Vehicle Load Management Bracket Deflecting Wheel Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle structures face challenges in managing impact loads during small overlap frontal crashes, where the wheel can be forced rearward into the passenger compartment, potentially exceeding the strength of steel or aluminum structures, leading to increased intrusion risks and reduced safety.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a bracket system, specifically designed to manage impact loads by deflecting the wheel inward and perpendicular to the vehicle frame, distributing the load over a larger surface area, and utilizing a rear blocker to absorb forces, thereby reducing the risk of wheel intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vehicle structures without additional load management components are used, then the vehicle structure is simpler and cost-effective, but the wheel can be forced rearward into the passenger compartment during small overlap frontal crashes, causing increased intrusion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a load management device as an intermediary component between the wheel assembly and the passenger compartment. This device includes a load management member positioned to intercept crash forces and redirect them away from the passenger compartment, and a restraining member that prevents the wheel from moving rearward into the cabin. The intermediary device manages the contradiction by adding targeted protection without requiring complete restructuring of the entire vehicle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The load management device is segmented into distinct functional components: a load management member for force redistribution and a restraining member for wheel positioning. This segmentation allows the system to address specific intrusion risks without adding unnecessary complexity to the entire vehicle structure. The modular design enables selective placement of protection components only where needed during small overlap crashes.
2Strength
If heavier and stronger structural components are used to prevent wheel intrusion, then the impact resistance and safety are improved, but the vehicle weight increases and cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The load management device applies local quality by concentrating strengthening measures only in the specific areas where wheel intrusion risk exists. The load management member and restraining member are positioned precisely to intercept and manage crash forces from the wheel, rather than reinforcing the entire vehicle structure. This localized approach provides necessary impact resistance while minimizing additional weight compared to blanket structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The load management device acts as a mediator that redistributes crash forces through strategically positioned members. The load management member intercepts forces and redirects them through the vehicle's existing structural pathways, while the restraining member prevents direct wheel-to-compartment contact. This intermediary approach leverages existing structural strength rather than requiring entirely new heavy-duty components.
3Reliability
If comprehensive load management structures are implemented throughout the vehicle, then the impact performance in all crash scenarios is improved, but the manufacturing cost and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The load management device is segmented into discrete, independently manufacturable components: a load management member and a restraining member. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard automotive manufacturing processes and then assembled into the vehicle. The modular design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to implementing a fully integrated load management system throughout the entire vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The load management device serves as a cost-effective intermediary solution that provides targeted protection without requiring comprehensive restructuring of the entire vehicle. By introducing only the necessary intermediate components (load management member and restraining member) rather than redesigning the complete vehicle architecture, the patent achieves improved impact performance while maintaining ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for protecting a flange of a body of a vehicle includes a first portion, a second portion, and a channel defined between the first and second portions. The channel receives the flange. The bracket includes a back side and adhesive disposed on the back side. A front side of the bracket is disposed opposite the back side. A transition surface on the front side slopes inwardly from the first portion to the second portion for deflecting a wheel away from the flange during an offset impact.