhesive or by the mounting portion  428  being mechanically clamped to the inflatable structure  410 . As an example, the rigid material can be a crushable material such as foam that maintains its shape during normal use but is able to crush in response to the types of forces experienced in a collision. 
     The inflatable structure  410  includes a plurality of internal chambers that are inflated when the extendable bumper system  406  is in the extended position. The plurality of internal chambers are arranged vertically one above the other, and are pressurized to different pressures in order to influence motion of external structures during a collision. In the illustrated example, a first internal chamber  434  is positioned at the top of the interior of the inflatable structure  410 , a second internal chamber  436  is positioned below the first internal chamber  434 , and a third internal chamber  438  is positioned below the second internal chamber  436 . The first internal chamber  434  is a lowest inflated pressure, the second internal chamber  436  has a higher inflated pressure than the first internal chamber  434 , and the third internal chamber has a higher inflated pressure than the second internal chamber  436 . The interior space of the inflatable structure  410  that is outside of the internal chambers  434 ,  436 ,  438  may or may not be pressurized. 
     The inflatable structure  410  is connected to a valve assembly  418  by a pneumatic line  420 . The valve assembly  418  is connected to a source of pressurized gas such as a compressor  424 . The valve assembly  418  and the compressor  424  can be controlled by an electronic control unit  422 , which can be similar to the electronic control unit  122 . Alternatively, the inflatable structure could be inflated using another type of device such as a pyrotechnic inflator. 
     The pneumatic line  420  supplies pressurized gas to the first internal chamber  434  through a first valve  435 , supplies pressurized gas to the second internal chamber  436  through a second valve  437 , supplies pressurized gas to the third internal chamber  438  through a third valve  439 . The first valve  435 , the second valve  437 , and the third valve  439  control the maximum inflation pressure for the first internal chamber  434 , the second internal chamber  436 , and the third internal chamber  438 . 
     The inflatable structure  410  is inflated in order to move the extendable bumper system  406  to the extended position from the retracted position. To inflate the inflatable structure  410 , compressed gas is supplied to the inflatable structure from the compressor  424  through the valve assembly  418  and the pneumatic line  420 . Inflation of the inflatable structure  410  can be performed in response to control signals received at the valve assembly  418  and the compressor  424  from the electronic control unit  422 , as explained with respect to the electronic control unit  122 . In one implementation, the inflatable structure  410  is inflated in response to sensing an imminent collision. 
       FIG. 8  shows impact of an object  440  with the extendable bumper system  406 . Because the of the different inflation pressures in the internal chambers  434 ,  436 ,  438 , they deform differently in response to the impact. In particular, the first internal chamber  434  deforms to a greatest extent because it is inflated to the lowest pressure, the second internal chamber  436  deforms less than the first internal chamber  434 , and the third internal chamber  438  deforms less than the second internal chamber. The differences in deformation induce a slight rotation of the top of the object  440  toward the vehicle  400 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a portion of a vehicle  500  that is similar to the vehicle  100  except as described herein, and includes similar components such as a vehicle structure  502 , a body portion  504 , an extendable bumper system  506 , a bumper cover  508  having a hollow interior  509 , an inflatable structure  510 , a first flexible hinge  512 , a second flexible hinge  514 , an opening  516 , a valve assembly  518 , a pneumatic line  520 , an electronic control unit  522 , a compressor  524  and one or more tension springs  526 . 
     The extendable bumper system  506  includes a secondary inflatable portion  542  that is disposed in the hollow interior  509  of the bumper cover  508 . The secondary inflatable portion  542  is disposed near a bottom surface of the bumper cover  508 , adjacent to a frangible portion  544  that is configured to break or dislodge from the bumper cover  508  upon inflation of the secondary inflatable portion  542 , which defines a downward-facing opening in the bumper cover  508 . 
     The secondary inflatable portion  542  is uninflated when the extendable bumper system  506  is in the extended position and during normal operation of the vehicle. The secondary inflatable portion  542  can be inflated in response to signals from the electronic control unit  522 , such as in anticipation of an imminent collision. To allow inflation, a pyrotechnic inflator or other inflation device can be incorporated in the secondary inflatable portion  542  or otherwise associated with the secondary inflatable portion  542 . 
     Upon inflation of the secondary inflatable portion  542 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , the secondary inflatable portion extends downward out of the hole defined by breaking or dislodging of the frangible portion  544 . When inflated, the secondary inflatable portion  542  is disposed adjacent to and covers at least part of the body portion  504 . 
     In some implementations, the secondary inflatable portions  542  extend across a majority of the transverse dimension of the vehicle  500 . In other implementations, multiple separate secondary inflatable portions  542  may be incorporated in the vehicle  500 , spaced laterally across the bumper cover, and each can be separately activated by the electronic control unit  522  as needed, such as in response to sensing an imminent collision that is laterally aligned with a specific one of the secondary inflatable portions  542 . 
       FIGS. 11-12  shows a portion of a vehicle  600  that is similar to the vehicle  100  except as described herein, and includes similar components such as a vehicle structure  602 , a body portion  604 , an extendable bumper assembly  606 , a bumper cover  608  having a hollow interior  609 , an inflatable structure  610 , a first flexible hinge  612 , a second flexible hinge  614 , an opening  616 , a valve assembly  618 , a pneumatic line  620 , an electronic control unit  622 , a compressor  624  and one or more tension springs  626 . The extendable bumper assembly  606  moves between a retracted position ( FIG. 11 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 12 ). 
     The vehicle  600  includes a component  646  that is disposed in an upper surface of the bumper cover  608 . The component  646  can be an electrical component, a mechanical component, or an electromechanical component. As one example, the component  646  can be a light. As another example, the component  646  can be a washer nozzle. As another example, the component  646  can be a sensor. 
     The position of the component  646  is configured such that the component  646  is positioned rearward of the body portion  604  in the retracted position, and forward of the body portion  604  in the extended position. This allows the component  646  to be protected in the retracted position and exposed to the exterior of the vehicle  600  in the extended position so that it can be used. 
       FIG. 13  shows a portion of a vehicle  700  that is similar to the vehicle  100  except as described herein, and includes similar components such as a vehicle structure  702 , a body portion  704 , an extendable bumper assembly  706 , a bumper cover  708  having a hollow interior  709 , an inflatable structure  710 , a first flexible hinge  712 , a second flexible hinge  714 , an opening  716 , a valve assembly  718 , a pneumatic line  720 , an electronic control unit  722 , a compressor  724  and one or more tension springs  726 . The extendable bumper assembly  706  moves between a retracted position (not shown) and an extended position ( FIG. 13 ). 
     The vehicle  700  includes a sensor  748  that is disposed within the inflatable structure  710  and is able to output signals in response to changes in pressure within the inflatable structure. In one implementation, the sensor  748  includes a pressure transducer that is in fluid communication with the pressurized gas in the interior of the inflatable structure to directly measure the pressure of the pressurized gas. In another implementation the sensor  748  indirectly measures the pressure of the pressurized gas in the interior of the inflatable structure  710  be measuring the pressure of a separate enclosed volume of gas, such as an enclosed flexible tube. 
     The sensor  748  can be electrically connected to the electronic control unit  722 . Signals output by the sensor  748  can be used by the electronic control unit to actuate a separate system, such as an airbag  750  that is located at the interior or exterior of the vehicle  700 , to cause inflation of the airbag  750  in response to detecting an impact. 
     Although the implementations described above include a single extendable bumper, it will be appreciated that more than one extendable bumper could be provided at the front or rear of a vehicle. For example, two extendable bumpers could be provided in a vertically spaced configuration at the front of a vehicle, with the two extendable bumpers having different geometric configurations such as differing heights, depths, and extension distances. 
       FIGS. 14-15  show an extendable bumper system  806  in a retracted position ( FIG. 14 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 15 ). The extendable bumper system  806  includes one or more flap portions  852  that are connected to a vehicle structure  802  by a respective pivot joint from one or more pivot joints  853 , which can be fixed with respect to the vehicle structure  802  such that the flap portions  852  are moveable relative to a body portion  804  of the vehicle  800 . To move from the retracted position to the extended position an actuator assembly  851  is connected to each of the flap portions  852  and or pivot joints  853  to drive rotation of the flap portions  852  by an angle of approximately 10-80 degrees. In the extended position, spaces between the flap portions allow airflow to structures behind the flap portions  852 . 
       FIGS. 16-17  show an extendable bumper system  906  in a retracted position ( FIG. 16 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 17 ). The extendable bumper system  906  includes one or more first flap portions  952  that are connected to a vehicle structure  902  by a respective pivot joint from one or more first pivot joints  953 , which can be fixed with respect to the vehicle structure  902 . The extendable bumper system  906  also includes one or more second flap portions  954  that are each connected to a respective one of the first pivot joints  953  as well as to a pivot joint from one or more second pivot joints  955  that are connected to a respective one of the first flap portions  952  by a sliding connection. This allows the second flap portions  954  and the first flap portions  952  to define pairs of nested flap portions in which the second flap portions  954  to nest with respect to the first flap portions  952  in an overlapping fashion when in the retracted position. To move from the retracted position to the extended position an actuator assembly  951  is connected to each of the first flap portions  952  and or first pivot joints  953  to drive rotation of the first flap portions  952  by an angle of approximately 10-80 degrees, which causes corresponding rotation of the second flap portions  954  as the second pivot joints  955  slide with respect to the first flap portions  952 , such that the first flap portions  952  and the second flap portions  954  are move relative to a body portion  904  of the vehicle  900 . 
       FIGS. 18-19  show a portion of a vehicle  1000  having a vehicle structure  1002 , a body portion  1004 , and an extendable bumper system  1006 . The extendable bumper system  1006  includes a pair of panels  1056  that are pivotally connected to supports  1057  that are connected to the vehicle structure  1002  by a linear actuator  1058  that moves the extendable bumper system  1006  between a retracted position ( FIG. 18 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 19 ). The pivotal connection of the panels  1056  to the supports  1057  can be spring-loaded to allow the panels  1056  to pivot toward each other in the extended position. Thus, the panels  1056  are disposed within the vehicle  1000 , such as above and below the vehicle structure  1002  in the retracted position, and outward movement of the panels  1056  and the supports  1057  by the linear actuator moves the panels out of an opening  1016  defined by the body portion  1004  until the panels  1056  clear the vehicle structure  1002  and are able to pivot towards each other under influence of their spring-loaded connections to the respective supports  1057 . 
       FIGS. 20-21  show a portion of a vehicle  1100  having a vehicle structure  1102 , a body portion  1104 , and an extendable bumper system  1106 . The extendable bumper system  1106  includes a moveable panel  1159  and an actuator assembly  1160  that is connected to the moveable panel is operable to move the moveable panel  1159  between a retracted position ( FIG. 20 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 21 ). The moveable panel  1159  can be made of a material that provides a soft initial contact in an impact, such as a crushable foam or an inflated member. 
     The body portion  1104  includes a surface  1161  that is a front most or rear most surface of the vehicle  1100 . The moveable panel  1159  can be disposed away from the surface  1161  in the retracted position in a position that is external to the vehicle  1100  such as adjacent to a lower surface or an upper surface of the vehicle  1100 . To move the extendable bumper system  1106  to the extended position, the actuator assembly  1160  moves the moveable panel  1159  to until it is located adjacent to the surface  1161 . The actuator assembly can include, as examples, a track or linkage that supports the moveable panel  1159  and an actuator such as an electric motor that drives the moveable panel between the extended and retracted positions in response to signals from an electronic control unit. 
       FIGS. 22-23  show a portion of a vehicle  1200  having a vehicle structure  1202 , a body portion  1204 , and an extendable bumper system  1206 . The extendable bumper system  1206  includes a moveable bumper  1262  and that is connected to the vehicle structure  1202  by one or more levers  1263 , such as two levers in the illustrated implementation. The levers  1263  can be pivotally connected to the moveable bumper  1262  and the vehicle structure  1202 , with one of the pivotal connections also allowing sliding motion. An actuator  1264  such as an electric motor controlled by an electronic control unit can be associated with some or all of levers  1263  to cause motion of the moveable bumper between a retracted position ( FIG. 22 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 23 ) out of and in to an opening  1216  defined by the body portion  1204 . In the illustrated implementation, the actuators  1264  pivot the levers  1263  to move the moveable bumper from the retracted position to the extended position, and the moveable bumper  1262  can be returned to the retracted position by a resilient biasing element such as a tension spring  1265 . 
       FIGS. 24-25  show a portion of a vehicle  1300  having a vehicle structure  1302 , a body portion  1304 , and an extendable bumper system  1306 . The extendable bumper system  1306  includes a moveable bumper  1362  and that is connected to the vehicle structure  1302  by a rack and pinion assembly  1365  that includes an actuator such as an electric motor controlled by an electronic control unit to cause motion of the moveable bumper between a retracted position ( FIG. 24 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 25 ) out of and in to an opening  1316  defined by the body portion  1304 . 
       FIGS. 26-27  show a portion of a vehicle  1400  having a vehicle structure  1402 , a body portion  1404 , and an extendable bumper system  1406 . The extendable bumper system  1406  includes a moveable bumper  1462  and that is connected to the vehicle structure  1402  by a screw drive assembly  1466  having an actuator such as an electric motor controlled by an electronic control unit to cause motion of the extendable bumper system  1406  between a retracted position ( FIG. 26 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 27 ) out of and in to an opening  1416  defined by the body portion  1404 . 
       FIGS. 28-29  show a portion of a vehicle  1500  having a vehicle structure  1502  and an extendable bumper system  1506 . The extendable bumper system  1506  includes a flexible fascia  1567  and a cam assembly  1568 . The cam assembly  1568  rotates under the influence of an included actuator such as an electric motor controlled by an electronic control unit. When rotated, the cam assembly  1568  engages the interior of the flexible fascia  1567 , which flexes the flexible fascia  1567  outward from its nominal position to cause motion of the extendable bumper system  1506  between a retracted position ( FIG. 28 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 29 ). 
       FIG. 30  shows a portion of a vehicle  1600  having a vehicle structure  1602 , a body portion  1604 , and a bumper system  1606 . The bumper system  1606  includes a bumper  1662  that extends out of an opening  1616  in the body portion  1604  and is connected to the vehicle structure  1602  by a variable speed damper  1669 . The variable speed damper  1669  is operable to allow motion of the bumper  1662  in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in response to an impact to provide a soft initial contact. The variable speed damper  1669  is also operable to lock out longitudinal motion of the bumper  1662 . For example, the lock out function of the variable speed damper  1669  could be actuated by pressurized fluid supplied by a pressurized fluid source  1670  through a fluid line  1671 . The lock out function of the variable speed damper  1669  can be activated, for example, in response to a signal from an electronic control unit indicating that a speed of the vehicle  1600  is in excess of a threshold speed. 
       FIGS. 31-32  show a portion of a vehicle  1700  having a vehicle structure  1702 , a body portion  1704 , and an extendable bumper system  1706 . The extendable bumper system  1706  includes a collapsible parallelogram structure defined by a plurality of panels  1772  that are interconnected by pivot joints  1773 . The collapsible parallelogram structure is connected to the vehicle structure  1702  by an actuator assembly  1774  that is operable to apply a rotational force to at least some of the pivot joints  1773  in order to cause motion of the extendable bumper system  1706  between a retracted position ( FIG. 31 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 32 ). 
       FIGS. 33-34  show a portion of a vehicle  1800  having a vehicle structure  1802 , a body portion  1804 , and an extendable bumper system  1806 . The extendable bumper system  1806  includes a flexible panel  1875  that is stored on a roll  1876  and an actuator assembly  1860  that is connected to the flexible panel  1875  is operable to move the flexible panel  1875  between a retracted position ( FIG. 33 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 34 ). The flexible panel  1875  may be adjacent to a lower surface of the body portion  1804  in the retracted position and the flexible panel  1875  may be adjacent to a front surface of the body portion  1804  in the extended position. 
     The body portion  1804  includes a surface  1861  that is a front most or rear most surface of the vehicle  1800 . The flexible panel  1875  can be disposed on the roll  1876  in a rolled-up configuration away from the surface  1861  in the retracted position. The roll  1876  can be positioned internal or external to the vehicle  1800  such as adjacent to a lower surface of the vehicle  1800 . 
     To move the extendable bumper system  1806  to the extended position, the actuator assembly  1160  is connected to the flexible panel  1875  such that the flexible panel  1875  deploys from the roll  1876  to an unrolled configuration as the actuator assembly moves at least part of the flexible panel  1875  to until it is located adjacent to the surface  1861 . The actuator assembly can include, as examples, a track or linkage that is driven by an electric motor in response to signals from an electronic control unit. 
     Once the flexible panel  1875  is disposed in the extended position, a pressurized gas can be supplied to inflatable cells  1877  that are formed in the flexible panel  1875  to inflate the inflatable cells. The inflatable cells  1877  are configured to provide a soft initial contact in an impact. The flexible panel  1875  is returned to the retracted position by deflating the cells and moving the flexible panel  1875  using the actuator assembly  1860  to place it back in the roll  1876 . To facilitate this process, the roll  1876  can apply tension to the flexible panel  1875 , such as by being spring-loaded. 
       FIGS. 35-36  show a portion of a vehicle  1900  having a vehicle structure  1902  and an extendable bumper system  1906 . The extendable bumper system  1906  includes a fascia  1978  that is pivotally connected to part of the vehicle  1900  such as the vehicle structure  1902  or a body portion at a pivot joint  1979 . The fascia  1978  can be rigid or flexible. The extendable bumper system  1906  also includes a linear actuator  1980  that extends and retracts in response to, for example, control signals from an electronic control unit. The linear actuator  1980  is connected to the fascia  1978  such that extension and retraction causes pivoting of the fascia  1978  around the pivot joint  1979 . Thus, extension and retraction of the linear actuator  1980  moves the fascia  1978  between a retracted position ( FIG. 35 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 36 ). 
       FIGS. 37-38  show a portion of a vehicle  2000  having a vehicle structure  2002 , a body portion  2004 , and a bumper system  2006 . The bumper system  2006  includes a bumper  2062  that extends out of an opening  2016  in the body portion  2004  and is connected to the vehicle structure  2002  by a fluid operated cylinder actuator  2081 . The fluid operated cylinder actuator  2081  is operable to cause movement of the bumper  2062  between a retracted position ( FIG. 37 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 38 ) in response to supply of pressurized fluid supplied by a pressurized fluid source  2070  through a fluid line  2071 , such as in response to control signals from an electronic control unit. 
     To provide a soft initial contact during an impact, the fluid operated cylinder actuator  2081  is connected to a bleeder valve  2082  that reduces fluid pressure inside the fluid operated cylinder actuator  2081 . This pressure reduction can be controlled passively by the bleeder valve  2082  opening in response to pressure above a threshold value, or could be controlled actively such as by an electronic control unit in response to detecting an impact. Thus, the bleeder valve  2082  allows control of the motion of the fluid operated cylinder actuator  2081  between the extended and retracted positions during contact of the bumper  2062  with an external object. 
       FIGS. 39-40  show a vehicle  2100 , that includes a vehicle structure  2102 , a body portion  2104 , and an extendable bumper system  2106 . The vehicle  2100  is similar to the vehicle  100  except as otherwise described herein. 
     The extendable bumper system  2106  includes an inflatable structure  2110  that moves between a retracted position ( FIG. 39 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 40 ) by inflating and deflating. The inflatable structure  2110  defines a sealed interior that allows it to hold pressurized gas, similar to the structure described with respect to the inflatable structure  2110 . The inflatable structure  2110  is formed from a material that is flexible and can be elastic or inelastic. The inflatable structure  2110  can be connected to the vehicle structure  2102  and/or the body portion  2104  by fasteners, adhesives, or other suitable structures. 
     The inflatable structure  2110  is connected to a valve assembly  2118  by a pneumatic line  2120 . The valve assembly  2118  is connected to a source of pressurized gas such as a compressor  2124 . The valve assembly  2118  and the compressor  2124  can be controlled by an electronic control unit  2122 , which can be similar to the electronic control unit  122 . 
     The extendable bumper system  2106  includes one or more fascia panels  2183  that move in response to inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure  2110  to define a bumper surface that moves longitudinally between the retracted position and the extended position of the extendable bumper system. In the illustrated example, the extendable bumper system includes two fascia panels  2183  that are each pivotally connected to the body portion  2104  at their top and bottom, respectively. Thus, the fascia panels  2183  pivot outward as the inflatable structure  2110  inflates and the fascia panels  2183  pivot inward as the inflatable structure  2110  deflates. 
     The inflatable structure  2110  is inflated in order to move the extendable bumper system  2106  to the extended position from the retracted position. To inflate the inflatable structure  2110 , compressed gas is supplied to the inflatable structure from the compressor  2124  through the valve assembly  2118  and the pneumatic line  2120 . Inflation of the inflatable structure  2110  can be performed in response to control signals received at the valve assembly  2118  and the compressor  2124  from the electronic control unit  2122 , as explained with respect to the electronic control unit  122 . 
     The inflatable structure  2110  is deflated in order to move the extendable bumper system  2106  to the retracted position from the extended position. As one example, the valve assembly  2118  can vent the pressurized gas in the inflatable structure  2110  to atmosphere in response to control signals from the electronic control unit  2122 , while the elastic material of the inflatable structure  2110  contracts, which expels the pressurized gas from the interior of the inflatable structure  2110 . As another example, the compressor  2124  can be used to evacuate the interior of the inflatable structure  2110 . 
       FIGS. 41-44  show a portion of a vehicle  2200  having a vehicle structure  2202 , a body portion  2204 , and an extendable bumper system  2206 . The extendable bumper system  2206  includes a moveable bumper  2262  and that is movably connected to the vehicle structure  2202 . One or more levers  2263 , such as two levers in the illustrated implementation, interconnect the moveable bumper  2262  and the body portion  2204 . The levers  2263  can be pivotally connected to the moveable bumper  2262  and the body portion  2204 , and are rotatable around central pivot points  2284  that also allows sliding motion relative to the body portion  2204 . Interconnection of the moveable bumper  2262  and the body portion  2204  allows forward and rearward motion of the moveable bumper  2262  and the body portion  2204  in dependence upon rotation of the levers  2263 . Forward and rearward sliding of the central pivot point  2284  may cause uniform frontward or rearward sliding of the moveable bumper  2262  and the body portion  2204 . 
     In  FIG. 41 , the extendable bumper system  2206  is in an extended position in which the moveable bumper  2262  is located forward of the body portion  2204  and extends out of an opening  2216  formed by the body portion  2204 . In  FIG. 42 , an object  2240  is in engagement with the moveable bumper  2262  but is not in engagement with the body portion  2204 , which causes rearward motion of moveable bumper  2262 . In  FIG. 43 , the moveable bumper  2262  has moved rearward, causing rotation of the levers  2263 , which in turn cause forward motion of the body portion  2204  until the body portion  2204  engages the object  2240  to define a large contact area relative to the object  2240 . Further engagement of the object  2240  with the moveable bumper  2262  and the body portion  2204  causes uniform rearward motion of the moveable bumper  2262 , the body portion  2204 , the levers  2263  and the central pivot points  2284  toward the vehicle structure  2202  against a force applied by a resilient biasing element such as a compression spring  2285 , as shown in  FIG. 44 .

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190613
Publication Date: 20210413
Grant Date: 20210413
Priority Date: 20151118
Inventors: LAZARO, JUAN A.
FERMER, ERIK MIKAEL
WATTS, ALICE C.
RIVELLINI, TOMMASO P.
SCHERMAIER, CHRISTIAN
RAFF, JOHN
Scott, Derek C.
Kingman, David E.
WOOLLARD, BRYCE A.
FOWLE, SAMUEL G.
ROBER, MARK B.
Kamei, Ibuki
MONROE, DONALD R.
BUEHLER, JESSE T.
YEOMANS, PAUL D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60R19/40", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/36", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/40", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R19/205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/36", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 67069550