Central Pillar Passenger Compartment for Pillarless EV Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of side pillars in cars weakens the chassis and complicates the installation of seat belt restraint systems, particularly in electric vehicles where structural stiffness and battery protection are critical, while also requiring heavier components to support the loads.
Innovation Solution
A central pillar is introduced within the passenger compartment to maintain structural integrity and support seat belt systems, allowing for single side door compartments on each flank without removing the pillars, thus enhancing chassis stiffness and reducing overall weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side pillars are removed to create single side door compartments, then ease of operation for entering and exiting the car is improved, but chassis structural strength is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removable side door partition as an intermediary element that can be selectively positioned. When installed, it provides structural support to maintain chassis strength; when removed, it allows for easier access and creates a single side door compartment configuration. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing structural support only when needed.
2Device complexity
If side pillars are removed to simplify door configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but seat belt restraint system installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The side door partition serves as a mounting intermediary for seat belt restraint systems. The partition includes dedicated mounting structures that simplify the installation of seat belts in the rear passenger positions, eliminating the need for complex installations on door panels or the B-pillar when those structures are removed or minimized.
3Ease of operation
If side pillars are removed to create larger door openings, then ease of operation is improved, but weight of the car increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the side door partition removable and selectively positionable. Rather than having a fixed heavy structure throughout, the partition is present only in the specific locations and configurations needed, allowing for lighter overall construction while maintaining structural integrity where required and providing easy access where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Electric or hybrid car comprising an outer body having a floor; a passenger compartment formed inside said outer body between the front and rear wheels; wherein the floor comprises at least two oblique side members converging towards a central portion of the floor, which comprises a central node to which an end of each oblique side member is mounted; a central pillar extending within said passenger compartment between said floor and said roof and arranged at an intermediate longitudinal axis of the passenger compartment between said driver's position and said rear passenger's position; wherein the central pillar comprises a first end connected to a central node of the floor and a second end connected to the roof.