Vehicle Front Structure With Reinforcement-Limiting Collision Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle front part structure lacks a means to restrict deformation of the inner front side member, leading to unstable bending mode during frontal collisions due to relative displacement between the inner and outer front side members.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle front part structure that includes a framework member with a closed section, a reinforcing member extending in the vehicle front-rear direction within the closed section, and a limiting portion to restrict relative movement of the reinforcing member with respect to the framework member, thereby stabilizing the bending mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If no limiting portion is provided to restrict deformation of the inner front side member, then the structure is simpler, but the bending mode becomes unstable during frontal collision due to relative displacement between inner and outer front side members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending mode stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front side member is divided into inner and outer front side members with a reinforcing member, creating a segmented structure. The limiting portion is further segmented into multiple protrusions that can independently engage with grooves on the inner front side member, allowing localized control of deformation while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting portion acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer front side members. It mediates their relative movement by providing controlled engagement points through protrusions and grooves, preventing unstable displacement while allowing necessary deformation for energy absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a limiting portion is added to restrict relative movement, then the bending mode is stabilized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision performance reliabilityVSAvoidfront part structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting portion is merged with the reinforcing member, combining the reinforcement function with the limitation function in a single integrated component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining both the stabilizing and strengthening functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting portion serves multiple functions: it limits relative displacement between inner and outer front side members, stabilizes the bending mode during collision, and works in conjunction with the reinforcing member to enhance energy absorption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the reinforcing member is allowed to move freely in the vehicle front-rear direction, then the structure is more flexible, but the energy absorption capability is reduced due to unstable bending mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy absorption amountVSAvoiddeformation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The structure transitions from a completely rigid connection to a dynamic, controlled connection. The limiting portion allows the reinforcing member to move and deform in a controlled manner during collision, adapting to the impact forces while maintaining stable bending mode for consistent energy absorption performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 proposed structure effectively stabilizes the bending mode of the framework member during frontal collisions, enhancing energy absorption and improving the sustainability of deformation loads.

Implementation Method 1

the reinforcing member being bent to project to a second side in the orthogonal direction at a bending portion provided between the two ends

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a limiting portion configured to limit relative movement of the reinforcing member in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to a wall portion of the framework member on the second side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4552952A1Vehicle front part structure
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4552952A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4552952A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4552952A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle front part structure (10) includes: a framework member (14) having a closed section and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction at a front part of a vehicle (V); a reinforcing member (28) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction within the closed section of the framework member (14), the reinforcing member (28) including both ends in the vehicle front-rear direction that are attached to a wall portion (22A) of the framework member (14) on a first side in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the vehicle front-rear direction, the reinforcing member (28) being bent to project to a second side in the orthogonal direction at a bending portion (30) provided between the both ends; and a limiting portion (40; 54, 58; 62, 64) configured to limit relative movement of the reinforcing member (28) in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to a wall portion (26A) of the framework member (14) on the second side.