Vehicle Longitudinal Beam Connection Component Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle longitudinal member arrangements with connection components either block plastic deformation or require extended vehicle overhangs, limiting their ability to absorb impact energy effectively through multiple load paths.
Innovation Solution
A connection component with a main extension plane parallel to the longitudinal members, featuring spaced attachment points and a weaker section between them, allowing for plastic deformation and energy absorption without obstructing the deformation path of the longitudinal members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a connection component is used to connect two longitudinal members arranged one above the other, then the longitudinal members are reinforced and stabilized, but the connection component blocks plastic deformation and prevents effective energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The connection component is divided into two functional sections: a first section that provides stable connection between longitudinal members, and a second section that is designed to deform plastically for energy absorption. This segmentation allows the connection component to simultaneously provide stability and enable energy absorption without blocking deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the connection component have different mechanical properties: the first section has high strength and stiffness for stable connection, while the second section has reduced strength and stiffness to enable plastic deformation. This local differentiation of properties allows the connection component to fulfill both stabilizing and energy-absorbing functions.
2Loss of energy
If the connection component is designed to absorb impact energy through deformation, then energy absorption is improved, but the vehicle overhang must be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The connection component merges two functions into a single element: it simultaneously connects the longitudinal members (providing stability) and absorbs impact energy through its deformable second section. This integration eliminates the need for separate energy-absorbing structures that would extend the vehicle overhang.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection component serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection between longitudinal members, reinforces the longitudinal arrangement, and absorbs impact energy through controlled deformation. This multi-functionality allows energy absorption without requiring additional space or extended overhang.
3Strength
If the connection component is made stronger to reinforce the longitudinal members, then structural strength is improved, but the capacity for plastic deformation and energy absorption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection component is segmented into a first strong section for structural connection and a second weaker section for plastic deformation. This segmentation allows the strong first section to provide structural reinforcement while the weaker second section maintains plastic deformation capacity for energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection component has locally differentiated strength: the first section has high strength for structural reinforcement, while the second section has reduced strength to enable plastic deformation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall structural strength and local deformation capacity.
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
Enables effective energy absorption through multiple load paths without extending the vehicle overhang, reinforcing the members transversely and vertically while maintaining the longitudinal deformation path, thus enhancing the vehicle's crash management system.
Implementation Method 1
the connection component is designed to be weaker in its section located between the attachment points in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal members than the sections bearing the attachment points, for the absorption of impact energy
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle longitudinal member arrangement having two longitudinal members that are spaced apart from one another in the z direction and are designed to absorb energy in the case of an impact, and having a connection component which connects the longitudinal members to one another. The connection component has its main extension in one plane and has an upper attachment section and a lower attachment section. The connection component is arranged with its main extension plane parallel to the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal members connected by said component. Each of the two attachment sections has two attachment points arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal members, at which points the connection component is connected to the respective longitudinal member, while the section of the connection component located between the attachment points is not connected to the respective longitudinal member. The connection component is designed to be weaker in its section located between the attachment points in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal member than the sections bearing the attachment points, for the absorption of impact energy.