Gauge for measuring the stiffness of a vehicle cover and method of making and using the gauge

Abstract

This invention proposes a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels, as well as a method for manufacturing and using the measuring tool. The measuring tool includes: a frame body and at least one set of cover plates mounted on the frame body. Each set of cover plates includes multiple adjacent cover plates. The frame body includes two longitudinal beams and two transverse beams. A longitudinal beam, one less than the number of sets of cover plates, is also provided in the middle of the frame body. Each cover plate corresponds to a different stiffness value. The two ends of the cover plate are respectively mounted on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body. Each of the two transverse beams of the frame body has an arc-shaped structure, which includes an arc-shaped bracket and a crossbar. The two ends of the arc-shaped bracket are connected to the two ends of the transverse beams of the frame body, and the crossbar is mounted on the arc-shaped bracket. This invention proposes a novel measuring tool that provides different stiffness perceptions and corresponding actual stiffness values, thereby quantifying the customer's stiffness perception.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels and a method for manufacturing and using the measuring tool. Background Technology

[0002] During the purchase, use, cleaning, and maintenance of vehicles, customers will come into contact with the vehicle through finger pressure, palm pressure, leaning, sitting, and foot pressure, which places demands on the softness or hardness of the vehicle's body panels and their ability to resist deformation (rigidity).

[0003] This invention proposes a method and measuring tool for corresponding the customer's actual perception of the stiffness of vehicle body panels with the actual stiffness of the vehicle body panels, namely, a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels and a method for making and using the measuring tool. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above problems, this invention proposes a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels and a method for manufacturing and using the measuring tool. The measuring tool provides the perception of different stiffnesses and the actual stiffness values ​​corresponding to different stiffness perceptions, thereby achieving the effect of quantifying the customer's stiffness perception.

[0005] This invention proposes a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels, comprising:

[0006] The frame body and at least one set of cover plates installed on the frame body, each set of cover plates including multiple adjacent cover plates, the frame body including two longitudinal beams and two transverse beams, and the frame body also having one less longitudinal beam than the number of sets of cover plates in the middle.

[0007] Each cover plate corresponds to a different stiffness value. The two ends of the cover plate are respectively installed on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body. Each of the two transverse beams of the frame body is provided with an arc-shaped structure. The arc-shaped structure includes an arc-shaped bracket and a crossbar. The two ends of the arc-shaped bracket are connected to the two ends of the transverse beam of the frame body, and the crossbar is installed on the arc-shaped bracket.

[0008] In addition, each cover sheet has a designated area for pressing.

[0009] In addition, the cover material is one of metal, plastic, or composite material.

[0010] In addition, a limiting piece is provided below each cover piece, with both ends of the limiting piece installed on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body.

[0011] In addition, anti-scratch strips are wrapped on both sides of the cover.

[0012] In addition, the anti-scratch strip is made of silicone.

[0013] In addition, handles are installed on the crossbar.

[0014] The present invention also proposes a method for manufacturing a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels, comprising:

[0015] Simulation software was used to design cover sheets with different stiffness values;

[0016] Fabricate cover sheets with different stiffness values ​​based on the design results;

[0017] The stiffness value of the cover sheet was experimentally corrected;

[0018] Install the calibrated cover plate onto the frame body of the measuring instrument.

[0019] The present invention also proposes a method for using a gauge to measure the stiffness of a cover, comprising:

[0020] Press down on the vehicle body panels to feel their rigidity.

[0021] Press the cover plate on the measuring tool, find the cover plate with the same stiffness as the vehicle body panel on the measuring tool, and check the corresponding stiffness value of the cover plate;

[0022] The measuring tool includes multiple cover plates with different stiffness values.

[0023] This invention proposes a novel measuring tool that provides the perception of different stiffnesses and the corresponding actual stiffness values, thereby quantifying the customer's perception of stiffness. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Rendered image;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A rendering of the left view;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The left view;

[0028] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for using a gauge to measure the stiffness of a cover element, as provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. This description is intended only to illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and does not constitute any limitation on the invention. The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0031] Reference Figure 1-4 This invention proposes a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels, comprising:

[0032] The frame body 1 and at least one set of cover plates installed on the frame body 1, each set of cover plates including multiple adjacently arranged cover plates 4, the frame body 1 including two longitudinal beams 3 and two transverse beams 2, and the frame body 1 also having one less longitudinal beam than the number of sets of cover plates in the middle.

[0033] Each cover plate 4 corresponds to a different stiffness value. The two ends of the cover plate 4 are respectively installed on two adjacent longitudinal beams 3 of the frame body 1. Each of the two transverse beams 2 of the frame body 1 is provided with an arc-shaped structure. The arc-shaped structure includes an arc-shaped bracket 7 and a crossbar. The two ends of the arc-shaped bracket are connected to the two ends of the transverse beam 2 of the frame body 1, and the crossbar is installed on the arc-shaped bracket.

[0034] Optionally, the cover plate 4 is mounted on the frame body 1 by fasteners 5, and is not limited to bolted connection as long as it is easy to disassemble and replace.

[0035] During the design phase of vehicle body panels, stiffness values ​​in the design state can only be calculated using CAE, which cannot correlate stiffness with actual customer perception. While customer reviews are possible during the physical stage, it's impossible to establish a one-to-one correspondence between specific stiffness values ​​and the perceived softness / hardness of any area of ​​the body panel as evaluated by the customer. A customer experience benchmark for vehicle body panel stiffness is a sample that accurately quantifies different stiffness perceptions, which customers can use to assess whether their requirements are met. The measuring tool provided by this invention can be used for customer surveys, setting stiffness targets, and virtual reviews.

[0036] When using this measuring tool, press the cover sheet to sense its softness, hardness, and stiffness, and compare it with the sensed stiffness of pressing the vehicle body panel. When the two are consistent, the stiffness value of the vehicle body panel can be obtained based on the stiffness value corresponding to the cover sheet.

[0037] This invention proposes a novel measuring tool that provides the perception of different stiffnesses and the corresponding actual stiffness values, thereby quantifying the customer's perception of stiffness.

[0038] Reference Figure 3-4 In one embodiment, each cover sheet 1 is provided with a pressing area mark 6.

[0039] Because applying the same force to different locations on the cover sheet results in varying degrees of deformation, leading to errors in the perception of stiffness, each cover sheet 1 is marked with a pressing area 6. These markings guide the customer to press within these areas, ensuring an accurate stiffness value. Optionally, the pressing area markings 6 can be laser-engraved onto the cover sheet; for example, the area of ​​the pressing area markings can be 10mm x 10mm.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cover sheet is made of one of the following materials: metal, plastic, and composite material.

[0041] Reference Figure 3-4 In one embodiment, a limiting piece 9 is also provided below each covering piece 1, and the two ends of the limiting piece 9 are installed on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body.

[0042] To prevent the cover sheet from over-deforming and flipping due to excessive operating force during testing or use of measuring tools, a limiting piece 9 is designed below the cover sheet.

[0043] In one embodiment, the sides of the cover sheet are covered with anti-scratch strips.

[0044] To protect hands during the pressing process, anti-scratch strips, such as silicone strips, can be wrapped around both sides of the cover. This is especially important when the cover is made of thin metal sheet.

[0045] In one embodiment, the anti-scratch strip is a silicone strip.

[0046] In one embodiment, a handle 8 is mounted on the crossbar. The handle 8 is used to facilitate the handling of the measuring instrument.

[0047] When using the measuring tool of this embodiment to guide automotive design or customer perception review, a certain number of customer-pressed measuring tool covers are identified, and the correspondence between customer perception and stiffness is directly established. For example, customer perception can be divided into ten levels, and each customer can list the corresponding ten levels of stiffness after pressing the tool. The more customers there are, the more reliable the results will be, thus forming a standard correspondence table between perception and stiffness. This table can then be used to guide automotive design or customer perception review.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 The present invention also proposes a method for manufacturing a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels, comprising:

[0049] Step S501: Design cover sheets with different stiffness values ​​using simulation software;

[0050] Step S502: Fabricate cover sheets with different stiffness values ​​according to the design results;

[0051] Step S503: Perform experimental correction on the stiffness value of the cover sheet;

[0052] Step S504: Install the calibrated cover plate onto the frame body of the measuring instrument.

[0053] In step S501 of this invention, the simulation software used is Optistruct or Abaqus. The input parameters include the material's elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, density, and other parameters. The simulation software performs stiffness analysis based on these parameters to obtain the displacement. The stiffness value of the covering sheet can be obtained by dividing the external input force by the displacement.

[0054] The design results in step S502 include: material grade, cover sheet geometry parameters (shape, thickness, width, length, etc.), and number of bolt points.

[0055] The experimental calibration process in step S503 includes: fabricating a physical prototype of the cover sheet designed using simulation software. After fabrication, the cover sheet is fastened to the test bench, and a force is applied to each cover sheet. The deformation is measured, and the slope of the applied force and deformation in the linear segment is taken as the stiffness value. The measured stiffness value is compared with the simulation software calculation result; if they differ, calibration is performed.

[0056] During calibration, if the stiffness value deviation exceeds 5%, the calculation model of the simulation software needs to be modified (check the difference between the physical model and the calculation model of the simulation software). The geometric characteristics of the cover sheet should be redesigned and calculated based on the deviation. The most effective way is to change the width and thickness of the cover sheet.

[0057] By creating measuring tools, we can provide the perceived stiffness of different stiffnesses and the actual stiffness values ​​corresponding to different stiffness perceptions, thereby quantifying the customer's stiffness perception.

[0058] Reference Figure 6 The present invention also proposes a method for using a measuring tool to measure the stiffness of a cover, comprising:

[0059] Step S601: Press the vehicle body panel to sense its rigidity.

[0060] Step S602: Press the cover piece on the measuring tool, find the cover piece on the measuring tool with the same stiffness as the vehicle body panel, and check the stiffness value corresponding to the cover piece.

[0061] Step S603: The measuring tool includes multiple cover plates with different stiffness values.

[0062] This invention provides a method for using a gauge to measure the stiffness of a cover component, thereby quantifying the customer's perceived stiffness.

[0063] The above description is merely the principle and preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several other modifications can be made based on the principle of the present invention, and these modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels, characterized in that, include: The frame body and at least one set of cover plates installed on the frame body, each set of cover plates including multiple adjacent cover plates, the frame body including two longitudinal beams and two transverse beams, and the frame body also having one less longitudinal beam than the number of sets of cover plates in the middle. Each cover plate corresponds to a different stiffness value. The two ends of the cover plate are respectively installed on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body. Each of the two transverse beams of the frame body is provided with an arc structure. The arc structure includes an arc bracket and a crossbar. The two ends of the arc bracket are connected to the two ends of the transverse beam of the frame body, and the crossbar is installed on the arc bracket. Each cover sheet has a designated pressing area. Each cover plate is also equipped with a limiting plate underneath, and the two ends of the limiting plate are installed on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body.

2. The measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover material can be one of metal, plastic, or composite material.

3. The measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sides of the cover are covered with anti-scratch strips.

4. The measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels according to claim 3, characterized in that, The anti-scratch strip is made of silicone.

5. The measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A handle is installed on the crossbar.

6. A method for manufacturing a measuring tool for measuring the stiffness of vehicle body panels, characterized in that, include: Simulation software was used to design cover sheets with different stiffness values; Fabricate cover sheets with different stiffness values ​​based on the design results; The stiffness value of the cover sheet was experimentally calibrated. Install the calibrated cover plate onto the frame body of the measuring instrument; The measuring instrument includes: a frame body and at least one set of cover plates mounted on the frame body. Each set of cover plates includes multiple adjacent cover plates. The frame body includes two longitudinal beams and two transverse beams. The frame body also has one less longitudinal beam than the number of sets of cover plates in the middle. Each cover plate corresponds to a different stiffness value. The two ends of the cover plate are respectively mounted on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body. Each of the two transverse beams of the frame body is provided with an arc-shaped structure. The arc-shaped structure includes an arc-shaped bracket and a crossbar. The two ends of the arc-shaped bracket are connected to the two ends of the transverse beam of the frame body. The crossbar is mounted on the arc-shaped bracket. Each cover plate is provided with a pressing area mark. Each cover plate is also equipped with a limiting plate underneath, and the two ends of the limiting plate are installed on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body.

7. A method for using a measuring tool based on the stiffness of a cover element, characterized in that, include: Press down on the vehicle body panels to feel their rigidity. Press the cover plate on the measuring tool, find the cover plate with the same stiffness as the vehicle body panel on the measuring tool, and check the corresponding stiffness value of the cover plate; The measuring tool includes multiple cover plates with different stiffness values; The measuring instrument includes: a frame body and at least one set of cover plates mounted on the frame body. Each set of cover plates includes multiple adjacent cover plates. The frame body includes two longitudinal beams and two transverse beams. The frame body also has one less longitudinal beam than the number of cover plates in the middle. Each cover plate corresponds to a different stiffness value. The two ends of the cover plate are respectively mounted on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body. Each of the two transverse beams of the frame body is provided with an arc-shaped structure. The arc-shaped structure includes an arc-shaped bracket and a crossbar. The two ends of the arc-shaped bracket are connected to the two ends of the transverse beam of the frame body. The crossbar is mounted on the arc-shaped bracket. Each cover plate is provided with a pressing area mark. Each cover plate is also equipped with a limiting plate underneath, and the two ends of the limiting plate are installed on two adjacent longitudinal beams of the frame body.

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