Composite Vehicle Side Outer Panel With Rigid Watertight Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of press molds for steel-based side outer panels in vehicle bodies is lengthy and costly, and painting processes are required, which is inefficient for small-scale production, and there is a need for weight reduction and improved coupling rigidity and watertight performance.
Innovation Solution
A side structure for vehicle bodies using plastic composite materials for side outer panels, coupled with a surround panel and reinforcement parts, incorporating water drainage and panel coupling units to enhance rigidity and watertightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If press-formed steel material panels are used for side outer panels, then strength and rigidity are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to required press molds and painting processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic composite materials (specifically long fiber reinforced thermoplastics) to manufacture side outer panels, replacing traditional press-formed steel materials. This eliminates the need for complex press molds and painting processes while maintaining structural strength and rigidity through the composite material's inherent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts plastic composite panels that can be produced more economically without requiring expensive, lengthy press mold development. The plastic panels eliminate the need for repeated painting processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost for small-scale production.
2Reliability
If press-formed steel material panels are used for side outer panels, then structural integrity is improved, but production time and cost increase due to lengthy mold development and painting processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plastic composite materials that can be directly molded into finished panels with integrated structural integrity, eliminating the separate painting process required for steel panels. This significantly reduces production time and increases manufacturing efficiency while maintaining panel integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic composite panels are designed for efficient production without requiring lengthy mold development cycles or subsequent painting operations, thereby improving productivity and reducing lead times for manufacturing side outer panels.
3Weight of moving object
If plastic composite material panels are used for side outer panels, then weight reduction is achieved, but coupling rigidity and watertight performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses long fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring coupling rigidity is maintained despite the weight reduction. The fiber reinforcement within the plastic matrix provides structural stiffness necessary for rigid coupling to the vehicle body.
4Weight of moving object
If plastic composite material panels are used for side outer panels, then weight reduction is achieved, but watertight performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic composite material provides a non-porous, homogeneous structure that inherently resists water penetration. The material's properties ensure watertight performance while maintaining weight reduction benefits compared to traditional steel panels.
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
Promotes weight reduction, secures coupling rigidity, and improves watertight performance by using plastic composite materials and innovative coupling mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The side outer panel may be coupled to an edge portion of the opening of the surround panel by an adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment side structure of a vehicle body includes a side body, a surround panel coupled to the side body and having an opening, and a side outer panel including a plastic composite material coupled to the surround panel. In an embodiment, the surround panel includes a plurality of pillar reinforcement parts coupled to a plurality of pillars provided on the side body, a side sill reinforcement part coupled to a side sill provided on the side body and connected to the plurality of pillar reinforcement parts, and a rear wheel arch reinforcement part coupled to a rear wheel arch provided on the side body and connected to the plurality of pillar reinforcement parts.