Closed-Section Vehicle Side Structure for Side-Impact Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body designs for purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) face challenges in securing robust connectivity and effectively distributing collision loads during side impacts, which can lead to deformation and compromised safety.
Innovation Solution
A side structure for a vehicle that includes a side outer assembly, a side inner assembly forming a first closed cross-section, and a roof rail support structure forming a second closed cross-section, all connected to enhance robustness and distribute collision loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a large-area roof panel is applied to provide large interior space, then the interior space is increased, but the connection robustness and collision load distribution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The side structure is divided into side outer assembly and side inner assembly, which are connected to form a closed cross-section. This segmentation creates multiple load paths that distribute collision forces away from the roof panel, maintaining connection robustness while preserving interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The side structure combines side outer assembly and side inner assembly into a composite closed-cross section structure. This composite design enhances overall structural strength and collision load distribution capability without compromising the large interior space provided by the roof panel.
2Ease of operation
If double door doors are equipped on the sides, then boarding and alighting convenience is improved, but the mounting strength and structural stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side structure is segmented into side outer assembly and side inner assembly connected by connection parts. This segmentation creates a rigid closed cross-section that provides stable mounting points for double door assemblies, enhancing both convenience and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The side structure forms a three-dimensional closed cross-section by connecting side outer and inner assemblies. This dimensional transformation creates a rigid spatial framework that significantly enhances mounting strength for door assemblies while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the vehicle body connectivity is strengthened, then collision load distribution is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side structure is divided into modular side outer and side inner assemblies that connect to form closed cross-sections. This segmentation creates multiple load paths for collision force distribution while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The side structure assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide structural strength for collision load distribution, form mounting points for door assemblies, and create the vehicle body framework. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity by consolidating multiple roles into unified components.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment side structure for a vehicle is provided. The side structure is disposed on both sides of the vehicle in a vehicle width direction and is connected to a roof structure, and the side structure includes a side outer assembly, a side inner assembly connected with the side outer assembly to define a roof side with a first closed cross-section, and a roof rail support structure connected with the side inner assembly to define a second closed cross-section connected to a roof panel of the roof structure.