Vehicle Door Vibration Absorber for Impact Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door assemblies lack effective distribution of impact forces during side impact events, leading to potential deformation and unintended opening of doors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a vibration absorbing member with a main body and projection, fixed to reinforcing brackets, which absorbs and directs impact forces to predetermined areas within the door assembly, reducing deformation and ensuring proper door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a vibration absorbing member is added to the door assembly, then impact force distribution and door rigidity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration absorbing member is nested within the cavity formed by the inner and outer door panels, utilizing the existing door assembly structure space. This allows the addition of impact protection functionality without requiring external additions that would increase overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration absorbing member acts as an intermediary element between the door handle assembly and the reinforcing brackets, absorbing and distributing impact forces before they reach critical components. This mediator approach protects the door assembly while maintaining structural integrity
2Reliability
If the door handle assembly is fixedly attached to the outer door panel, then door operation reliability is improved, but susceptibility to impact-induced deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration absorbing member is positioned and configured to absorb impact forces before they can reach and deform the door handle assembly. This pre-cushioning approach protects the fixedly attached handle from impact-induced deformation while maintaining operational reliability
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 vibration absorbing member effectively distributes impact forces, reducing the likelihood of door handle assembly deformation and unintended opening, while enhancing the overall rigidity and safety of the door assembly during side impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration absorbing member (36) having a main body (72) and a main projection (78)... configured to absorb and distribute impact forces
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door assembly includes an inner door panel that partially defines a cavity therein, a door handle assembly, a main reinforcing bracket, a first reinforcing bracket and a vibration absorbing member. The first reinforcing bracket has an upper end fixedly attached to the main reinforcing bracket and to a rearward area of the inner door panel within the cavity below the door handle assembly. The vibration absorbing member has an outboard surface, an inboard surface and a main projection that extends forward from the main body. The main projection is fixed to the first reinforcing bracket such that the main body is rearward of the first reinforcing bracket. The outboard surface is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the overall shape of the inboard portion of the door handle assembly.