Vehicle Front Side Frame with Brittle Section and Nested Energy Absorber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body structures have a low cross-sectional deformation of the front side frame, resulting in a low amount of impact energy absorption during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body structure featuring a hollow frame with a brittle section and an energy-absorbing member that absorbs impact energy through bending, where the energy-absorbing member is attached to another wall section with a gap, allowing for efficient energy absorption during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional vehicle body structure with a solid front side frame is used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the impact energy absorption capability is low due to small cross-sectional deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The front side frame is divided into multiple wall sections (one wall section and another wall section) that can deform independently during collision. The energy-absorbing member is segmented into first, second, and third wall sections that work together to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation, converting the rigid structure into a segmented system with progressive energy absorption capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy-absorbing member is nested inside the hollow frame structure, with the first and second wall sections attached to the inner surfaces of the front side frame. This nested configuration allows the energy-absorbing member to deform within the hollow space, maximizing energy absorption while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the front side frame.
2Loss of energy
If the front side frame is designed to deform more during collision, then impact energy absorption increases, but the structural strength and rigidity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the front side frame are given different mechanical properties. The one wall section is designed with higher strength and rigidity to maintain structural integrity, while the another wall section is designed to deform more readily to absorb impact energy. The energy-absorbing member is attached specifically to the another wall section, creating localized deformation zones that optimize both strength and energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The front side frame is designed with dynamic deformation characteristics, where the another wall section and energy-absorbing member are configured to deform progressively during collision. The third wall section of the energy-absorbing member is positioned to contact the one wall section only after a predetermined deformation amount, creating a dynamic, multi-stage energy absorption process that adapts to the collision force.
3Loss of energy
If an energy-absorbing member is added inside the hollow frame, then impact energy absorption improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-absorbing member serves multiple functions: it absorbs impact energy through deformation of its first, second, and third wall sections; it provides structural support when attached to the another wall section; and it creates a controlled deformation mechanism that protects the one wall section. The hollow frame itself serves dual purposes as both the structural framework and the housing for the energy-absorbing member, reducing the need for additional separate components.
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
The structure effectively reduces the peak load and increases the average load absorption, improving impact energy absorption performance by allowing the hollow frame and energy-absorbing member to work together to absorb energy.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow frame in response to, for example, a front collision and/or an offset collision including the above-described minimal wrap collision
Implementation Method 2
an energy-absorbing member facing the brittle section with a gap therebetween... wherein the third wall section faces the brittle section with a gap therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body structure includes: a hollow frame that presents a substantially rectangular closed cross section and has a brittle section in the center part in the length direction of one wall section; and an energy-absorbing member facing the brittle section with a gap therebetween and attached to another wall section that faces the one wall section in the closed cross section of the hollow frame. The energy-absorbing member has a first wall section and a second wall section erectly provided from the other wall section toward the one wall section, and a third wall section connecting the tip end part of the first wall section and the tip end part of the second wall section. The third wall section faces the brittle section with a gap therebetween.