Cowl Louver Asymmetry for Pedestrian Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle front part structures are inadequate in effectively absorbing shock loads from above, particularly in protecting pedestrians during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle front part structure featuring a front part upper surface outer plate member and an inner member with a vertically extending wall that is bent at one location, having unequal lengths from the ridgeline to the upper and lower edges, allowing the bending position to move during deformation, thereby enhancing energy consumption and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a vertical wall is bent at one location with equal lengths from the ridgeline to the upper and lower edges, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the shock absorption capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical wall is bent at one location to form a ridgeline, where the length from the ridgeline to the upper edge differs from the length from the ridgeline to the lower edge. This asymmetric configuration causes the bending position to move during deformation, enabling continuous deformation and improving shock absorption capability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the bending position is fixed, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the energy consumption during collision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bending position of the vertical wall is designed to move dynamically during the deformation process caused by collision load. The unequal lengths from the ridgeline to the upper and lower edges create a dynamic deformation pattern where the bending position shifts, allowing continuous energy absorption throughout the collision process rather than at a fixed point.
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 unequal lengths of the vertical wall enable continuous deformation, increasing the absorption of collision energy and shock, providing enhanced protection compared to structures with fixed bending positions.
Implementation Method 1
a bending position of the vertical wall moves during a deformation process of the vertical wall due to the collision load
Data Source
AI summary
A cowl louver is placed below a cowl top which is an outer plate member on an upper surface of a front part of a vehicle body. The cowl louver has a vertical wall which extends vertically from a cowl panel toward an expected direction of a load F. The vertical wall is bent at one location between an upper edge and a lower edge, and a length from a ridgeline at the bent position to the upper edge (upper width), and a length from the ridgeline to the lower edge (lower width), differ from each other. During deformation of the vertical wall due to collision, the bent portion moves on the vertical wall 40 so that energy is continuously consumed and the shock is absorbed.