Automotive Hood Inner Panel Bow for Upward Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increased styling in automotive hoods complicates controlled deformation during frontal impacts, often causing the hood to move rearward and impinge upon the passenger cabin, as existing designs struggle to maintain upward deformation.
Innovation Solution
A hood structure comprising an outer and inner panel, where the inner panel is spaced apart and features a bow or slope that induces a moment during impact, causing the outer panel to deform upwardly in a predetermined manner, such as an inverted V-shape, to prevent rearward movement and ensure safe absorption of impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If pronounced styling and contour changes are added to the hood exterior, then visual appearance is improved, but the hood's ability to deform upwardly during impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hood is divided into two separate panels: an outer panel providing the styled exterior appearance and an inner panel providing the structural deformation function. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized independently - the outer panel for aesthetics and the inner panel for controlled upward deformation during impact, resolving the contradiction between styling and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner panel is positioned in a different spatial dimension (below the outer panel) and given a bowed configuration that induces upward moment during impact. This dimensional separation allows the inner panel to provide the necessary structural deformation without interfering with the exterior styling of the outer panel.
2Shape
If the hood is designed with smooth exterior contour for visual appeal, then aesthetic quality is improved, but the structural capability to prevent rearward movement during impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the aesthetic function (outer panel with smooth contour) from the structural function (inner panel with bow and ribs), the design allows the outer panel to maintain visual appeal while the inner panel provides the necessary strength and deformation control to prevent rearward movement during impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner panel acts as an intermediary structural element between the outer panel and the vehicle body. It provides the mechanical strength and deformation control needed to prevent rearward movement, while remaining hidden beneath the styled outer panel, thus mediating between aesthetic requirements and structural requirements.
3Shape
If multiple contour changes are added to the hood, then styling is improved, but the deformation characteristics become unpredictable and may cause impingement on the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the hood into styled outer panel and structurally-controlled inner panel ensures that the deformation behavior is governed by the inner panel's bow and rib structure, not by the exterior contours. This eliminates the unpredictability caused by multiple contour changes while maintaining aesthetic styling on the outer panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner panel is pre-formed with a bow and rib structure that predetermines the deformation path during impact. This preliminary structural configuration ensures that the hood will deform in a controlled upward manner regardless of the exterior styling, preventing harmful impingement on the passenger compartment.
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 effectively limits rearward movement of the hood during a frontal impact, allowing it to deform upwardly and absorb forces more efficiently, reducing the risk of impingement on the passenger cabin and enhancing safety by promoting quicker and controlled deformation.
Implementation Method 1
The inner panel is spaced apart from the outer panel and exhibits a bow over a substantial portion of its length. The bow is provided in a direction toward the outer panel and induces a moment in the inner panel, during impact of the vehicle in a collision, that causes the inner panel and, resultantly, the outer panel to undergo a predetermined deformation in an upward direction relative to the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel for a vehicle. The panel includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The outer panel has an exterior surface and an underside surface, and the inner panel is located adjacent to and along the underside surface of the outer panel, but spaced apart from the outer panel. The inner panel also exhibits a bow over a substantial portion of its length, with the bow being in a direction toward the outer panel. The bow induces a moment in the inner panel during impact of the vehicle in a collision that causes the inner panel and, resultantly, the outer panel to undergo a predetermined deformation in an upward direction relative to the vehicle. The panel may be provided as the hood of the vehicle.