Deployable Door-Opening Cable Reinforcement for Pillarless Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles without a middle pillar between the front and rear pillars lack structural reinforcement during impacts, compromising occupant safety and vehicle integrity.
Innovation Solution
A cable and bar system that extends across the door opening, anchored to the vehicle body, is deployed to manage deformation and provide reinforcement during impacts, using mechanisms like pyrotechnic actuators or motor-driven lead screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a middle pillar is installed between front and rear pillars, then structural reinforcement during impacts is improved, but occupant space for ingress and egress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is divided into separate components: a deployable bar that spans the door opening and cables that connect the bar to the vehicle body. This segmentation allows the reinforcement to be deployed only when needed, maintaining open space during normal operation while providing structural support during impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement system transitions from a static, permanently installed middle pillar to a dynamic, deployable bar-cable assembly. The bar can be raised to a horizontal position across the door opening when impact is detected, and lowered when not needed, allowing the structure to adapt between providing reinforcement and maintaining occupant space.
2Strength
If a deployable bar and cable system is installed, then structural reinforcement during impacts is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates spring-loaded cable retractors that automatically tension and retract the cables based on the bar's position. When the bar is raised, the springs automatically tension the cables to provide reinforcement; when lowered, the springs automatically retract the cables. This self-regulating mechanism reduces the need for complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement system operates in periodic cycles: deployed and tensioned during impact events, then retracted and relaxed during normal operation. This periodic activation pattern allows the complex mechanical system to remain simple during most of its operational cycle while providing reinforcement only when required.
3Strength
If the cable is made taut to provide reinforcement, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility for door operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tension is dynamically adjusted based on the bar's position and impact conditions. During normal operation with the bar lowered, cables remain slack allowing full door operation flexibility. During impact, the bar raises and cables automatically tension to provide structural reinforcement, creating a dynamic transition between flexibility and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retractors are pre-loaded with springs that store potential energy, ready to rapidly tension the cables when the bar is raised. This preliminary preparation allows the system to transition quickly from a flexible state to a reinforced state without requiring complex real-time control during impact events.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body including a front pillar and a rear pillar spaced along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The front pillar and the rear pillar define a door opening therebetween. A first track is supported by the front pillar and a second track is supported by the rear pillar. A bar extends from the first track to the second track. The bar is moveable relative to the first track and the second track from a lowered position to a raised position. The bar extends across the door opening in the raised position. The vehicle includes a cable that includes a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed to the bar and moveable with the bar from the lowered position to the raised position. The second end is fixed to the vehicle body.