Node Integrated Deflector for Vehicle Tire Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle designs fail to effectively deflect a tire from entering the forward vehicle area during frontal contact in tests like the Small Offset Rigid Barrier (SORB) test, leading to potential damage and increased movement of the tire and barrier into the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A node integrated deflector assembly is attached to the vehicle frame, comprising a forward and rear mounting member with a deflector extending between them, which engages the tire at a threshold load to deflect it from the forward area and, upon separation, pivots the vehicle away from the barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current vehicle designs are used without a deflector, then the vehicle structure is simpler, but the tire cannot be effectively deflected from entering the forward vehicle area during frontal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is integrated with the node assembly to form a unified structure. The node assembly includes a forward mounting member, rear mounting member, and the deflector itself, all connected as a single functional unit that attaches to the main rail. This merging approach provides effective tire deflection while avoiding the need for completely separate, additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle frame is divided into functional segments, with the node assembly serving as a distinct component attached to the main rail. The node assembly itself is segmented into mounting members and the deflector element, allowing for modular attachment and targeted functionality at the critical wheel well area without complicating the entire vehicle frame structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a deflector is added to deflect the tire, then tire intrusion is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The node assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support at the wheel well area, mounts the deflector to prevent tire intrusion, and integrates with the main rail and mid-frame member. By combining these functions into a single assembly, the design reduces overall complexity while achieving effective tire deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is positioned specifically at the wheel well area where tire intrusion is most likely to occur during frontal contact. This localized approach addresses the harmful effect precisely where needed, rather than requiring a complex system throughout the entire vehicle structure. The deflector extends outwardly from the node assembly to provide targeted protection.
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 deflector assembly effectively redirects kinetic energy, minimizing tire and barrier intrusion into the vehicle and enabling the vehicle to rotate and rebound away from the impact, thereby reducing damage and movement during frontal collisions.
Implementation Method 1
When a load exceeds a threshold load that is applied to a front of a vehicle, the deflector is configured to engage a tire and deflect the tire from entering a forward vehicle area
Implementation Method 2
when the tire is separated from the vehicle, the outer engagement surface is configured to engage a barrier surface and provides a pivot area to rotate the vehicle and rebound the vehicle away from the barrier surface
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle frame assembly includes, among other things, a main rail and a node assembly attached to the main rail. The node assembly includes a forward mounting member, a rear mounting member, and a deflector extending between the forward mounting member and rear mounting member. When a load exceeds a threshold load that is applied to a front of a vehicle, the deflector is configured to engage a tire and deflect the tire from entering a forward vehicle area.