Automotive Body Side Reinforcement for Bumper Docking Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for complex, aesthetically pleasing body shapes in motor vehicles, particularly at the rear bumper docking zone, leads to local rigidity issues and deformation during assembly, resulting in unacceptable appearance defects and additional costs for retouching.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement system comprising an elongated stiffening part fixed to the body side by welding, which includes a second stiffening lug to eliminate flexibility and ensure flush conditions between the bumper and body side, along with a method for precise positioning and assembly using a shoeing tool to maintain geometry and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If bodywork elements are designed with complex shapes and reduced games to meet aesthetic demands, then the visual appearance is improved, but the local rigidity deteriorates causing deformation during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding a reinforcement element specifically at the docking zone between the rear bumper and body side, rather than strengthening the entire body. This localized reinforcement maintains the complex aesthetic shapes elsewhere while providing additional rigidity where the broken line design creates structural weakness.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element appears to be a separate structural component made of rigid material that is integrated with the body side structure. This composite approach combines the aesthetic bodywork elements with a dedicated reinforcement structure to achieve both visual appeal and structural integrity.
2Shape
If the body side is made flexible to accommodate complex broken line shapes, then the aesthetic design is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to deformation during fitting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is installed during the shoeing operation, before the bumper assembly and final fitting operations. This preliminary reinforcement prevents deformation from occurring during subsequent manipulations, ensuring that the broken line shapes and flush conditions are maintained throughout the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element acts as a preventive measure against the deformation that would otherwise occur during assembly operations. By providing structural support in advance, it counteracts the flexing and bending forces that would compromise the manufacturing precision of the docking zone.
3Shape
If retouching operations are performed to correct appearance defects, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to additional time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is installed during the shoeing operation, which is an early stage in the assembly process. This preliminary action prevents appearance defects from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for subsequent retouching operations and associated productivity losses.
4Strength
If the reinforcement is added to the body side, then the local rigidity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is applied locally at the docking zone rather than throughout the entire body side structure. This localized approach provides the necessary rigidity improvement while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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
The reinforcement system effectively stiffens the body side, preventing deformation and ensuring correct geometry and flush conditions during assembly, eliminating retouching needs and associated costs, while enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
said stiffening part is fixed to said first part of said body side by welding
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a body side reinforcement device for a motor vehicle. In the invention, the body side reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement (3) integral with a body side (2), said body side (2) comprising: - a first part (2a) delimiting a wheel arch and having a fixing tab (6); - a second part (2b) forming a fold (4) with said first part (2a) and comprising a buttressing piece (5) suitable for use as a buttressing piece for a bumper; characterized in that said reinforcement (3) comprises a stiffening piece (7) fixed to said first part (2a) by means of said fixing tab (6).