Vehicle Exterior Panel Deformation Path for Impact Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs lack effective mechanisms to manage deformation of exterior portions during contact with objects, leading to inefficient energy distribution and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system featuring a deformation portion with a top and bottom component, where a force applied at a first location causes the bottom to contact the exterior portion, redirecting force and causing controlled deformation, and a hydraulic component that moves fluid from one reservoir to another to control deformation, with a controller predicting contact to initiate actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exterior portion contacts an object directly, then the contact force is absorbed by the vehicle structure, but uncontrolled deformation occurs causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation portion is pre-configured with a controlled deformation path and energy absorption characteristics. Before actual contact occurs, the system is prepared to guide the deformation along predetermined paths that dissipate energy safely, preventing uncontrolled damage to the vehicle structure during impact events
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation portion acts as an intermediary element between the exterior portion and the vehicle structure. It absorbs and redistributes impact forces through controlled deformation, preventing direct transmission of uncontrolled forces to critical vehicle components while maintaining structural integrity
2Use of energy by moving object
If a deformation portion is added to control exterior portion deformation, then energy distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation portion is integrated with the existing vehicle body structure, merging the energy absorption function into the exterior panel assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate, complex energy management systems while achieving controlled deformation and efficient energy distribution during impact
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation portion incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its deformation behavior based on impact conditions. The structure is designed to exhibit controlled flexibility and energy absorption capabilities that activate during impact while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation, avoiding the need for complex active control systems
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
Enables controlled and efficient deformation of exterior vehicle portions, enhancing energy distribution and reducing damage during contact with objects, while allowing for predictive and responsive movement.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid movement component includes a first reservoir coupled to a second reservoir, and a force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes a fluid located in the first reservoir to move to the second reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An object includes an internal support and an exterior portion coupled to the internal support. A deformation portion includes a top portion and a bottom portion, and a force imparted to a first location of the exterior portion causes the bottom portion of the deformation portion to contact the exterior portion. The contact causes a deformation of the exterior portion that moves a second location of the exterior portion downward relative to the first location.