Automotive Impact Absorption Member Grid Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact absorption members in automobiles require a thick structure, limiting their placement and efficiency in absorbing impacts when space is constrained, particularly in the outer portions of the vehicle interior.
Innovation Solution
A novel impact absorption member design featuring first and second members with specific cross-sectional dimensions and orientations, joined by laser welding or structural adhesives, which are strategically arranged to enhance collision resistance and absorption capabilities without the need for a thick structure, allowing for effective impact absorption even in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick structure body is used to ensure impact absorption, then impact absorption capability is improved, but the available placement positions in the automobile are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional thick linear members to a two-dimensional grid structure composed of multiple thin members arranged in a lattice pattern. This dimensional change allows the impact absorption system to cover a larger area with reduced thickness, enabling placement in locations where thick members cannot fit while maintaining or improving impact absorption capability through the distributed grid architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single thick impact absorption member into multiple thin members arranged in a grid pattern. Each thin member contributes to the overall impact absorption, and the segmented structure can be distributed across available space, increasing placement flexibility while maintaining collective strength through the interconnected grid configuration.
2Strength
If the impact absorption member is placed in an outer portion of the automobile to maximize deformation space, then impact absorption efficiency is improved, but there is no large space to establish a thick structure body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a volumetric thick structure with a planar grid structure that has minimal volume but large surface area. This allows the impact absorption member to be positioned in outer portions of the automobile where space is constrained, while the two-dimensional grid configuration provides sufficient deformation space and maintains high impact absorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled tubular members arranged in a grid pattern, utilizing the thin-walled structure's ability to deform efficiently under impact. These thin members can be positioned in outer regions with limited space, and their thin-walled configuration allows for large deformation volumes relative to their small cross-sectional area, maximizing impact absorption in space-constrained locations.
3Strength
If a thick structure body is used to ensure impact absorption, then collision resistance is improved, but the weight of the impact absorption member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the impact absorption function across multiple thin members in a grid configuration. This segmentation allows the use of lighter thin-walled tubular structures instead of a single thick member, reducing overall weight while maintaining collision resistance through the collective strength and energy distribution across the grid network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled tubular structures with optimized wall thicknesses and material properties to achieve high strength-to-weight ratios. The grid configuration creates a composite-like structure where multiple thin members work together to provide collision resistance comparable to or exceeding that of a single thick member, but with significantly reduced weight.
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 design enables efficient impact absorption during collisions by utilizing elastic deformation, reducing the likelihood of plastic buckling and enhancing collision resistance properties while minimizing weight and manufacturing costs, thus improving safety and reducing the need for additional collision resistance components.
Implementation Method 1
The joint may be a laser welded joint
Implementation Method 2
the joint may be a joint with structural adhesives
Implementation Method 3
utilizing elastic deformation, reducing the likelihood of plastic buckling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a shock-absorbing member including: an exterior material 110 for an automobile; a first reinforcing member 122 that is disposed adjacent to the exterior material 110 and whose cross section orthogonal to the extending direction has a height, in the direction orthogonal to the exterior material 110, that is greater than the width in the S direction along the exterior material 110; a second reinforcing member 124 that is disposed adjacent to the exterior material 110 and whose cross section orthogonal to the extending direction has a height, in the direction orthogonal to the exterior material 110, that is greater than the width in the direction along the exterior material 110; an intersecting part where the first reinforcing member 122 and the second reinforcing member intersect and overlap; and a joint that joins the first reinforcing member 122 and the second reinforcing member 124 at the intersection.