Vehicle Front End Frame Locking Bracket Impact Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle front end frames are prone to damage due to impact forces from the engine hood lock, which can compromise the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A front end frame design featuring locking brackets with inclined beams and a cross beam that distribute and absorb the impact force through multiple channels, enhancing structural strength and ease of repair, while using stamped steel plates for cost-effectiveness and rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the engine hood lock is mounted on the front end frame and the engine hood applies force to snap-fit, then the engine hood can be locked securely, but the impact force may damage the connection mechanism of the front end frame and affect the structure of the vehicle body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The front end frame is segmented into multiple independent load-bearing components: locking brackets mounted on longitudinal beams, cross beams connecting the locking brackets, and inclined beams extending to the vehicle body. This segmentation distributes the impact force from the engine hood lock across multiple structural elements rather than concentrating it on a single connection mechanism, thereby maintaining locking reliability while protecting overall structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bracket serves as an intermediary component between the engine hood lock and the front end frame structure. It is specifically designed to receive and transfer the impact force from the engine hood lock to the longitudinal beams and cross beams, acting as a mediator that protects the main frame structure from direct impact damage while ensuring secure locking function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a complex connection mechanism is used to secure the engine hood lock, then the locking function can be achieved, but the connection mechanism may be damaged by impact force and require frequent repair

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into modular segments: locking brackets that can be independently mounted on longitudinal beams, cross beams that connect the brackets, and inclined beams that anchor to the vehicle body. This modular segmentation allows individual components to be replaced or repaired without affecting the entire locking system, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining reliable locking function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism incorporates dynamic force distribution capabilities through the inclined beams that extend at specific angles to the vehicle body. This dynamic configuration allows the structure to adapt to impact forces by distributing loads through multiple pathways, reducing stress on any single connection point and minimizing repair requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design effectively transfers and distributes the impact force uniformly, enhancing the structural strength of the front end of the vehicle, preventing damage and simplifying maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the first plate and the second plate are fixed together by welding the first protrusions and the second protrusions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3845439B1Front end frame for vehicle, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 GREAT WALL MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3845439B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3845439B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3845439B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A front end frame for a vehicle, and a vehicle. The front end frame comprises lock brackets (1) respectively mounted on longitudinal beams (5) on either side of the vehicle. A cross beam (2) is connected between the two lock brackets (1). Each lock bracket (1) is further connected to an inclined beam (3) which extends towards the rear side of the vehicle from the lock bracket (1) when mounted on the vehicle and is used for fixing to the vehicle body. The front end frame and the vehicle facilitate improving the structural strength of the vehicle, feature a simple structure, and are easy to detach for maintenance. An impact force applied to an engine hood lock by an engine hood can be efficiently transferred through three channels such that a uniform force is received, thereby avoiding the impact force from damaging a front end structure of the vehicle.