Vehicle Front Bulkhead with Detachable Metal Upper Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle body front structures are prone to weight reduction but lack sufficient rigidity, leading to potential hood opening during impact loads due to the use of resin materials for upper side beams, which compromises maintenance accessibility and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body front structure design featuring metal upper beams and side beams that are detachably connected, with a hood lock device on the upper beam to prevent impact-induced hood opening, along with a positioning bracket for precise positioning of components like headlamps and fenders, and a connecting mechanism for enhanced structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If resin materials are used for bulkhead components to reduce weight, then the weight of the front bulkhead is reduced, but the components may rupture under impact load
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite construction by combining resin materials for non-critical components (side stays, lower beam) with metal materials for critical load-bearing components (upper side beams, upper beam). This allows the bulkhead to achieve weight reduction while maintaining impact resistance in key structural areas where hood opening prevention is essential.
2Strength
If metal upper beam is used to prevent rupture under impact, then the strength is improved, but the weight of the front bulkhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material qualities to different parts of the bulkhead structure. Metal materials are used specifically in local areas (upper side beams and upper beam) where impact resistance is critical for preventing hood opening, while resin materials are used in other areas where weight reduction is prioritized. This localized application of high-strength materials achieves the necessary strength without excessive weight increase.
3Ease of repair
If upper beam is detachably connected to side stay for maintenance access, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability under impact load may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the upper beam assembly into separable components that can be detached for maintenance access to the cooling unit, while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design. The detachable connection allows the upper beam to be removed when needed without compromising the overall bulkhead structure's ability to resist impact loads during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body front structure includes a front bulkhead. The front bulkhead includes a right side stay made of a resin and connected to a right front side frame, a right upper side beam made of a metal and extending from the right side stay to a right upper member, an upper beam made of a metal and detachably connected to the right upper side beam, and a hood lock device provided on the upper beam. The right end of the upper beam is connected in a state in which it clamps the right side stay in a vehicle body longitudinal direction.