Off-Center Impact Structure With Bellows-Like Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle structures lack effective mechanisms to absorb and mitigate impact forces, particularly in off-center impact events, which can lead to frame protrusion rupture and inadequate energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
An off-center support structure with a plurality of recesses that expand in a bellows-like manner to absorb impact forces, featuring a front side member with an attachment section and a suspension support section, and an off-center impact structure with a first end section, mid-section, and second end section, where the mid-section deforms and the recesses expand to absorb energy during an impact event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame structure is used to maintain strength, then structural strength is improved, but impact force absorption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member incorporates variable cross-sectional geometry with recesses that change the structural parameters along its length. The recesses create zones of controlled flexibility that allow the frame to absorb impact energy through deformation, while maintaining overall structural strength. This parameter variation enables the frame to transition between rigid and flexible states depending on the applied load.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic response during impact events. The recesses in the frame member allow for controlled deformation and movement during impact, enabling the structure to adapt to varying impact forces. After impact, the frame returns to its original configuration, providing reusable energy absorption capability.
2Loss of energy
If the frame structure is made more flexible to absorb impact, then impact force absorption is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member features localized recesses at specific positions rather than uniform flexibility throughout. These recesses are strategically placed to absorb impact energy at critical locations while maintaining structural integrity in other areas. The local modification allows the frame to have both flexible impact-absorbing zones and rigid load-bearing zones simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a simple frame design is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but impact mitigation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member is segmented with recesses that divide the continuous structure into distinct zones. This segmentation creates multiple controlled deformation zones that can independently absorb impact energy, preventing concentrated stress that would lead to protrusion rupture. The segmented design achieves enhanced protection without requiring multiple separate components.
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 solution effectively mitigates frame protrusion rupture and absorbs impact energy by allowing the off-center impact structure to deform and expand its recesses, thereby reducing the force transmitted to the vehicle frame during an off-center impact event.
Implementation Method 1
the off-center impact structure deforms bending at the mid-section with at least a portion of the vertically oriented recesses expanding in a bellows-like manner absorbing impact energy
Data Source
AI summary
An off-center impact structure (a frame protrusion rupture mitigating structure) has a first end section, a mid-section and a second end section. The first end section is fixedly attached to an attachment section of a vehicle front side member. The mid-section extends laterally outward and defines an arcuate shape curving forward from the first end section and laterally outboard. The second end section of the off-center impact structure is located forward of the attachment section. The mid-section has a forward-facing surface formed with a plurality of vertically oriented recesses. In response to an off-center impact event where impacting force is applied to a distal end of the second end section, the off-center impact structure deforms bending along the mid-section with at least a portion of the vertically oriented recesses expanding in a bellows-like manner absorbing impact energy such that the second end section is moved rearward.