Vehicle Door Reinforcement Assembly for B-Pillarless Side Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles without a middle pillar (B-pillarless) face challenges in resisting intrusion during side impacts due to the lack of structural reinforcement in the area traditionally occupied by the B-pillar, which can compromise occupant safety and vehicle integrity.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement assembly that includes rotatable members and links supported by the vehicle body, which deploy across the door opening to provide resistance to intrusion by connecting pillars and reinforcing the area typically occupied by a middle pillar, utilizing pyrotechnic actuators to move these components from an undeployed to a deployed position for impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a B-pillarless design is used to allow unobstructed ingress and egress, then ease of operation is improved, but strength is worsened due to lack of structural reinforcement during side impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically deployable reinforcement members that transition from a stowed position (allowing unobstructed access) to a deployed position (providing impact resistance). These members are initially recessed or stored within door structures, then rapidly deployed using pyrotechnic actuators or mechanical mechanisms upon impact detection, enabling the structure to adapt its strength characteristics based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement members are pre-positioned within the door structure in a stowed configuration that does not obstruct access. Upon impact detection, they are rapidly deployed to the required position. This preliminary positioning allows the structure to maintain ease of access during normal operation while being prepared to provide strength when needed.
2Strength
If reinforcement members are deployed across the door opening to resist intrusion, then strength is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is divided into discrete, modular members that can be independently deployed and positioned. These segmented members are connected through linkages and actuators, allowing the complex function of impact resistance to be achieved through simpler, standardized components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Linkage mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the actuation system and the reinforcement members. These linkages translate the action of pyrotechnic actuators or motors into the deployment motion of reinforcement members, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling precise positioning of multiple reinforcement elements.
3Speed
If pyrotechnic actuators are used to deploy reinforcement members rapidly, then speed of deployment is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential failure of pyrotechnic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnic actuators are designed as self-contained, self-actuating devices that require no external power source or control system during deployment. Upon receiving an ignition signal, they automatically generate the force needed to deploy reinforcement members, eliminating dependencies on complex electrical systems or external actuators that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes redundant actuation mechanisms or backup systems that can compensate for potential pyrotechnic failures. Multiple actuation paths or alternative deployment methods are incorporated to ensure that the reinforcement system can still be deployed even if one actuation mechanism fails, thereby cushioning against reliability risks.
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 deployment of these components across the door opening effectively reduces the likelihood of intrusion during side impacts, enhancing the structural rigidity and safety of B-pillarless vehicles by providing additional resistance to forces exerted during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
A pyrotechnic actuator is supported by the vehicle body and connected to the member
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle body including a sill and a pillar extending upwardly from the sill defining a door opening. A member is rotatably supported by the sill and is rotatable relative to the sill from an undeployed position to a deployed position. A link is rotatably supported by the pillar and the member. A pyrotechnic actuator is supported by the vehicle body and is connected to the member.