Vehicle Floor Reinforcement for Low-Overlap Frontal Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for absorbing impact energy in frontal collisions are either complex and prone to failure or limited in effectiveness due to mechanical complexity and space constraints, and they do not efficiently distribute impact forces to enhance passenger safety.
Innovation Solution
A transverse reinforcing beam extending under the floor structure, with U-shaped ends and a tubular structure to stiffen in bending, limits rearward wheel movement and intrusion by distributing forces efficiently across the floor, reducing mass increase and allowing installation on existing vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical device with pulley transmission is installed between bumper cross member and front wheel, then impact energy absorption is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pulley transmission mechanism from the impact energy absorption system. Instead of using a mechanical device with moving parts, the invention employs a simple reinforcing beam that directly integrates into the vehicle floor structure, removing the problematic mechanical transmission elements while maintaining protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing beam is divided into distinct functional segments: a transverse portion for direct wheel engagement and limiting, and longitudinal portions for force distribution to the floor structure. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and reliable.
2Strength
If a mechanical device with actuating element is installed, then impact energy absorption is improved, but the required volume is not available and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing beam serves multiple functions within a single component: it reinforces the floor structure, limits wheel movement, distributes impact forces, and engages with wheel arches. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuating elements and mechanical devices, making the solution universally applicable to various vehicle platforms without requiring additional space or complex manufacturing.
3Force
If lateral structures are fixed directly to bumper crossmember, then impact force resistance is improved, but effectiveness is limited due to bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from purely longitudinal lateral structures to a three-dimensional reinforcing beam configuration that includes both transverse and longitudinal portions. The transverse portion extends across the vehicle width to directly engage and limit wheel movement, while the longitudinal portions distribute forces along the floor structure. This dimensional change from 1D to 3D structure significantly improves effectiveness by preventing both wheel intrusion and floor bending.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle floor reinforcement device designed to improve passenger safety in the event of a low-overlap frontal impact. This device comprises a transverse reinforcement beam (3), each end (3a) of which has a profile adapted to engage with a front wheel, a tubular structure (11) intended to stiffen the reinforcement beam in bending, and finally a support frame (12) for an electric vehicle battery. The device specifically meets the requirements of an impact test against a rigid bumper with low overlap.