Automobile Exterior Panel Reinforcement for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing reinforcing structures for automobile exterior panels, while capable of absorbing impact loads, face challenges in improving space efficiency and workability when attempting to enhance impact load absorption performance, as increasing member thickness or using high-strength materials compromises either space efficiency or workability.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing structure for automobile exterior panels comprising first and second long-shaped members arranged at the vehicle inner side, with support members on the outer side that support these members at crossing points, where the second members are thicker than the first, and the first members are arranged between the outer panel and the second members, enhancing impact absorption by distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the first members or the second members are made thicker, then the impact load absorption performance is improved, but the space efficiency becomes poorer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the second members thicker than the first members at specific locations where impact loads are most likely to occur. This localized thickness variation provides enhanced impact resistance at critical areas without uniformly increasing the thickness of all members, thereby maintaining space efficiency in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces support members that extend in a direction different from the first and second members, creating a three-dimensional reinforcing structure. This additional dimensional support provides impact load absorption without requiring increased thickness of the original lattice members, thus preserving space efficiency.
2Strength
If high strength material is used for the first members and the second members, then the impact load absorption performance is improved, but the workability becomes poorer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by differentiating the thickness of second members from first members, allowing standard materials to be used while achieving enhanced strength where needed. This avoids the need for high-strength materials throughout the entire structure, maintaining workability in manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite reinforcing structure by combining first members, second members, and support members with different geometries and arrangements. This composite configuration achieves high impact resistance through structural design rather than relying on high-strength materials, preserving ease of manufacture.
3Strength
If the first members and the second members are arranged in a lattice configuration, then the impact load absorption is improved, but the space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reinforcing structure into three distinct sets of members: first members extending in a first direction, second members extending in a second direction, and support members extending in a support direction. This segmented approach allows each member type to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing impact absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces support members that extend in a direction different from both the first and second members, adding a third dimensional aspect to the reinforcing structure. This three-dimensional arrangement provides impact load absorption through spatial distribution of members rather than relying solely on a two-dimensional lattice, improving space efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcing structure of an automobile exterior panel improving performance in absorbing an impact load, the reinforcing structure of an automobile exterior panel including an outer panel of a sheet shape, a plurality of first and second reinforcing members of long shapes arranged at a vehicle inner side from the outer panel the second reinforcing members crossing the first reinforcing members, an inner panel of a sheet shape arranged at a vehicle inner side from the first and second reinforcing members, and support members provided at a vehicle outer side from the inner panel and supporting the first or the second reinforcing members from a vehicle inner side, the support members supporting first or the second reinforcing members at a plurality of crossing parts where the first and the second reinforcing members cross or between adjoining crossing parts.