Vehicle Lower Structure With Graded Rocker Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lower part structures may transfer side collision loads directly to the battery via the battery side frame, potentially causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lower part structure with a rocker extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, incorporating a shock absorbing portion with varying rigidity along the vehicle width direction, where the outer side has lower rigidity than the inner side, and the battery is fastened to the rocker via a lower wall, reducing stress concentration and enhancing energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the battery side frame is coupled to the lower side of the rocker, then the battery can be securely mounted, but the side collision load is transferred to the battery causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing portion acts as an intermediary element between the rocker and the battery. It includes an outer shock absorbing portion with lower rigidity and an inner shock absorbing portion with higher rigidity, arranged in the vehicle width direction. This intermediary structure absorbs impact energy during side collisions before it reaches the battery, while still providing secure mounting support.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing portion has non-uniform rigidity distribution across its structure. The outer shock absorbing portion has lower rigidity to absorb impact energy, while the inner shock absorbing portion has higher rigidity to maintain structural integrity and secure the battery. This local quality variation allows the same component to serve both energy absorption and secure mounting functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used to secure the battery, then mounting stability is improved, but impact energy absorption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing portion employs different rigidity levels in different regions: the outer shock absorbing portion has lower rigidity for energy absorption, while the inner shock absorbing portion has higher rigidity for maintaining mounting stability. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing portion can be constructed using composite materials or a combination of different materials with varying mechanical properties. This allows the outer region to be more compliant for energy absorption while the inner region maintains higher stiffness for stability, achieving both requirements simultaneously.
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 absorbs impact energy on the outer side, reduces deformation on the inner side, and protects the battery and vehicle cabin from side collisions by distributing the load, thereby minimizing battery damage.
Implementation Method 1
the part of the shock absorbing portion that is located outward in the vehicle width direction of the fastening portion has a lower rigidity than a part of the shock absorbing portion that is located inward in the vehicle width direction of the fastening portion... increase the amount of impact energy that is absorbed by the outer side... and reduce deformation of the inner side
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lower part structure includes: a rocker located outward in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle cabin and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a shock absorbing portion composed of a plurality of energy absorbing portions arranged in the vehicle width direction in the rocker; and a battery disposed in a lower part of a vehicle. A part of the shock absorbing portion that is located outward in the vehicle width direction of a fastening portion has a lower rigidity than a part of the shock absorbing portion that is located inward in the vehicle width direction of the fastening portion, the fastening portion being a portion where the battery is fastened to the rocker.