Inflating Body Junction Insert for Torsional Stiffness and Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body reinforcements at the junction of the rear ring, roof, and body sides are compromised by drilling for electrical power supply, reducing their effectiveness in resisting torsional stress.
Innovation Solution
An insert with a fastening means and inflatable second part is used to reinforce the junction, maintaining torsional frequency at 40 Hz while allowing conductor passage, comprising a first part with a main cavity and stiffening ribs, and a second part that expands to stiffen the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reinforcement is drilled to allow passage of conductors for electrical power supply, then the trunk door can be supplied with electrical power, but the effectiveness of the reinforcement in resisting torsional stress is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is divided into a first part (solid reinforcement structure) and a second part (insert with conductor passage). The insert is positioned within a cavity of the first part, allowing conductors to pass through the insert while the first part maintains its torsional resistance. This segmentation enables both electrical power supply and structural strength to coexist without compromising either function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a solid reinforcement structure is used to maximize torsional resistance, then the body structure stability is improved, but electrical power supply to the trunk door becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insert acts as an intermediary element between the solid reinforcement structure and the electrical conductor requirements. It provides a dedicated passage for conductors while being positioned within the cavity of the first part, allowing the solid reinforcement to maintain its stability while enabling electrical power supply through the insert's passage.
3Strength
If the insert uses a swollen product to stiffen the structure, then the torsional frequency reaches 40 Hz, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second part of the insert utilizes phase transition (swelling) of a swollen product in response to temperature variation to achieve stiffening. The swollen product expands when exposed to heat (e.g., during paint curing), increasing the volume and stiffness of the insert, thereby raising the torsional frequency to 40 Hz. This phase transition mechanism provides an automatic stiffening process that integrates with the existing manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The swollen product undergoes thermal expansion when exposed to temperature variation, particularly during the paint curing process. This thermal expansion causes the second part to swell and stiffen the overall insert structure, contributing to achieving the target torsional frequency of 40 Hz while utilizing an already-present heat source in the manufacturing process.
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 insert enhances torsional resistance and conductor guidance, maintaining structural integrity and reducing deformation at the junction while ensuring power supply to vehicle doors, offering improved vibration acoustics and economical cable guidance.
Implementation Method 1
the second part being made of a swollen product, in particular a swollen product whose volume is subject to change through a phase change in response to temperature variation
Implementation Method 2
by heating triggering the expansion or inflation of the second part, in particular by passing through a paint oven
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an anti-vibration insert (30) for a vehicle body structure, in particular a motor vehicle (1), intended to be positioned at a junction (9) between a roof (4), a rear ring (5) comprising a side gutter and a body side (7) comprising a rear quarter panel reinforcement, the insert (30) comprising a first part including a main cavity, in particular a first part made of plastic, a second part fitting at least partially into the main cavity of the first part so as to stiffen the insert (30) and/or the junction (9), in particular to stiffen the first part, by pressing against the side gutter, in particular against a first face of the side gutter, and/or by pressing against the rear quarter panel reinforcement, in particular against a second face of the rear quarter panel reinforcement.