Dash Panel Support Structure for Vehicle Torsion Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dash panel structures for vehicles fail to adequately enhance torsion rigidity, which is crucial for suppressing vehicle body torsion and absorbing impact during sharp turns and crashes.

Innovation Solution

A dash panel supporting structure comprising a center member, bridge member, and side members connected by welding or integration, forming a frame that includes curved and M-shaped configurations to distribute and absorb torsional loads, with optional 3D printing integration, supporting the dash panel and key vehicle components like the cowl panel and A-pillars.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional dash panel structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the torsion rigidity of the vehicle body is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsion rigidityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple discrete components: a center member, a bridge member, and a pair of side members. These segmented parts are connected through fastening elements, allowing for modular assembly and manufacturing while achieving the desired torsion rigidity through their collective geometric configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions from a planar or simple linear arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. The center member extends in a first direction, the bridge member connects at an angle in a second direction, and the side members provide lateral support, creating a volumetric framework that significantly enhances torsion rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the dash panel is not adequately supported, then the structure is simpler, but the vehicle body torsion cannot be suppressed during sharp turns and crashes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle body stabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The center member, bridge member, and side members are integrated into a unified support structure that works collectively to suppress vehicle body torsion. The members are positioned and connected to form a cohesive framework that distributes and absorbs torsional loads across multiple points, enhancing overall vehicle stability during sharp turns and crashes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a complex support structure is implemented, then the torsion rigidity is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsion rigidityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple discrete components: a center member, a bridge member, and a pair of side members. These segmented parts are connected through fastening elements, allowing for modular assembly and manufacturing while achieving the desired torsion rigidity through their collective geometric configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The geometric parameters of the support members are optimized to achieve high torsion rigidity. The center member has a specific length and orientation, the bridge member connects at defined angles, and the side members are positioned at precise locations. These parameter optimizations allow the structure to achieve maximum stiffness with minimal material, simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10351178B2Dash panel supporting structure for vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10351178B2 patent drawing
  • US10351178B2 patent drawing
  • US10351178B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dash panel supporting structure includes a center member rested on a tunnel portion of a vehicle, a bridge member connected to an upper portion of the center member, and a pair of side members configured to support both ends of the bridge member and both ends of the center member on inner portions of side pillars of the vehicle. Therefore, the tunnel portion, a cowl panel and A-pillars of the vehicle are supported by each other through the dash panel supporting structure, so that the torsional rigidity of the vehicle is improved.