Composite Transverse Brace with Deformable Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle floor reinforcement crossmembers for side impacts increase vehicle mass and reduce passenger legroom, while existing solutions fail to balance impact resistance with weight reduction and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A composite material crosspiece with deformable end pieces that absorb compression forces, reducing the transmission of bending and torsional forces, and featuring a "Ω" shape to reinforce the floor tunnel and distribute forces effectively, thereby maintaining passenger space and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional steel crosspiece is used to reinforce the floor for side impact, then the side impact resistance is improved, but the vehicle mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crosspiece body is made of composite material instead of traditional steel, achieving a lighter structure while maintaining sufficient strength for side impact resistance. The composite material allows weight reduction without compromising the primary load-bearing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The end pieces are made of metallic material with high deformation capacity specifically at the connection points, while the central body uses lightweight composite material. This local differentiation allows the structure to be light where full strength is not needed, while providing metal's deformation capacity where force transmission and energy absorption are critical.
2Strength
If a reinforced crosspiece structure is added to the floor, then the side impact resistance is improved, but the passenger legroom is reduced due to raised floor area
Solution Approach 1:
The end pieces are designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to absorb impact forces through controlled deformation. This dynamic response reduces the need for a rigid raised structure, thereby preserving passenger legroom while maintaining impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable end pieces act as intermediaries between the composite body and the lateral structure elements, absorbing and dissipating impact forces through their deformation capacity. This mediation allows the composite body to remain lightweight and low-profile while still providing effective side impact protection.
3Weight of moving object
If a composite material body is used to reduce weight, then the vehicle mass is reduced, but the deformation capacity under compression and bending is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The crosspiece is segmented into two functional parts: a composite material body for lightweight load-bearing, and separate metallic end pieces for deformation and force transmission. This segmentation allows each material to be used where its properties are most advantageous.
Solution Approach 2:
The end pieces are made of metallic material with high deformation capacity specifically at the connection points, while the central body uses lightweight composite material. This local differentiation allows the structure to be light where full strength is not needed, while providing metal's deformation capacity where force transmission and energy absorption are critical.
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
The solution provides enhanced side impact resistance without increasing vehicle weight, improves passenger comfort by maintaining legroom, and effectively distributes forces to reduce the risk of deformation and injury.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable end pieces placed at the ends of the body and intended to connect the crosspiece to the lateral structure of the vehicle, advantageously make it possible to pass essentially only the compression forces in the body, the other forces such as for example the bending forces related to the rotation of the lateral structure elements of the vehicle on which the crossmember is connected, being absorbed by the deformation of said tips
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Transverse brace (1) for a vehicle floor, which is intended to extend between the two lateral sides of the vehicle, characterized in that said transverse brace (1) comprises a body (11) made of composite material and deformable end pieces (12) fixed at least to two ends of said body (11), said end pieces (12) being designed to connect said ends of the body (11) to elements of the lateral structure of the vehicle, such as the side rails.