Vehicle Dash Panel Structure for Pedestrian Impact Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle dash panels pose a risk of pedestrian injury during collisions due to deformation and can compromise vehicle compartment space if positioned to avoid contact with the dash panel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle dash panel design with recessed regions and extended connecting portions that secure a wide vehicle compartment and enhance pedestrian protection by minimizing contact between the deformed front panel and the dash panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dash panel is disposed at a position largely separated rearward from the front panel to prevent the bottom touch of the front panel against the dash panel, then pedestrian protection performance is improved, but the vehicle compartment becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a recessed region in the dash panel body portion that extends in the vehicle width direction, creating a multi-dimensional spatial configuration. This allows the dash panel to maintain rearward positioning for safety while the recessed region optimizes the use of available space, preventing the compartment from becoming overly narrow despite the rearward displacement of the main dash panel body.
2Device complexity
If the dash panel body portion is disposed at a front-rear position the same as the left and right flange portions, then the structure is simplified, but the vehicle compartment cannot be secured forward widely
Solution Approach 1:
The dash panel is segmented into distinct functional regions: the dash panel body portion positioned forward to maximize compartment length, and the left and right flange portions with connecting portions positioned rearward for structural support and mounting. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring a uniform position throughout.
3Area of moving object
If the outer end edge of the dash panel body portion is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction, then the vehicle compartment width is maximized, but the connecting portion cannot be secured wide on the inner side
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed region creates a stepped configuration in the vehicle width direction, allowing the outer end edge of the dash panel body portion to extend outward to maximize compartment width, while the connecting portion is positioned on the inner side where it can be secured wide. This multi-level arrangement in the width direction resolves the spatial conflict between these two requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A dash panel 10 includes a dash panel body portion 17 standing in front of a vehicle compartment along a vehicle width direction, left and right intermediate portions 18 extending rearward on outer sides in the vehicle width direction from outer end edges 20 on both sides of the dash panel body portion 17 in the vehicle width direction, and left and right flange portions 15 extending toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction from outer end edges of the left and right intermediate portions 18 in the vehicle width direction.