Application And Testing of an Internal Air Cushion Bumper on a Structurally Modified Automobile

A modified version of the pneumatic air cushion bumper has been incorporated into the basic design of a prototype automobile designed to provide improved structural performance during front, side, rear, and rollover collisions. A simple air bladder, recessed within a high-strength bumper bar, was supported by the front cross member of a modified frame which also served as a supplementary volume to reduce peak pressures and loads. Check valves were located between the bladder and the frame chamber to limit energy of rebound. Test results showed that the design is suitable for incorporation into vehicles intended to withstand barrier crashes of 5-10 mph.