Vehicle Side Structure With Door Beam-Bracket Load Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a side impact, the lower portion of a vehicle door deforms and disengages from the side sill, leading to increased intrusion and reduced energy transfer to vehicle components, thereby reducing occupant space and energy absorption efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A side structure comprising a beam attached to the door, a bracket supported on the side sill, and a seat support structure, which engages during door deformation to establish a load path and distribute impact energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the lower portion of the door is allowed to deform freely during side impact, then the door can absorb some impact energy through deformation, but the door disengages from the side sill causing increased intrusion and reduced energy transfer to vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is segmented into multiple regions with different stiffness characteristics. The lower door portion is designed with controlled deformation zones that allow localized bending, while the upper door portions and frame maintain higher stiffness to preserve overall structural integrity and engagement with the vehicle body during side impact
Solution Approach 2:
The door structure employs parameter changes in material distribution and cross-sectional geometry along its length. The lower portion has optimized thickness and material properties that enable controlled deformation to absorb energy, while maintaining engagement characteristics through adjusted structural parameters that prevent complete disengagement from the side sill
2Reliability
If the door structure is made more rigid to prevent deformation and maintain engagement, then door intrusion is reduced, but energy transfer to vehicle components is also reduced due to lack of deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the door structure have different quality characteristics - the lower door portion features localized softening or reduced stiffness to enable energy-absorbing deformation, while the upper door sections and connection points maintain high rigidity to ensure sustained engagement with the side sill and effective energy transfer to vehicle components
Solution Approach 2:
The door structure is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition from a rigid state during normal operation to a controlled deformation state during impact. The structure exhibits time-dependent behavior where initial rigid response maintains engagement, followed by progressive deformation that absorbs energy while preserving connection to the side sill
3Loss of energy
If the door is designed to deform during side impact, then impact energy can be absorbed, but occupant space is reduced due to increased intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is segmented into deformation zones and non-deformation zones. The deformation zones are positioned and sized to absorb impact energy while the non-deformation zones, particularly those facing the occupant compartment, maintain structural integrity to minimize intrusion and preserve occupant space
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 side structure enhances energy absorption and transfer to vehicle components, maintaining door engagement with the side sill, reducing overall intrusion and improving occupant safety.
Implementation Method 1
During a side impact, a lower portion of the door of the vehicle deforms and disengages from the side sill of the vehicle. This causes an increased overall intrusion of the door into vehicle and reduces occupant space. Moreover, there is relatively reduced transfer of impact energy to the various components of the vehicle due to the disengagement of the lower portion of the door from the side sill.
Implementation Method 2
During a side impact, a lower portion of the door of the vehicle deforms and disengages from the side sill of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A side structure for a vehicle includes a seat support structure arranged inside a vehicle body and coupled to a floor of the vehicle body, and a side sill arranged proximate to the floor of the vehicle body. A door is coupled to the vehicle body and includes a first end arranged proximate to the floor of the vehicle body and a second end arranged proximate to a top of the vehicle body. Moreover, the door includes a beam extending in a longitudinal direction of the door. A bracket is arranged inside the vehicle body and disposed between the seat support structure and the door in a lateral direction. The beam is configured to engage with the bracket during a deformation of the door.