Vehicle Crash Structure Second Support Element Low Overlap Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle crash structures are inadequate in managing accident forces during low overlap collisions, leading to inefficient energy absorption and potential damage to critical vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A crash structure featuring a bumper cross member with two support elements, where the second support element is positioned between the crash box and longitudinal member, interlocking with the side member to redirect and dissipate forces, preventing further deformation and reducing overlap, while maintaining wheel housing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only a first support element is arranged at the end section of the bumper crossmember, then the structure is simple, but in low overlap accidents the support element cannot effectively redirect forces to prevent vehicle slide-off
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct support elements: a first support element arranged at the end section of the bumper crossmember and a second support element arranged at the end area of the end section. This segmentation allows each element to perform specific functions - the first element provides initial support while the second element redirects forces to the longitudinal member, preventing vehicle slide-off in low overlap accidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The second support element acts as an intermediary between the bumper crossmember and the longitudinal member. It is arranged to impact a connection area between the crash box and longitudinal member, serving as a mediator that redirects accident forces from the bumper crossmember to the longitudinal member, thereby preventing direct transmission of forces that would cause slide-off.
2Force
If the support element extends parallel to the longitudinal member assembly, then the structure is compact, but it cannot effectively interlock with the longitudinal member to transfer forces
Solution Approach 1:
The second support element is configured with specific local qualities - it is arranged to extend beyond the longitudinal member assembly in the transverse direction and is positioned to impact the connection area between the crash box and longitudinal member. This local configuration enables effective force transfer and interlocking capability at the critical connection point without requiring complex overall structural changes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the end section of the bumper crossmember is allowed to deform freely, then the structure absorbs energy through deformation, but the wheel arch and other critical components are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The second support element is pre-positioned to provide preliminary anti-action against unwanted deformation. When the bumper crossmember deforms during a low overlap accident, the second support element automatically engages with the longitudinal member to prevent excessive movement of the end section towards the wheel arch, thereby protecting critical components before damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation of the end section of the bumper crossmember, which would normally be harmful by causing slide-off and damaging the wheel arch, is converted into a beneficial force redirection mechanism. The deformation causes the second support element to engage with the longitudinal member, transforming the harmful deformation into a useful force transfer that prevents vehicle slide-off and protects critical components.
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
Enhances crash behavior by effectively redirecting and dissipating forces, reducing the likelihood of vehicle slide-off and protecting critical components like the wheel housing, thereby improving occupant safety and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the support element impacts a corresponding connection area between a crash box and a longitudinal member
Implementation Method 2
forces acting at the two impact points can be transferred into the affected longitudinal member via the support elements
Implementation Method 3
the affected end section of the bumper crossmember can be deformed by the forces and/or energies involved
Implementation Method 4
the forces can be absorbed, for example, by the deformation of the bumper crossmember, crash boxes, and longitudinal members
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a crash structure (10) for a vehicle, comprising a bumper crossmember (20) of which the end portions (22) are each connected to a corresponding longitudinal member (40) via a crash box (30), wherein end regions (24) of the end portions (22) each project in the vehicle transverse direction (y) beyond the corresponding longitudinal member (40), wherein in each case a first supporting element (25) which protrudes in the direction of a corresponding wheelhouse (2) is arranged at the end regions (24) and, in an accident situation with slight overlapping of the other party in the accident, impinges on the corresponding longitudinal member (40). According to the invention, in each case a second supporting element (26) is arranged at the end regions (24) of the end portions (22) and, in the accident situation with slight overlapping of the other party in the accident, impinges on a corresponding connecting region (32) between the crash box (30) and the longitudinal member (40).