Vehicle Front-End Structure With Parallel Load Path for Easier Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front-end vehicle structures compromise access ergonomics due to reduced space caused by flat load introduction into the sill, which is exacerbated in electric vehicles with extended passenger cells, leading to poorer load transfer and crash performance.
Innovation Solution
An oblique support member connected to the wheel housing and sill, with a connecting portion running parallel to the support member, allows the A-pillar to be positioned further forward, improving access ergonomics while maintaining effective load transfer and crash performance by adjusting the door hinge positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rounding of the door flange is moved forward to improve access ergonomics, then access ergonomics is improved, but the support member becomes steeper and load transfer to the sill deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the rounding forward and accepting a steeper support member, the invention inverts the approach by making the connecting portion run parallel to the support member. This maintains the optimal angle of the support member for load transfer while achieving forward positioning of the door flange rounding through the parallel connecting portion geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connecting portion, specifically making it run parallel to the support member rather than having it connect the A-pillar vertically and the door flange horizontally. This parameter change allows simultaneous optimization of both access ergonomics and load transfer characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If the A-pillar is positioned further forward to improve access ergonomics, then access ergonomics is improved, but the distance to the B-pillar decreases and crash performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the A-pillar forward and accepting reduced B-pillar distance, the invention inverts the approach by maintaining the A-pillar position and achieving forward door flange positioning through the parallel connecting portion that runs alongside the support member structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion acts as an intermediary element that allows the door flange to be positioned forward without moving the A-pillar. This intermediary structure runs parallel to the support member and transmits loads while enabling the ergonomic positioning of the door entrance.
3Ease of operation
If the support member is made steeper to position the rounding forward, then access ergonomics is improved, but the load introduction to the sill becomes less flat and homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of steepening the support member to position the rounding forward, the invention inverts the approach by maintaining the support member's optimal angle for flat load introduction and achieving forward positioning through the parallel connecting portion geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the configuration parameters of the connecting portion to run parallel to the support member, which allows the support member to maintain its optimal angle for homogeneous load distribution while still achieving forward positioning of the door flange rounding.
Data Source
AI summary
A front-end structure for a vehicle has a wheelhouse, a rocker panel, a support carrier which is connected to the wheelhouse and the rocker panel and which extends at an angle, an A-pillar, a door flange and a connecting portion connecting the A-pillar to the door flange. The connecting portion extends, at least in portions, substantially parallel to the support carrier.