Modular Inner Sill With U-Section And Rabbet Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicle designs face challenges in accommodating larger wheels without compromising the structural integrity or architecture of the body, particularly in the wheel arch area, as existing modular rocker panel solutions are limited in adapting to varying wheel sizes.

Innovation Solution

A modular inner sill with a U-section design featuring a horizontally extending portion and an upwards extending portion with a bent section forming a rabbet, allowing for adjustable wheel arch dimensions through a projection with an S-shaped profile and double curvature, enabling the modification of wheel arches without impacting the vehicle's structure or architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the profile extent towards the wheel is reduced to modify the wheel arch, then the wheel arch can be adapted to larger wheels, but the structural integrity of the body is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel arch adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The inner sill is divided into a standard U-section profile portion and a separate modular insert portion. The insert can be attached or removed to modify the wheel arch shape, while the main structural profile remains intact and unchanged, preserving structural integrity while enabling wheel arch adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular insert is nested within the U-section profile, fitting into a recess in the front face of the sill. This allows the insert to modify the wheel arch contour without requiring changes to the main structural profile, enabling adaptable wheel arches while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If a modular design is implemented for different vehicle models, then production economy is improved, but the complexity of the sill structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction economyVSAvoidsill structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sill is segmented into a standard U-section profile that serves as a common base for all models, and model-specific modular inserts that can be attached as needed. This segmentation allows economies of scale in producing the standard profile while still enabling customization for different vehicle models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standard U-section profile is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple vehicle models, serving as a common structural base. Different modular inserts can be attached to the same profile to create model-specific wheel arch configurations, reducing overall production complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3212488B1Sill of a motor vehicle shell with modular component
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3212488B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an internal sill (12) of a motor vehicle, forming a hollow U-shaped cross-section body and having: a first portion (16) intended to extend horizontally; and a second portion (18) forming an elbow with the first portion (16) and being intended to extend upwards, said portion comprising a front face (20) opposite the first portion (16) and intended to define a vehicle wheel passage, said face comprising a rebate (26) for a joint with another hollow body; the joint rebate (26) being formed by an elbow section component (28), said component being connected on the front surface (20) of the second portion (18). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, comprising such an internal shell sill (12).