Adaptive vehicle bumper or fender with variable energy-absorption characteristics, includes tear-resistant casing filled with electro-rheological fluid

摘要

A resilient, tear-resistant casing (1) is filled with electro-rheological fluid (2) (ERF). This is solidified directly by application of a high voltage to two electrodes (3), of e.g. copper foil, installed opposite each other, on inner surfaces of the casing. The adaptive bumper so constructed, is used at the front and rear of the vehicle. Electricity is supplied to the bumper from the vehicle battery via a high-voltage generator. Expected crash indications and parameters derived from sensors and assessed electronically, trigger appropriate energy supply to the bumpers.