Monocoque A-Pillar Triangular Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle designs require multiple profiles to form a triangular support structure between the front end and A-pillar, increasing complexity and potentially weight, which can impact safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle body design featuring two lateral frameworks with a front, lateral body pillar or A-pillar, utilizing a horizontally extending supporting carrier and a diagonally extending supporting carrier, both connected to a suspension-strut dome, forming a triangular support structure with three one-piece carrier profiles in a monocoque construction, which simplifies the load path and reduces the number of profiles needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple profiles are used to form the triangular support structure, then structural strength and load distribution are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate profiles into a single integrated carrier profile that forms the triangular support structure. This one-piece profile integrates the functions of multiple individual profiles while maintaining the necessary structural strength and load distribution capabilities through its geometric design and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The single carrier profile performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, distributes loads across the vehicle body, and forms the triangular geometry needed for crash protection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components.
2Strength
If multiple profiles are used to form the triangular support structure, then load distribution is improved, but manufacturing time and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple profiles into a single integrated carrier profile, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations required. The single profile can be produced as one piece and installed as one component, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining load distribution performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier profile is designed with integrated segmentation features including recesses and protrusions that allow it to connect with other body components. This built-in segmentation enables easy assembly without requiring additional fasteners or complex joining procedures.
3Strength
If multiple profiles are used to form the triangular support structure, then structural integrity is improved, but weight of the vehicle body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple profiles into a single carrier profile eliminates the weight of additional materials and connection elements. The optimized geometry of the one-piece profile achieves the necessary structural integrity with minimal material usage, reducing overall weight compared to multiple separate profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the carrier profile including its cross-sectional shape, wall thickness distribution, and triangular geometry dimensions. These parameter optimizations maintain structural integrity while minimizing material usage and weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle has a bodyshell which forms a passenger cell. The bodyshell has two lateral side frames with in each case one front, lateral bodyshell pillar or A pillar. On a front side of the bodyshell, a front-end structure is formed, wherein the front-end structure has, on both sides, in each case one spring strut dome, one horizontally running support member arranged between the spring strut dome and the respective A pillar, and one support member running diagonally between the spring strut dome and a lower end of the A pillar. The two support members and the A pillar are assembled in monocoque construction from member profiles, wherein the three members form in each case one triangular load-bearing structure. The respective outwardly facing member profile of the A pillar, the respective outwardly facing member profile of the horizontally running support member and the respective outwardly facing member profile of the diagonally running support member are each unipartite profiles. The three profiles are connected to one another to form a triangular load-bearing structure.