Automobile Pillar Structure with Bending Joint and Integrated Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile pillar structures obstruct the view through windows due to large opaque portions, particularly around triangular windows, which reduce the effective viewing area for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A pillar structure featuring an outer and inner panel with flange portions joined to form joint portions, covered by a synthetic resin-based cover member and shielding portion, where the joint portions are bent to minimize visibility from the outside, and the cover member and window are integrally molded to reduce the opaque area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the joint portion is made visible from the outside, then the structural integrity and joining reliability are improved, but the effective view area through the window is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the joint portion from the visible area by bending it toward the inner panel or outer panel, separating the structural joining function from the visual appearance. The joint portion remains structurally intact while being positioned in a location that does not obstruct the window view.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member serves as an intermediary element that covers the joint portion. It is attached to the pillar and provides visual shielding of the joint area, allowing the joint to maintain its structural function while being hidden from external view through the window.
2Area of stationary object
If a shielding portion is added to make the joint portion invisible, then the effective view area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function with the existing cover member by integrating the shielding portion into it. This combination approach provides the necessary visual shielding without adding a completely separate component, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage of the pillar, protects the joint portion, and when equipped with the integrated shielding portion, also provides visual shielding to maintain window transparency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
The pillar structure includes a pillar (11), a front outer garnish (21), a triangular window (30), and a shielding portion (22). The pillar includes an outer panel (13) and an inner panel (14). A flange portion (136) of the outer panel and a flange portion (146) of the inner panel are joined to each other so as to form a joint portion (17). The front outer garnish is attached to the pillar so as to cover the outer panel. The triangular window is supported by the pillar. The shielding portion shields the joint portion, thereby making invisible the joint portion from the outside of the vehicle through the triangular window. The outer garnish and the triangular window are integrally molded, and the shielding portion is integrated with the front outer garnish. The joint portion is bent toward the inner panel or the outer panel.