Grid Rib Impact Absorber for Vehicle Side Collision Energy Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact energy absorption structures in vehicles, such as those described in JP-A No. 2013-212730, suffer from insufficient energy absorption during side collisions due to uniform reinforcement thickness, leading to rapid crushing and inadequate energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed impact energy absorption structure features a grid-patterned impact absorption member with first ribs thicker at ends and thinner at the middle in the front-rear direction, and second ribs thicker at the center than at ends in the vertical direction, made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, to enhance energy absorption by controlled deformation and stress distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform thickness reinforcement is used in the center pillar, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but impact energy absorption capability deteriorates due to rapid crushing
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution, where the thickness varies in the widthwise direction. Specifically, the thickness is greater at the end portions closer to the outer panel and smaller at the central portion, creating local quality variations that optimize both structural strength and energy absorption characteristics during collision
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the reinforcement member is changed across different positions in the widthwise direction. This parameter variation allows the structure to exhibit progressive deformation characteristics, extending the deformation time and improving impact energy absorption while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through controlled geometric variation
2Device complexity
If uniform thickness reinforcement is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but deformation time is reduced leading to insufficient energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member incorporates local quality variations through non-uniform thickness distribution in the widthwise direction, with thicker end portions and a thinner central portion. This creates a progressive deformation pattern that extends the overall deformation time during impact while maintaining relatively simple structural geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The non-uniform thickness design creates dynamic deformation characteristics where different portions of the reinforcement member deform at different rates and times. The thinner central portion deforms first, followed by the thicker end portions, creating a staged deformation sequence that extends the total deformation time and improves energy absorption
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 prolongs the high-stress absorption period, increasing the overall impact energy absorbed and improving the structural strength and safety of the vehicle during collisions, while reducing the risk of occupant injury.
Implementation Method 1
a resin-based impact absorption member 24 having a light weight and high strength is internally installed
Data Source
AI summary
An impact energy absorption structure for a vehicle has a structure in which an impact absorption member is disposed between an outer panel and inner panel. The impact absorption member is formed of ribs in a grid pattern. Specifically, first ribs each having a major surface facing in a front-rear direction are disposed approximately at regular intervals in the front-rear direction. In addition, second ribs each having a major surface facing in a vertical direction are disposed approximately at regular intervals in the vertical direction. The first ribs disposed at ends in the front-rear direction are closer to the outer panel than the first ribs disposed at a middle portion in the front-rear direction.