Automobile Upper Body Structure with Groove for Impact Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body upper part structures concentrate side impact loads on the corner gusset, leading to reduced passenger compartment space and potential collapse of the center pillar cross-section.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body upper part structure with a groove between the outside panel and roof panel, featuring a center pillar stiffener, roof side stiffener, roof arch, and corner gusset that distributes side impact loads through two paths, minimizing load-sharing in the roof side cross-section and optimizing plate thickness, while maintaining structural rigidity and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the corner gusset is increased in size to bear the concentrated side impact load, then the strength and rigidity of the corner gusset is improved, but the space in the passenger compartment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the side impact load bearing function into two separate components: the center pillar inner member and the corner gusset. The center pillar inner member bears a portion of the side impact load, while the corner gusset bears the remaining load. This segmentation allows the corner gusset to be smaller in size while still maintaining sufficient strength and rigidity, thereby preserving passenger compartment space.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a reinforcing member is provided to the center pillar to ensure body rigidity against side impact, then the body rigidity is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The center pillar inner member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the center pillar, bears side impact loads, and works in conjunction with the corner gusset to maintain overall body rigidity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate reinforcing members, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the required body rigidity against side impact.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an upper vehicle body structure (20) having a groove (31) between an outside panel (28) and a roof panel (24). The upper end of a center pillar stiffener (34) overlaps with a roof side stiffener (41). The roof side stiffener (41) is joined to a roof arch (23) at the groove (31). The upper end of a center pillar reinforcing member (33) inside the center pillar stiffener (34) is joined to an end (25b) of a corner gusset (25) at a position below the grooves (31), the other end (25a) of the corner gusset being connected to the roof arch (23). With this, concentration of impact load to the corner gusset (25) can be avoided.