Vehicle Front End Member Integrating Lateral Reinforcement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle front structures face challenges in providing adequate support stiffness while minimizing weight and material costs, particularly due to the use of multiple reinforcing members that result in weak support and increased weight.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle front structure featuring a front end member with a main body and lateral reinforcement portion formed as a unitary one-piece structure, including ribs for load transmission and a mounting projection for the radiator support member, which enhances support stiffness in three axial directions through strategic coupling and butt welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple reinforcing members are used to couple the front subframe, front apron member, and radiator support member to the front end of the front side member, then the support stiffness in three axial directions is improved, but the weight and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stiffnessVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate reinforcing members into a single integrated front end member that couples the front subframe, front apron member, and radiator support member to the front side member. This consolidation maintains the necessary support stiffness in three axial directions while reducing the total quantity of parts, thereby decreasing weight and material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The front end member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs the functions of multiple reinforcing members. It provides coupling and support stiffness in longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions through its integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing members for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If multiple reinforcing members are used to couple the front subframe, front apron member, and radiator support member to the front end of the front side member, then the support stiffness in three axial directions is improved, but the material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stiffnessVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate reinforcing members into a single integrated front end member that couples the front subframe, front apron member, and radiator support member to the front side member. This consolidation maintains the necessary support stiffness in three axial directions while reducing the total quantity of parts, thereby decreasing weight and material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a flange coupling structure is used to couple the front subframe, front apron member, and radiator support member to the reinforcing members, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the support stiffness with respect to the front end of the front side member decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidsupport stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate reinforcing members into a single integrated front end member that couples the front subframe, front apron member, and radiator support member to the front side member. This consolidation maintains the necessary support stiffness in three axial directions while reducing the total quantity of parts, thereby decreasing weight and material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11014612B2Vehicle front structure

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle front structure for a vehicle may include: a front side member disposed on a front of a vehicle; and a front end member coupled to a front end of the front side member. In particular, the front end member includes a main body which is coupled to the front side member to be aligned, and a lateral reinforcement portion which extends from the main body toward an outboard side of the vehicle.