Leaf-Spring Off-Center Impact Structure for Vehicle Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle body structures are inadequate in absorbing impact energy during off-center impact events, leading to potential deformation and damage to the vehicle frame.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a leaf-spring assembly attached to the vehicle's front side member, extending laterally, which absorbs impact energy by deforming and distributing the force across multiple leaf springs, minimizing damage to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional vehicle body structures are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the impact energy absorption capability during off-center impact events is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The impact structure is divided into multiple leaf springs arranged in a fan-like configuration, where each leaf spring segment absorbs a portion of the impact energy. This segmentation allows the structure to handle higher impact forces while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf springs are designed to dynamically deform during impact events, allowing the structure to adapt to varying impact forces. The flexible yet structured design enables energy absorption through controlled deformation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the vehicle frame is strengthened to resist impact, then the frame strength increases, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf springs utilize material and geometric parameter optimization to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio. By changing the parameters of the leaf spring design (thickness, length, arrangement), the structure achieves enhanced impact resistance without proportionally increasing overall vehicle weight.
3Loss of energy
If a single large impact structure is used, then the impact energy absorption is maximized, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The impact energy absorption function is segmented across multiple leaf springs arranged in a compact fan-like pattern. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high energy absorption capacity while occupying minimal space, as each leaf spring contributes incrementally to the overall energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf springs are arranged in a nested, fan-like configuration where they overlap and interlock, maximizing space utilization. This nesting arrangement allows multiple energy-absorbing elements to be packed into a compact area adjacent to the vehicle frame.
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 leaf-spring assembly effectively absorbs and distributes impact energy, reducing the risk of frame deformation and damage during off-center impacts, enhancing the vehicle's safety and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the leaf-spring assembly extends in a lateral outboard direction from the front side member... absorbs impact energy by deforming and distributing the force across multiple leaf springs
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle structure, and an off-center impact structure. The vehicle structure has a front side member with a front end and a front-section extending rearward from the front end. The front side member extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The off-center impact structure includes a leaf-spring assembly with a plurality of leaf-springs attached to one another. The off-center impact structure is attached to the front side member at the front-section such that the leaf-spring assembly extends in a lateral outboard direction from the front side member.