Composite C Pillar Segmentation for Visibility and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle pillars, particularly A and C pillars, need to balance structural robustness for roll-over protection with the need to minimize obstruction of the driver's visibility, especially in high-performance cars with a single row of seats, while also maintaining aesthetics and effectiveness in convertible configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a composite C pillar structure with inner and outer structural members that are torsionally offset, providing structural support, improved visibility, and roll-over protection, while allowing for thinner pillar profiles that reduce visibility obstruction and enhance rear quarter visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the C pillar is made thicker in the X dimension to provide roll-over protection, then structural robustness is improved, but visibility to the rear quarters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The C pillar is divided into two separate structural members: an inner structural member and an outer structural member. These members are positioned at different locations and oriented at different angles, creating a segmented structure that provides comprehensive structural support while leaving visual gaps between the members for improved rear quarter visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The two structural members are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration where they are offset from each other in space and oriented at different angles. This dimensional arrangement allows the structure to maintain strength through spatial distribution while creating visual openings that improve visibility.
2Area of stationary object
If the C pillar is made slimmer in the Y dimension to improve visibility to the rear quarters, then visibility is improved, but structural robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is segmented across two separate members rather than concentrated in a single thick pillar. The inner and outer structural members work together to provide the necessary structural robustness while each member can be optimized for a thinner profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite C pillar structure combines two structural members with different orientations and positions, creating a composite structural system that achieves superior strength-to-visibility ratio compared to a single monolithic pillar.
3Length of stationary object
If a B pillar is introduced to reduce A and C pillar thickness, then pillar thickness is reduced, but aesthetics are spoiled and effectiveness in convertible configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a B pillar, the invention segments the existing C pillar into inner and outer members. This segmentation achieves the thickness reduction goal without introducing additional visual elements that would spoil aesthetics or compromise convertible roof effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprising a body having an occupant cabin and an upper structure at least partially enclosing the upper part of the occupant cabin, the upper structure comprising: a rear window located in the lateral center of the vehicle; first and second structural members extending along either side of the rear window; and first and second lateral windows located on either side of the rear window, each of the lateral windows having an inboard edge and an outboard edge, the inboard edge being located rearward of the outboard edge in at least one plane parallel to the running plane of the vehicle, and a respective one of the first and second members extending along the inboard edge, and the lateral windows being located at an outer rear corner of the upper structure edge.