Vehicle Body Frame Layout for Small Offset Crash Load Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle body frames face challenges in minimizing passenger compartment intrusion during a 25% frontal small offset crash, as adding reinforcing beams and plates increases vehicle weight without optimizing force transmission paths effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body frame design featuring a front bumper beam assembly, first and second frame assemblies with longitudinal and side beams, damper towers, and triangular beams that form multiple force transmission paths to enhance energy absorption and counteract impact forces, utilizing reinforcing ribs and coupling beams to optimize force distribution and structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing beams and reinforcing plates are added to improve small offset impact performance, then crash performance is improved, but vehicle body frame weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body frame is divided into multiple functional components: front bumper beam assembly, first and second frame assemblies, front longitudinal beams, upper side beams, front damper towers, and front compartment triangular beams. Each segment is optimized to perform specific force transmission functions, replacing the need for heavy reinforcing plates while maintaining crash performance through distributed force paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional force transmission network by connecting components in multiple spatial dimensions. The front longitudinal beams transmit forces longitudinally, upper side beams transmit forces laterally, and front compartment triangular beams provide diagonal bracing, creating a multi-dimensional force distribution system that achieves superior crash performance without adding weight
2Weight of moving object
If the structure is simplified to reduce weight, then vehicle body frame weight is reduced, but force transmission path optimization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Each structural component serves multiple functions: the front longitudinal beams not only provide structural support but also transmit impact forces; the upper side beams serve as both structural elements and force transmission paths; the front compartment triangular beams provide both structural integrity and lateral force distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcing elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of reinforcing beams, side structure beams, and force transmission elements into an integrated frame structure. The front bumper beam assembly, frame assemblies, and triangular beams work as a unified system where structural support and force transmission are combined, achieving weight reduction without compromising strength
Data Source
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AI summary
The vehicle body frame includes a front bumper beam assembly (100) extending along a width direction of a vehicle body, a first (200) and second frame assemblies coupled to the front bumper beam assembly (100), and a front compartment triangular beam (4). Each of the first and second frame assemblies includes a front longitudinal beam (1) coupled to the front bumper beam assembly (100), an upper side beam (2) coupled to the front longitudinal beam (1) and a front damper tower (3) having a first end coupled to the upper side beam (2) and a second end coupled to the front longitudinal beam (1). The front compartment triangular beam (4) has a first end coupled to the front damper tower (3) of the first frame assembly (200) and a second end coupled to the front damper tower (3) of the second frame assembly.