Vehicle Door Reinforcement Structure for Side-Impact Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle doors face deformation and damage during side impacts due to force transmission, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcement member between the inner panel and structural beam of the vehicle door, configured for an interference fit without mechanical connections, to absorb forces and inhibit deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcement members are added to reduce force transmission during side impacts, then the strength and deformation resistance of the vehicle door is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is integrated between the inner panel and structural beam, merging multiple structural functions into a single component that provides both reinforcement and structural support without requiring additional separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member is positioned within the existing door structure between the inner panel and structural beam, nesting the reinforcement function within the existing structural framework rather than adding external components
2Reliability
If mechanical connections are used to secure the reinforcement member, then the reliability of force absorption is improved, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member utilizes the existing structural framework of the door (inner panel and structural beam) to secure itself without requiring additional mechanical connections, fasteners, or adhesive applications, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If the reinforcement member is designed with complex geometry to maximize force absorption, then the energy absorption capacity is improved, but the manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member employs material property changes and geometric configuration optimizations within the irregular octagonal form to maximize energy absorption capacity while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication processes
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 reinforcement member effectively reduces force transmission through the vehicle door, minimizing deformation and damage during side impacts by absorbing vibrations and shock, while maintaining the existing geometry of the door without the need for additional connections or openings.
Implementation Method 1
configured to absorb the forces that are applied during a side impact in order to inhibit force transmission
Implementation Method 2
absorb the forces that are applied during a side impact in order to inhibit force transmission through the vehicle door(s) and thereby reduce deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door is disclosed that includes: an outer panel; an inner panel located inboard of the outer panel; a window channel; a window glass; a structural beam; and a reinforcement member supported by the inner panel and the structural beam so as to inhibit force transmission through the vehicle door during a side impact. The window glass is movable within a window slot collectively defined by the outer panel and the inner panel. The window channel is supported by the inner panel, extends in generally orthogonal relation to the window slot, and is configured to receive the window glass such that the window glass is movable therethrough. The structural beam is supported by the inner panel and defines a longitudinal axis. The structural beam is configured such that the longitudinal axis extends in generally parallel relation to the window slot and in generally orthogonal relation to the window channel.