Selectively Extending Reinforcing Element for Closed Section Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle panels are susceptible to deformation and require reinforcement to ensure occupant protection during collisions, but existing reinforcement methods face challenges in ease of installation and practicality, especially in mass manufacturing environments.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing element with a base portion and a selectively extensible member that can change length to facilitate easier installation within a closed structure, using expandable materials or adhesives to secure the element in place, allowing for improved positioning and bonding within the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a closed section brace is used to provide structural reinforcement, then the structural strength and stiffness are improved, but the ease of installation and positioning of additional reinforcing elements deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity section is designed to be selectively openable and closable, transforming a static closed structure into a dynamic one that can change its accessibility state. This allows the cavity to provide structural strength when closed while enabling easy installation of reinforcing elements when opened, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace is divided into multiple sections including at least one cavity section that can be selectively opened. This segmentation allows different portions of the brace to serve different functions - some sections provide closed structural reinforcement while others can be opened to facilitate installation, thus resolving the contradiction between overall structural strength and local accessibility for installation.
2Ease of operation
If an open section brace is used to allow installation of additional reinforcing elements, then the ease of installation is improved, but the structural strength and stiffness deteriorate due to the open configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity section transitions from an open state during installation to a closed state for structural reinforcement. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to provide ease of installation when open and structural strength when closed, effectively resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity section is pre-configured to be openable, allowing installation operations to be performed before the cavity is closed. This preliminary opening action enables easy installation of reinforcing elements, after which the cavity can be closed to provide the necessary structural strength, thus resolving the timing conflict between installation ease and structural integrity.
3Weight of moving object
If vehicle panels are made thinner to meet weight requirements, then the vehicle weight is reduced, but the resistance to deformation and structural strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element combines a base portion with bonding material and a selectively extendable member, creating a composite structure that provides high strength-to-weight ratio. This composite design allows thin panels to achieve adequate structural strength through the integrated reinforcement system without increasing overall vehicle weight significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The selectively extendable member can change length to provide variable reinforcement depending on installation requirements. When extended, it facilitates easy installation; when retracted, it provides compact structural reinforcement. This dynamic capability allows thin panels to gain reinforcement capability without permanent weight penalty, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and deformation resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary reinforcing element (104) may be configured to be received within a longitudinally extending cavity (C) defined by a structure (102). The reinforcing element may include a base portion (106) having a bonding material (108, 160) applied thereon, and a member (110, 150) selectively secured to the base portion and configured to selectively extend away from the base portion when the reinforcing element is received within the cavity. Accordingly, the reinforcing element may define a first length (L1) when the member is in a first position with respect to the base portion, and a second length (L1+L2) when the member is in a second position extending away from the base portion, the second length being greater than the first length. The selectively extending arrangement of the reinforcing element may generally allow improved ease and accuracy of installing the reinforcing element within a generally closed structure.