Vehicle Cowl Panel Duct Deformation Promoting Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing front body structure of vehicles, where an outside air introducing duct is connected to a cowl panel, inhibits the absorption of collision energy by the cowl panel due to deformation, thereby compromising pedestrian protection performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a deformation promoting portion on the outside air introducing duct, such as slits or weak portions, to facilitate rearward displacement and prevent bending deformation, allowing the duct to absorb collision energy without hindering the cowl panel's deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outside air introducing duct is connected to the cowl panel, then the air conditioning function is improved, but the cowl panel's collision energy absorption is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is divided into multiple sections with deformation-promoting portions (weak portions) at specific locations. These segmented weak portions allow controlled deformation at predetermined locations while maintaining the overall structural integrity and air conditioning function of the duct.
Solution Approach 2:
Deformation-promoting portions (weak portions) are pre-formed at specific locations on the duct before collision occurs. These pre-prepared weak portions ensure that the duct deforms in a controlled manner during collision, preventing it from inhibiting the cowl panel's energy absorption while maintaining normal air conditioning function during non-collision operation.
2Strength
If the duct is made stiff to maintain structural integrity, then the duct's durability is improved, but the cowl panel's deformation is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is designed with non-uniform structure: most portions maintain normal wall thickness for structural integrity and air conditioning function, while specific local portions are created as weak portions with reduced strength. This local quality differentiation allows the duct to be stiff where needed and deformable where required during collision.
Solution Approach 2:
The weak portions act as intermediary elements that mediate between the stiff main body of the duct and the cowl panel. During collision, these intermediary weak portions deform first, allowing the duct to move rearward with the cowl panel without transmitting excessive stiffness that would inhibit energy absorption.
3Loss of energy
If the duct deforms during collision, then the cowl panel's energy absorption is improved, but the duct's air sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is segmented into rigid portions and deformable weak portions. The weak portions are specifically designed to deform during collision to enable energy absorption, while the main body portions maintain their structure to preserve air sealing performance. This segmentation allows different portions to serve different functions during collision events.
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
This configuration enhances pedestrian protection by ensuring the outside air introducing duct does not inhibit the cowl panel's energy absorption, thereby improving the vehicle's collision energy absorption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation promoting portion formed on at least one of vehicle-width-direction side surfaces of the outside air introducing duct and configured to promote rearward displacement of the opening when the protruding portion receives a collision load from outside
Data Source
AI summary
A front body structure of a vehicle includes: a cowl panel supporting a front window member; and an outside air introducing duct of an air conditioner. The cowl panel includes: a protruding portion which is located under a portion supporting the front window member, protrudes in a forward direction, and is provided with an opening portion; and a vertical wall portion extending in a downward direction from a lower end of the protruding portion. The outside air introducing duct includes: an opening connected to the opening portion; and a deformation promoting portion formed on at least one of vehicle-width-direction side surfaces of the outside air introducing duct and configured to promote rearward displacement of the opening when the protruding portion receives a collision load from outside.