Fork-Shaped Suspension Reinforcement for Vehicle Side Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing side vehicle-body structure of vehicles faces challenges in maintaining vertical rigidity of the rear wheelhouse during vehicle rear collisions, leading to upward deformation and a decrease in cabin space, while also risking excessive deformation of suspension housing reinforcements and pillars.
Innovation Solution
A side vehicle-body structure with a fork-shaped suspension housing reinforcement system, comprising a front and rear suspension housing reinforcement, interconnected with the rear pillar and roof side rail, which disperses collision loads and prevents upward deformation of the rear wheelhouse, and includes a high-rigidity portion and cutout design to manage collision energy absorption and transmission effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single suspension housing reinforcement is used to connect the rear wheelhouse to the vehicle body, then the structure is simple, but the vertical rigidity of the rear wheelhouse is insufficient and upward deformation occurs during rear collision
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension housing reinforcement is divided into multiple segments: a first suspension housing reinforcement extending from the rear pillar to the rear wheelhouse, and a second suspension housing reinforcement extending from the roof side rail to the rear wheelhouse. This segmentation allows each reinforcement to bear specific loads and provides redundant support paths, preventing upward deformation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure extends into the vertical dimension by connecting the rear wheelhouse to both the rear pillar (lower level) and the roof side rail (upper level). This three-dimensional arrangement creates a triangular support configuration that effectively resists upward deformation forces during rear collision
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple suspension housing reinforcements are used to improve vertical rigidity, then upward deformation is suppressed, but the size and complexity of the reinforcement structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second suspension housing reinforcements are merged into a coordinated system where both members work together to support the rear wheelhouse. The reinforcements are positioned and configured to share the load, with the first reinforcement handling loads from the rear pillar and the second reinforcement handling loads from the roof side rail, creating an integrated support system that achieves high stability without excessive complexity
3Strength
If suspension housing reinforcements are made larger to improve support rigidity, then vertical rigidity increases, but the reinforcement size increases which is not desirable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large reinforcement member, the support function is segmented into two smaller reinforcement members. Each member spans a shorter distance and connects to different anchor points (rear pillar and roof side rail), distributing the structural demands across multiple smaller components rather than requiring one oversized component
4Stability of the object's composition
If the rear wheelhouse is rigidly connected to prevent upward deformation, then cabin space is maintained, but collision energy absorption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wheelhouse support system is segmented into multiple reinforcement members that can deform independently. The first reinforcement connects to the rear pillar and the second reinforcement connects to the roof side rail, creating multiple deformation paths that allow the structure to absorb collision energy through controlled deformation of individual members while maintaining overall cabin integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement members are designed with specific geometric parameters and material properties that allow them to undergo controlled deformation during collision. The configuration and dimensions of the reinforcements are optimized to balance rigidity for normal operation with energy absorption capability during impact events
Data Source
AI summary
A side vehicle-body structure of a vehicle comprises a rear frame, a roof side rail, a rear wheelhouse, a C pillar, and a suspension housing reinforcement which interconnects the C pillar and the rear wheelhouse in a vertical direction, wherein the suspension housing reinforcement comprises a front suspension housing reinforcement which extends downward from a lower end portion of the C pillar along an extension direction of the C pillar and connects to an upper portion of the rear wheelhouse and a rear suspension housing reinforcement which is positioned in back of the front suspension housing reinforcement, extends rearward and downward from a rear portion of the C pillar and/or a rear portion of the front suspension housing reinforcement, and connects to the upper portion of the rear wheelhouse.