Front End Module Frame Double-Load-Path Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-mobility vehicles with short front overhangs lack sufficient impact-absorbing space, leading to increased risk of injury from collision forces being transferred to occupants, as most impact force is not absorbed at the beginning of a collision.
Innovation Solution
A front end module frame with a cross member, side members, upper and lower back beam members, and crash boxes that form a double-load-path structure to absorb impact effectively at the beginning of a collision, integrating impact-absorbing components to reduce peak impact magnitude transferred to the vehicle and occupant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the front overhang is shortened to reduce vehicle size, then the vehicle dimensions are reduced, but the impact-absorbing space is insufficient leading to increased impact force transferred to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The front end module is divided into multiple structural components including cross member, side members, upper back beam member, lower back beam member, and crash boxes. This segmentation creates multiple load paths that distribute and absorb impact forces, allowing effective impact absorption even with reduced front overhang space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes both upper and lower back beam members positioned at different height levels, creating a three-dimensional load-bearing structure. This vertical dimensionality allows the structure to absorb impact forces more effectively within the limited horizontal space of a short front overhang.
2Volume of stationary object
If the impact-absorbing space is reduced, then the vehicle size is reduced, but most of the impact force is transferred to the occupant increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters by introducing a double-load-path configuration with upper and lower back beam members. This parameter change allows the structure to achieve high impact absorption efficiency within a compact volume, preventing excessive impact force transfer to occupants despite reduced impact-absorbing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The front end module employs composite structural design combining multiple materials and components (cross member, side members, back beam members, crash boxes) that work together to absorb impact energy. This composite approach maximizes impact absorption capability within the available space.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a double-load-path structure with upper and lower back beam members is introduced, then impact absorption effectiveness is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back beam members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, create load paths for impact force distribution, and contribute to overall frame rigidity. This multi-functionality allows the structure to achieve high impact absorption effectiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper and lower back beam members are integrated with the cross member and side members to form a unified front end module. This merging of components creates an efficient load-bearing system where each element contributes to both structural integrity and impact absorption, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Data Source
AI summary
A front end module frame may include a cross member, a pair of side members extending from respective end portions of the cross member in a height direction of the vehicle, each of the pair of side members having a center portion connected to the front end portion of a corresponding one of front side members of the vehicle, an upper back beam member interconnecting the upper end portions of the pair of side members, the upper back beam member having opposite end portions respectively connected to the front end portions of upper fender apron members of the vehicle, and a lower back beam member extending in a width direction of the vehicle and interconnecting the center portions of the pair of side members.