Front Fender Outer Panel Reinforcement for Charging Lid Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deformation of vehicle outer panels, particularly below the opening/closing hinge axis of charging or fuel receiver modules, occurs when a user leans on the lid in an open state, leading to potential denting due to inward loads in the vehicle width direction.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement bracket with an L-shaped cross section is mounted to the outer panel below the hinge axis, incorporating vertical and horizontal beads to enhance rigidity and resist bending loads, thereby suppressing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outer panel is provided with an opening for installing a charging receiver module or fuel receiver module, then the functionality of the vehicle is improved, but the rigidity of the outer panel is reduced and deformation occurs when load is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The outer panel is segmented into multiple regions: a first region with the opening for the charging/fuel receiver module, and a second region with the reinforcement bracket. This segmentation allows the first region to provide functionality while the second region provides structural support, resolving the contradiction between functionality and rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement bracket is strategically placed in the second region below the hinge axis, providing localized reinforcement only where needed. This local quality approach maintains the overall lightweight design while addressing the specific rigidity issue in the critical area, allowing the opening to remain functional without compromising overall panel strength.
2Strength
If a reinforcement bracket is mounted to the outer panel below the hinge axis, then the rigidity of the outer panel is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement bracket acts as an intermediary element between the outer panel and the hinge axis. It mediates the load transfer from the lid to the outer panel structure, distributing the force in a way that prevents deformation without requiring complex reinforcement systems. The bracket simplifies the load path while providing necessary structural support.
3Strength
If the bracket has an L-shaped cross section with vertical and horizontal beads, then the resistance to bending load is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped cross section with vertical and horizontal beads introduces curvature and geometric complexity to the bracket structure. These curved and angular features create ridgelines that effectively resist bending loads in multiple directions. The geometric design provides enhanced structural performance while remaining manufacturable through standard forming processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An outer panel structure includes a front fender panel, which is an outer panel, and a charging receiver module or fuel receiver module. The front fender panel is provided at a side part of a vehicle, and includes a frame part formed therein by having a part thereof perforated in a thickness direction. The charging receiver module or fuel receiver module is inserted and fixed in the frame part. The charging receiver module or fuel receiver module includes a lid that can be opened and closed. The outer panel structure further includes a reinforcement bracket mounted to the front fender panel at a part located below an opening/closing hinge axis of the lid in terms of a vehicle height direction.