Vehicle Front Frame Protrusion for Water Diversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Water accumulation in the connection portion between the rear end part and the fixation portion of a vehicle front portion structure can lead to rust and deterioration, compromising the structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a protrusion section on the inclination portion of the rear end part that extends downward and outward, guiding water away from the connection area, and a collar with a recessed portion to facilitate welding without interference, ensuring water does not accumulate and causing rust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an inclination portion is formed on the rear end part to support the lower arm, then the lower arm can be properly positioned and supported, but water accumulates in the connection portion causing rust and deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelower arm supportVSAvoidconnection portion durability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protrusion section that extends in the vehicle width direction, creating a three-dimensional water diversion structure. This protrusion section redirects water flow laterally away from the connection portion, solving the water accumulation problem while preserving the inclination portion's support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful water flow that would normally accumulate in the connection portion into a beneficial force by using the protrusion section to redirect it. The water flow is harnessed to flow along the inclination portion and be diverted away, transforming a potential source of rust and deterioration into a controlled flow pattern that protects the connection portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If the protrusion section is extended outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the collar, then water cannot easily flow to the connection portion, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection portion protectionVSAvoidrear end part structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the water diversion function with the existing structural components by integrating the protrusion section into the rear end part. This combines multiple functions (structural support and water diversion) into a single integrated component, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired protection effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration effectively prevents water accumulation and subsequent rust, enhancing the durability and rigidity of the connection by ensuring proper water flow and maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle front portion.

Implementation Method 1

the inclination portion includes a bottom section that is inclined downward toward a vehicle rearward direction and a protrusion section that protrudes further upward than the bottom section... it is possible to allow water that flows into the rear end part to flow so as to avoid the protrusion section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater flow guidance:

Data Source

PatentUS12012147B2Vehicle front portion structure
Publication Date: 2024.06.18 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US12012147B2 patent drawing
  • US12012147B2 patent drawing
  • US12012147B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle front portion structure includes: a rear end part that constitutes a rear part of a front side frame and has an inclination portion which is inclined downward toward a vehicle rearward direction; a fixation portion that is provided on the inclination portion; and a lower arm that is connected to the fixation portion. The inclination portion includes: a bottom section that is inclined downward toward a vehicle rearward direction; and a protrusion section that protrudes further upward than the bottom section. The protrusion section extends toward a vehicle rearward direction from a vehicle forward position further than the fixation portion, and a middle side in a vehicle width direction of the protrusion section protrudes further upward than an outside in the vehicle width direction of the protrusion section.