Partitioned Side Sill Structure for EV Side-Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side sill structures in electric vehicles fail to achieve sufficient collision energy absorption characteristics while minimizing weight and avoiding excessive reinforcement in non-essential areas.
Innovation Solution
A side sill structure incorporating a partition member that divides the sectional space into two parts, with groove-shaped members and bulkheads arranged to absorb impact energy efficiently, minimizing weight by strategic placement and integration with the floor cross member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulkheads are arranged in the closed sectional space of the side sill to prevent cross-section collapsing, then collision energy absorption property is improved, but weight of the side sill structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead is divided into multiple bulkhead portions (first, second, third, and fourth bulkhead portions) arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows the bulkhead to absorb collision energy through sequential deformation of multiple segments while using less material than a single solid bulkhead, thereby improving collision energy absorption property while controlling weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead portions are selectively positioned within the closed sectional space, with specific portions placed at strategic locations to optimize energy absorption. The junction connects only the necessary bulkhead portions, creating a structure that provides local reinforcement where needed while minimizing overall material usage and weight.
2Reliability
If the side sill structure is reinforced with multiple bulkheads and junctions, then collision energy absorption property is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead is formed by integrating multiple bulkhead portions (first, second, third, and fourth bulkhead portions) that are connected through a single junction. This merging approach creates a unified structural element that functions as a cohesive unit for energy absorption, simplifying the overall design compared to having separate bulkheads requiring multiple connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction serves multiple functions: it connects the first and second bulkhead portions to each other, connects the third and fourth bulkhead portions to each other, and integrates these pairs into a unified bulkhead structure. This multi-functional element reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining collision energy absorption performance.
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 structure achieves high collision energy absorption with minimal deformation, reducing the space required for energy absorption and controlling vehicle weight, thus expanding the battery module volume.
Implementation Method 1
a member having a role of absorbing energy by deformation of the member itself is arranged around the battery case. Specifically, in a case of side collision (side impact), a side sill absorbs energy of the impact load
Data Source
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AI summary
A side sill structure of an automobile according to the present invention includes: a partition member 2 that vertically passes through a closed sectional space 3 in a side sill 1. The side sill structure of an automobile, in which structure the closed sectional space 3 is partitioned into two closed sectional spaces 3a and 3b in a vehicle width direction by the partition member 2, includes an impact absorption structure A including a pair of sectionally groove-shaped members 4a and 4b that are joined to the partition member 2 in a state of sandwiching the partition member 2 from both sides in the closed sectional spaces 3a and 3b and form closed sectional spaces 5a and 5b respectively with the partition member 2, and a bulkhead 6 having a specific structure and arrangement form and installed in each of the closed sectional spaces 5a and 5b. The bulkheads 6 in the closed sectional spaces 5a and 5b are provided to be opposed to each other in the vehicle width direction with the partition member 2 being interposed therebetween, and each of the bulkheads 6 is joined to at least the sectionally groove-shaped members 4a and 4b.