Vehicle Door Load-Transmitting Member With Engagement Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-transmitting members for vehicle doors lack versatility and efficient integration, requiring shape modifications for different vehicle locations, which complicates attachment and load transmission during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A load-transmitting member comprising a first and second load-transmitting member with engagement structures, such as flange portions and attachment holes, allowing for easy integration and attachment to a panel member from one side, preventing misalignment, and effectively transmitting loads without altering the overall shape for different vehicle applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If load-transmitting members are designed with different shapes for different vehicle locations, then they can be adapted to specific applications, but the overall shape needs to be revised for each application reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The load-transmitting member is divided into a first load-transmitting member and a second load-transmitting member that can be separately manufactured and then integrated through engagement structures. This segmentation allows each component to maintain a standardized basic shape while adapting to different vehicle locations through the combination of components rather than modifying the overall shape for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structures (flange portions and attachment holes) are designed with universal characteristics that allow the same basic shape components to be used across different vehicle locations and applications. The standardized engagement interfaces enable the load-transmitting members to be universally applied without requiring shape modifications for each specific vehicle location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple load-transmitting members are integrated, then versatility and adaptability improve, but the attachment process becomes more complex requiring precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portions and attachment holes are pre-configured on the load-transmitting members during manufacturing with precise positions and orientations. This preliminary action ensures that when the members are to be integrated, the alignment is already predetermined, simplifying the attachment process and reducing the complexity of precise alignment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange portions serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the connection between the first and second load-transmitting members. These intermediary structures provide a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment process by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures, as the flange portions guide and enable straightforward connection.
3Strength
If engagement structures are added to integrate load-transmitting members, then integration and load transmission improve, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures are designed to merge the first and second load-transmitting members into a unified load-transmitting assembly. The flange portions and attachment holes are integrated into the basic shape of the members themselves, combining the functions of connection and load transmission into a single structural solution rather than adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structures use homogeneous materials and design characteristics that match the basic shape of the load-transmitting members. This homogeneity ensures that the engagement structures do not introduce disparate elements that would increase structural complexity, while still providing the necessary strength for load transmission across the integrated members.
Data Source
AI summary
A load-transmitting member attached to an inner panel includes an inside load-transmitting member serving as a first load-transmitting member and an outside load-transmitting member serving as a second load-transmitting member. Engagement holes are provided to an attachment plate formed at the inside load-transmitting member and serving as a first attachment plate, and engagement pawls are provided to an attachment plate formed at the second load-transmitting member and serving as a second attachment plate. The inside load-transmitting member and the outside load-transmitting member are engaged together to form an integral unit by engaging the engagement structures with the engagement structures.