Vehicle Floor Tunnel Reinforcement for Collision Load Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle underbody structures inefficiently transmit collision loads rearward, leading to potential deformation of the vehicle floor during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle underbody structure featuring a floor tunnel with a load transmitting structure that includes a dash cross member connected to the floor tunnel, causing collision loads to diverge diagonally upward and rearward through a high-strength portion formed between the side and top faces, and reinforced with side and upper reinforcements to enhance strength and redirect loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If collision load is transmitted directly through the floor tunnel, then the structure is simple, but the floor deforms under collision load
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmitting structure is divided into multiple functional components: dash cross member for lateral load distribution, side reinforcement for vertical load bearing, and upper reinforcement for longitudinal load transmission. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in transmitting loads along specific paths, preventing floor deformation while maintaining structural clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dash cross member acts as an intermediary element between the front side member and the floor tunnel, redistributing collision loads laterally before they reach the floor. The side reinforcement and upper reinforcement serve as intermediary structures that progressively transmit loads rearward through the floor tunnel, preventing direct load application to the floor that would cause deformation.
2Reliability
If collision load is transmitted rearward through the floor tunnel, then floor deformation is prevented, but load transmission efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The side reinforcement is positioned specifically at the lower front end of the floor tunnel where collision loads are most intense, providing localized strength enhancement. The upper reinforcement is placed at the upper front end to handle longitudinal loads. This local quality enhancement ensures reliable load transmission at critical points without requiring the entire floor tunnel to be overly complex or heavy.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transmitting structure utilizes three-dimensional load paths: the dash cross member handles lateral loads, the side reinforcement manages vertical loads, and the upper reinforcement transmits longitudinal loads. This multi-dimensional approach to load transmission increases reliability by providing multiple transmission paths simultaneously, improving overall productivity of the load transmission system.
Data Source
AI summary
On a side face of a floor tunnel, a side reinforcement is disposed between an upper edge of the side face and a connected region at which a dash cross member is connected to the floor tunnel. An upper reinforcement extends in a longitudinal direction at an upper portion of the floor tunnel. The side reinforcement extends rearward with its rear edge inclining upward. A collision load input from a side member enters the side face of the floor tunnel via the dash cross member. The collision load is, then, transmitted to the upper reinforcement through the floor tunnel along the rear edge of the side reinforcement.