Vehicle Chassis Rigid Member for Wheel Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small city cars face challenges in providing adequate crashworthiness due to limited space and proximity of occupants to the point of impact, as existing energy-absorbing structures are insufficient to effectively absorb and dissipate impact energy.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle chassis design featuring a locally narrower portion for the wheel with a rigid member that extends towards the wheel, allowing impact forces to be transmitted and absorbed, and a structure composed of tubular members with planar members for additional rigidity, which helps distribute and dissipate impact energy across the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If small city cars use traditional crumple zones, then some impact energy is absorbed, but the limited space prevents adequate energy absorption and occupants are too close to the impact point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by positioning the rigid member vertically above the wheel rather than horizontally behind it. This vertical arrangement allows the wheel to be crushed between the rigid member and the impacting object, effectively utilizing the vertical space above the wheel to absorb impact energy without requiring additional horizontal space in the chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid member acts as an intermediary element between the wheel and the chassis structure. It transmits impact forces from the wheel to the chassis while enabling the wheel to function as an energy-absorbing component. This intermediary structure allows the wheel itself to become part of the energy absorption system.
2Length of moving object
If the wheel is positioned closer to the front for compactness, then the vehicle is more compact, but occupants are physically closer to the point of impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the wheel, which would normally be a harmful element during impact, into a beneficial energy-absorbing component. By positioning the rigid member above the wheel, the wheel is crushed between the rigid member and the impacting object, transforming kinetic energy into deformation energy and protecting the chassis and occupants from the full force of the impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid member is positioned in advance above the wheel to create a predetermined crush zone. This pre-positioned structure ensures that during impact, the wheel will be crushed in a controlled manner between the rigid member and the impacting object, providing beforehand cushioning that protects the chassis and occupants.
3Strength
If a rigid safety cell is used to protect occupants, then occupant protection is improved, but the structure becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel serves multiple functions: it is both a functional component for vehicle movement and an energy-absorbing structure for crashworthiness. The rigid member also serves dual purposes by providing structural support to the chassis and enabling the wheel crush mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated safety components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wheel with the energy absorption system by positioning the rigid member above it. The wheel becomes integrated into the crashworthiness system, combining its structural function with its energy-absorbing function. This merging eliminates the need for separate, heavy energy-absorbing structures.
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
This design enhances crashworthiness by absorbing impact energy through wheel crushing and distributing forces to other structural elements, reducing frontal damage and protecting occupants, while being compact and lightweight, suitable for small city cars.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel will be crushed between the rigid member and the impacting object, thereby absorbing some of the impact energy
Implementation Method 2
the rigidity of the rigid member provides a path for impact forces to be transmitted into the remainder of the chassis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~3
AI summary
A chassis for a vehicle has a locally narrower portion within which is mounted a wheel, and a rigid member extending from the chassis toward the quiescent position of the wheel and ending at a point which is spaced radially from the outer profile and located axially within the thickness of the wheel. Under an impact, the wheel itself will be crushed against the rigid member, absorbing some of the impact energy. The impact energy can also be transmitted via the rigid member to the remainder of the chassis, providing a load path to major mass concentrations elsewhere in the vehicle and allowing energy to be dissipated by the deformation of other structures elsewhere. This can then limit frontal damage to the vehicle and hence reduce the risk of intrusions into the passenger cell. The rigid member can be a column extending towards the wheel, and can end with a flat plate that is positioned tangentially to a local portion of the outer profile. It preferably extends from a point on the chassis outside the locally narrower portion. Oriented in this direction, the rigid member is more able to transfer the impact forces from the crushing wheel to the remainder of the chassis.