Vehicle Front Structure Impact Absorbing Lower Cross Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body front section structures, such as those described in JP-A No. 2012-91635, lack effective impact absorption performance during a vehicle head-on collision, as they primarily focus on enhancing rigidity rather than efficiently absorbing impact energy.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body front section structure that includes a battery pack, a lower cross member, and an impact absorbing structure, where the impact absorbing structure is positioned between the lower cross member and the battery pack, utilizing an impact absorbing member with lower strength to undergo plastic deformation and absorb collision energy, and optionally incorporating a suspension member that supports the front suspension to further absorb impact energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the battery pack is designed with high rigidity and strength, then the structural stability is improved, but the impact absorption performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lower cross member as an intermediary component between the battery pack and the front cross member. This lower cross member absorbs part of the collision load through its own deformation, thereby protecting the battery pack from direct impact while maintaining the battery pack's high strength design for structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the load-bearing structure by separating the function of impact absorption (lower cross member) from the function of structural support (battery pack and front cross member). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the lower cross member designed to deform under impact while the battery pack maintains high rigidity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame structure is used to support the battery unit, then the rigidity is enhanced, but the impact energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lower cross member serves as a mediator that intercepts and absorbs impact energy before it reaches the rigid battery unit. This allows the battery unit to maintain its rigid frame structure for stability while the lower cross member dissipates impact energy through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters by introducing a separate lower cross member with different material or geometric properties optimized for energy absorption, while the battery unit maintains its original rigid parameters. This parameter differentiation enables both rigidity and impact absorption.
3Shape
If the lower cross member is positioned below the front cross member, then the structural layout is optimized, but the collision load protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lower cross member positioned below the front cross member acts as a mediator that absorbs collision loads through its strategic placement. Its location allows it to intercept impact forces before they reach the battery pack, protecting the battery pack while maintaining an optimized structural layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the lower cross member below the front cross member, creating a multi-level load-bearing structure. This dimensional arrangement allows the lower cross member to absorb impact forces independently while the front cross member maintains the overall structural layout.
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 reduces the collision load on the battery pack by absorbing impact energy through plastic deformation of the impact absorbing members and suspension components, enhancing the overall impact absorption performance and protecting the battery pack during a head-on collision.
Implementation Method 1
the impact absorbing member undergoes plastic deformation due to reaction force received from the battery pack. The impact energy is thereby absorbed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body front section structure is provided including a battery pack, a lower cross member, and an impact absorbing structure. The battery pack is mounted at a vehicle lower side of a floor panel of a vehicle. The lower cross member is disposed at the vehicle lower side of a front cross member at a lower section of a front end of the vehicle, and extends along a vehicle width direction. The impact absorbing structure is provided between the lower cross member and the battery pack, and absorbs collision energy from collision load input from a vehicle front side.