J-Shaped Vehicle Front End Module Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current front end modules of vehicles face challenges in balancing functionality, compactness, and aesthetics while effectively absorbing impact forces and protecting critical components like the cooling module during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A front end module design featuring J-shaped side members and a bent lower cross member with extensions and metal plates for connecting components, which absorb impact forces and distribute them to maintain structural integrity, thereby protecting critical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the front end module uses a compact design to reduce vehicle size, then the aesthetic appearance and space utilization are improved, but the ability to absorb impact forces and protect critical components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front end module is divided into multiple functional segments: J-shaped side members for lateral impact absorption, a bent lower cross member for longitudinal impact distribution, and a cooling module for thermal management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive impact protection in a compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The side members are bent into J-shapes and the lower cross member is bent into complex three-dimensional forms with multiple bent portions. These dimensional transformations allow the components to absorb impact forces through deformation in multiple directions (lateral and longitudinal), maximizing impact absorption capability within limited space.
2Strength
If the front end module uses complex structural components to improve impact absorption, then the protection of critical components is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side members and lower cross member are formed with specific geometric parameters (J-shape configuration, bent portions at predetermined locations) that enable impact absorption through controlled deformation. These parameter optimizations allow the components to achieve high impact absorption capability while being manufacturable using standard forming processes, balancing performance and manufacturing ease.
3Strength
If the side members are bent towards the front end to absorb impact forces, then the impact absorption capability is improved, but the structural complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bent side members and lower cross member serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the cooling module, absorb impact forces through controlled deformation, and distribute impact loads across the front end module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated impact absorption components, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite the bent configurations.
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 enhances the absorption of impact forces, reduces damage to components like the cooling module, and allows for a compact, aesthetically pleasing module that maintains structural integrity and reduces material costs.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first side member and the second side member is J-shaped, the lower cross member being a bent beam having at least two bent portions that are bent towards the front end
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A front end module of a vehicle, including a first side member (101a) having a first impact portion (105a) and a first other portion (103a), a second side member (101b) having a second impact portion (105b) and a second other portion (103b), and a lower cross member (107) connecting the first side member with the second side member, is disclosed. The first side member and the second side member are each bent towards a front end of the vehicle, and each of the first side member and the second side member is J-shaped.