Deployable Hinged Beam for Vehicle Door Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle door reinforcement systems are inadequate in absorbing energy during side impacts, particularly in B-pillarless configurations, where the lack of structural pillars compromises occupant safety and door integrity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door reinforcement system featuring a hinged beam and actuator mechanism that deploys to create a triangular shape, absorbing energy by crumpling between the hinged beam and the first beam, thereby enhancing energy absorption and structural support during side impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional rigid reinforcement beam is used in B-pillarless door configurations, then structural support is provided, but energy absorption during side impacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement beam is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) connected by hinges, allowing each segment to move independently during impact to absorb energy through controlled deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic deployable structure that can change its configuration during impact, deploying outward to absorb energy and then returning to its original position
2Loss of energy
If a deployable hinged beam system is added to the door reinforcement, then energy absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is integrated with the existing door structure, where the hinged beam assembly works in conjunction with the first beam and door panels, combining multiple functions into a unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged beam segments are positioned within the door structure in a nested arrangement, allowing them to deploy outward during impact while remaining compact within the door when not in use
3Loss of energy
If the hinged beam is positioned to deploy outward during impact, then energy absorption is enhanced, but door intrusion resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged beam deploys outward in advance of the actual impact, creating a buffer zone that absorbs energy before the impact force reaches the door structure, preventing direct intrusion
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable hinged beam acts as a preliminary cushioning element that deforms during impact to absorb energy, protecting the main door structure from the full force of the collision
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
The reinforcement system effectively absorbs impact energy, providing enhanced safety and structural integrity to vehicle doors in B-pillarless configurations by deploying the hinged beam to absorb forces before the main beam, thus improving occupant protection and door stability during side impacts.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing energy by crumpling between the hinged beam and the first beam
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-door reinforcement includes a first beam elongated along an axis between a first end and a second end. The vehicle-door reinforcement includes a hinged beam elongated along the axis. The hinged beam includes a first segment and a second segment hinged to each other. The first segment is engaged with the first beam and the second segment is slideably engaged with the first beam. The vehicle-door reinforcement includes an actuator fixed to the first beam and connected to the second segment.