Lower Vehicle-Body Structure for Offset Collision Cabin Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lower body structures fail to effectively restrain overall cabin deformation on the side of a vehicle during an offset frontal collision, particularly in small overlap collisions, which compromises the vehicle's compartment space.
Innovation Solution
A lower vehicle-body structure comprising a dash panel, a hinge pillar, a side sill, a floor panel, a gusset member connecting the dash panel and hinge pillar, and reinforcing members that enhance the connection strength and rigidity of the hinge pillar and side sill, including upper-side and lower-side reinforcing members, second reinforcing members along the side sill, and third reinforcing members forming closed cross sections to prevent deformation and improve collision load transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional structures (dash cross member, gusset member, reinforcing members) are provided to prevent hinge pillar and side sill deformation, then the collision performance of the vehicle is improved, but the overall cabin deformation on the side of the vehicle cannot be restrained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the reinforcement system into multiple functional components: gusset members for connecting dash panel to hinge pillar, first reinforcing members for reinforcing hinge pillar, second reinforcing members for reinforcing side sill, and third reinforcing members for forming closed cross sections. This segmentation allows each component to address specific deformation issues while collectively restraining overall cabin deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing members are arranged in nested configurations where multiple reinforcing members are positioned along the side sill and hinge pillar, with some members containing or surrounding others. For example, the closed cross section formed by the third reinforcing member encloses the side sill structure, creating a nested reinforcement system that maximizes structural integrity.
2Strength
If reinforcing members are added to prevent hinge pillar and side sill displacement, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple reinforcing functions into integrated components. The gusset member simultaneously connects the dash panel to the hinge pillar and serves as an attachment point for the first reinforcing member. The closed cross section formed by the third reinforcing member provides both structural reinforcement and geometric stability. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing members are designed to perform multiple functions: the first reinforcing member reinforces the hinge pillar and provides attachment points for the gusset member; the second reinforcing member reinforces the side sill and works with the floor panel; the third reinforcing member forms a closed cross section that provides both structural reinforcement and geometric definition. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gusset member which is provided in back of a front wheel and connects a dash panel and a hinge pillar is provided. A first reinforcing member which is connected to the gusset member to reinforce a lower portion of the hinge pillar is provided. Accordingly, a cabin deformation of a vehicle side portion as a whole can be properly restrained, thereby ensuring a sufficient space of a vehicle compartment.