Front Vehicle Body Reinforcing Structure for Small Overlap Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front vehicle body structures face inefficiencies in reinforcing connection strength between the front side member, torque box, and side sill, leading to inadequate protection during frontal and small overlap collisions, resulting in increased weight and cost due to additional reinforcing members and weak coupling strength.
Innovation Solution
A front vehicle body reinforcing structure that includes a front side member, side sill member, and a reinforcing member forming a closed cross-section configuration with a torque box plate, where the reinforcing member is shaped like a pipe and connects the front side member and side sill member, enhancing their coupling strength and forming a closed box shape with the floor panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing members are added in a double or multiple type when joining the front side member and the torque box, then the connection strength is improved, but the weight and cost of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torque box and side sill into an integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing members. The side sill is formed as a continuous member that connects the front side member to the rear structure, while the torque box is integrated at the front end, creating a unified load-bearing structure that maintains strength without adding redundant components
Solution Approach 2:
The side sill member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector between the front side member and rear chassis, provides torque box integration, serves as a mounting structure for the side impact beam, and contributes to the overall vehicle body rigidity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcing members
2Strength
If reinforcing members are added in a double or multiple type when joining the front side member and the torque box, then the connection strength is improved, but the cost of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the torque box and side sill into a single structural unit reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces part count, and lowers assembly costs while maintaining the required connection strength
3Ease of manufacture
If the front side member and the front fender apron member are coupled through a side flange coupling, then the assembly is simplified, but the coupling strength therebetween is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The front fender apron member is integrated with the side sill structure, creating a continuous load path. The side sill member extends to connect with the front side member, and the front fender apron is merged into this structure, forming a unified assembly that maintains strength while allowing for simplified assembly through integrated connection points
4Ease of manufacture
If a conventional front vehicle body structure is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the structure is insufficient for front collision or front small overlap collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional closed-loop structural configuration where the side sill forms a continuous arc from the front side member to the rear chassis, and the torque box is integrated at the front end. This spatial arrangement creates a rigid torsional box structure that provides superior collision resistance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized forming processes
Data Source
AI summary
A front vehicle body reinforcing structure may include a front side member formed to extend along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and respectively disposed on both sides along a width direction of the vehicle; a side sill member formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and disposed on both sides outside of the front side member along the width direction of the vehicle; and a reinforcing member formed to extend along the width direction of the vehicle and having one end portion and the other end portion, respectively coupled to the front side member and the side sill member to connect the front side member and the side sill member, increasing a structural strength to effectively respond to a front collision accident and a front small overlap collision accident.