Vehicle Door Reinforcement Brackets for Non-Metallic Panel Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighter-weight materials used in vehicle doors are prone to cosmetic and structural defects due to higher force concentrations during door opening and closure, particularly when actuation systems are employed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of reinforcements and support brackets between inner and outer panels of vehicle doors, which include a frame and flange, along with stiffeners and support brackets to distribute load and enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lighter-weight non-metallic materials are used in vehicle door panels, then weight is reduced and manufacturing complexity is decreased, but the panels become susceptible to cosmetic and structural defects under higher force concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction combining non-metallic panel materials with metallic reinforcement members. The reinforcement members are strategically positioned between the inner and outer panels to create a composite structure that leverages the weight advantages of non-metallic materials while incorporating the strength of metallic components to resist force concentrations and prevent defects.
2Ease of operation
If actuation systems are installed in vehicle doors, then door opening and closure is facilitated, but force concentrations increase causing cosmetic and structural defects
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement members act as intermediary structural elements between the actuation system and the panel materials. These reinforcements absorb and distribute the high force concentrations generated by actuation systems, preventing direct transmission of concentrated loads to the non-metallic panels and thereby avoiding cosmetic and structural defects while maintaining ease of operation.
3Strength
If reinforcement members are added between panels, then structural integrity is improved and load distribution is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement structure is segmented into discrete members positioned at specific locations between the inner and outer panels. This segmentation allows the reinforcement system to address force concentration issues at critical points without requiring a complete structural redesign of the entire door assembly, thereby improving structural integrity while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is disclosed that includes: a vehicle body defining a door frame; a vehicle door that is movably connected to the vehicle body; and an actuation system. The vehicle door includes: an inner panel that is secured to the door frame; an outer panel that is secured to the inner panel; a reinforcement that is secured between the inner panel and the outer panel; and a support bracket that is secured to the reinforcement and which includes a body with a generally planar configuration. In contrast to the door frame, which includes a metallic material, the inner panel and the outer panel each include a non-metallic material. The actuation system is connected to the vehicle door to facilitate opening and closure thereof and extends through the reinforcement and the support bracket.