Vehicle Cross Member Upward Deformation Guiding Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body structures face challenges in securing minimum ground clearance and effectively absorbing impact loads, particularly when a muffler is positioned near a side sill, as the formation of a concavity in the cross member complicates downward displacement and ground clearance.
Innovation Solution
A structure featuring a cross member with an upward deformation guiding part that can deform into an inverted V shape, allowing the floor frame to lift and the in-vehicle component to fall downward, thereby absorbing impact loads without affecting an energy source, while maintaining a high position for the component to secure ground clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a concavity is formed in the upper portion of the cross member to push the muffler downward, then impact load absorption is improved, but the minimum ground clearance of the muffler cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming a concavity in the cross member to push the muffler downward, the patent inverts the approach by forming an upward deformation guiding part that deforms upward during impact. This upward deformation of the cross member translates to downward movement of the muffler through geometric constraints, achieving impact absorption while maintaining ground clearance.
2Volume of moving object
If the muffler is disposed below the cross member, then space utilization is improved, but it becomes difficult to push the muffler downward when the cross member deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an upward deformation guiding part as an intermediary mechanism between the cross member and the muffler. This guiding part converts the upward deformation of the cross member into downward displacement of the muffler through geometric relationships, enabling the muffler to move downward even though it is positioned below the cross member for space efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If the cross member is deformed upward to lift the floor frame, then impact load absorption is improved, but the in-vehicle component may not reliably fall downward due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an inclined plane structure in the upward deformation guiding part before impact occurs. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when the cross member deforms upward, the in-vehicle component is guided down the incline, allowing gravity to overcome friction and reliably push the component downward into the enclosed space.
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 effectively absorbs impact loads by deforming the side sill inward, maintains minimum ground clearance, and ensures reliable downward displacement of in-vehicle components, even considering frictional forces.
Implementation Method 1
the upward deformation guiding part is formed to be able to be deformed upward due to an impact load input to the side sill
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for a lower portion of a vehicle body includes a right side sill (14), a right floor frame (17), a right cross member (68), and a muffler. A fuel tank is provided on an inner side of the right floor frame (17) in a vehicle width direction. The right cross member (68) spans between the right floor frame (17) and the right side sill (14) and extends in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the muffler is provided in a region enclosed by the right side sill (14), the right floor frame (17), and the right cross member (68). The right cross member (68) has an upward deformation guiding part (77). The upward deformation guiding part (77) is formed to be able to be deformed upward due to an impact load (F2) input to the right side sill (14).