Hollow Profile Structural Component with Internal Reinforcement Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicle structural components made of hollow profiles often collapse under excessive load, leading to limited deformation work and structural weakening due to fastening means, which contradicts the lightweight construction requirements.
Innovation Solution
A structural component with a reinforcement element extending along the profile segment's length, which absorbs impact energy by moving against multiple fastening means, distributing the force and enhancing stability through positive-fit means and secure clamping or welding, allowing for additional deformation energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If hollow profiles are used for structural components, then lightweight construction is achieved, but the profile collapses when load is exceeded and deformation work capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hollow profile (providing lightweight structure) with a reinforcement element (providing enhanced strength and deformation capacity). This composite structure allows the component to maintain low weight while achieving the required load-bearing capacity and deformation work through the synergistic combination of the hollow profile and the reinforcement element.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural component is divided into distinct functional segments: the hollow profile segment (for lightweight construction) and the reinforcement element (for strength and deformation capacity). This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while together they resolve the contradiction between weight and strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fastening means are used to attach structural components, then structural stability is achieved, but the fastening means weaken the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is positioned in advance within the hollow profile, specifically arranged to bear against the fastening means before any impact or load is applied. This preliminary positioning ensures that when fastening means are installed, they are supported by the reinforcement element rather than directly weakening the hollow profile structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element acts as an intermediary between the fastening means and the hollow profile. It transfers and distributes the forces from the fastening means, preventing direct stress concentration and structural weakening at the fastening locations while still achieving the required structural stability.
3Strength
If reinforcement elements are added to strengthen structural components, then stability and deformation energy absorption are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is designed as a slender, profiled component that can be easily inserted into the hollow profile. Its flexible yet strong construction allows it to provide enhanced stability and deformation energy absorption without significantly increasing the overall device complexity or manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element utilizes the internal space of the hollow profile in a third dimension, placing the reinforcement inside the existing profile structure rather than adding external components. This dimensional approach provides strength enhancement without increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the structural component.
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 solution provides enhanced stability and deformation energy absorption, preventing structural component collapse and maintaining lightweight construction by distributing impact forces effectively across the component's length.
Implementation Method 1
In case of an impact, such structural components are deformed in order to absorb the kinetic energy that acts upon the motor vehicle during the impact by transforming this energy into deformation work
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a structural component for a motor vehicle, comprising an at least partially hollow profiled segment, which can be connected to a motor vehicle body by means of at least two fastening elements arranged in a fastening section. The problem addressed by the invention is that of increasing the crash safety of the structural component. This problem is solved in that a reinforcing element (6) is arranged in the fastening section between a lateral impact surface (16) and the fastening elements (4), which reinforcing element extends in the longitudinal direction of the profiled segment and, in the event of an impact from the impact surface, laterally comes into contact with the fastening means at least partially by means of displacement of the fastening elements, the impact energy thus being absorbed.