Deployable Reinforcement Member for Side Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles lack an effective solution to absorb impact energy during side impacts, particularly when designed without a B-pillar, which is typically responsible for energy absorption in such scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An impact absorbing system that includes a deployable reinforcement member supported by a rocker, which can move from an undeployed position beneath the vehicle floor to a deployed position above it, assisted by an airbag or other mechanisms, to absorb impact energy, potentially replacing the function of a B-pillar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a vehicle is designed without a B-pillar, then the vehicle structure is simplified and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to absorb impact energy during side impacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deployable reinforcement member that transitions from a stowed position to a deployed position upon impact detection. This dynamic deployment allows the vehicle to maintain structural simplicity during normal operation while providing impact energy absorption capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and impact protection
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member is pre-positioned in a stowed location within the vehicle structure, ready for rapid deployment. This preliminary positioning allows the system to provide impact protection without requiring a permanent B-pillar structure, achieving both structural simplification and impact energy absorption capability
2Reliability
If a deployable reinforcement member is added to absorb impact energy, then impact energy absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the reinforcement member into the existing vehicle floor and rocker structure, combining multiple functions into a unified system. The reinforcement member works in conjunction with the rocker and floor to provide both structural support and impact energy absorption, reducing overall system complexity compared to adding a separate B-pillar structure
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member is disposed within the vehicle floor structure in a stowed position, nested within the existing vehicle architecture. This nesting approach allows the impact protection system to be integrated within the existing vehicle structure without requiring additional external components, minimizing device complexity
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 system effectively absorbs impact energy during side impacts, ensuring vehicle safety even in the absence of a B-pillar, by deploying a reinforcement member that can be positioned strategically to absorb and distribute the force, thereby protecting the vehicle and its occupants.
Implementation Method 1
an airbag disposed beneath the reinforcement member and inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag may be positioned to move the reinforcement member to the deployed position when the airbag inflates to the inflated position
Data Source
AI summary
An impact absorbing system includes a vehicle floor, a rocker, and a reinforcement member. The rocker is disposed below the vehicle floor. The reinforcement member is supported on the rocker. The reinforcement member is deployable from an undeployed position beneath the vehicle floor to a deployed position above the vehicle floor.