Active Hood Actuator Recess for Pedestrian Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle hoods with active lifting mechanisms face space constraints due to the presence of airbags and soundproofing mats, limiting the placement of other fixtures like radiator tanks and windshield wiper systems near the rear edge of the hood.
Innovation Solution
An actuator is accommodated within a recess in the stiffening layer of the hood, allowing it to be placed under the outer skin, with an expandable element protected by a lid that expands to lift the hood, enabling efficient use of space and accommodating additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an airbag and soundproofing mat are placed under the hood to enable active lifting during accidents, then the hood can be lifted to increase deceleration distance for pedestrians, but the space available for other fixtures such as radiator tanks and windshield wiper systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is nested within a recess formed in the stiffening layer of the hood structure. The recess is created by removing material from the stiffening layer, allowing the actuator to be housed within the existing hood structure rather than adding external components. This nesting approach allows the lifting mechanism to be integrated into the hood's structural layer without occupying additional space that would otherwise be available for other fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned in the vertical dimension within the recess of the stiffening layer, utilizing the thickness of the hood structure. By transitioning from a horizontal space occupation to a vertical integration within the stiffening layer, the design frees up horizontal space under the hood for other components while maintaining the active lifting functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If a recess is formed in the stiffening layer to accommodate the actuator, then space is freed for other fixtures, but the stiffening layer structure is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening layer is segmented by creating a localized recess in the area where the actuator will be positioned. This segmentation approach removes material only from the specific region needed for actuator accommodation, while the rest of the stiffening layer maintains its original continuous structure and load-bearing properties. The recess is bounded by front and rear walls that are formed by the remaining stiffening layer material.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is created locally in the stiffening layer at the specific position where actuator accommodation is needed, without modifying the entire stiffening layer structure. The local modification allows actuator integration while preserving the overall structural integrity and stiffness characteristics of the hood. The recess dimensions and positioning are optimized to provide necessary accommodation while minimizing structural impact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for the effective lifting of the hood during accidents while freeing up space for other fixtures, as the actuator can be compactly housed and reused without extensive repair, enhancing the vehicle's structural integrity and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator generally encompasses an element that can be expanded by feeding in a pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 2
the rubbery elasticity of the membrane can ensure that the latter automatically returns to its idle configuration once the receiving chamber is once again depressurized
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle body is provided. The motor vehicle body includes a front hood with an outer skin and a stiffening layer arranged under the outer skin and attached to the outer skin. The motor vehicle body also includes an actuator for lifting up the front hood during an accident, which is accommodated in a recess in the stiffening layer.