Vehicle Pillar Structure With Deformation Zones for Retractor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pillar constructions in vehicles, such as those disclosed in JP5673851B, result in increased displacement of retractors to the vehicle interior side during side collisions due to hinge reinforcements pushing the retractor inward, which can lead to increased deformation and potential cracking.
Innovation Solution
A pillar construction featuring a first and second reinforcement member disposed apart in the vehicle up-down direction, with a deformable first deformation part between them, and a second deformable part between the reinforcement member and the side sill, along with beads to facilitate controlled deformation and distribute stress, reducing retractor displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hinge reinforcement is disposed outward of the retractor to reinforce the retractor position, then the structural strength is improved, but the retractor displacement to the vehicle interior inner side increases upon side collision load
Solution Approach 1:
The pillar outer is divided into multiple sections with different functions: a reinforcement section (with first and second reinforcement members) and a deformation section (first deformation part). This segmentation allows the reinforcement section to provide structural strength while the deformation section absorbs collision energy through controlled deformation, preventing excessive retractor displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the pillar outer are given different mechanical properties: the reinforcement members provide high strength and rigidity at critical positions, while the first deformation part is designed with lower rigidity to allow controlled deformation. This local differentiation of material properties enables simultaneous achievement of strength and displacement reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pillar outer is made more rigid to reduce retractor displacement, then the retractor displacement is reduced, but the stress concentration and potential cracking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first deformation part is pre-designed as a controlled deformation zone between the first and second reinforcement members. This zone acts as a cushion that absorbs collision energy through planned deformation, protecting the retractor and preventing stress concentration in the reinforcement members, thereby reducing cracking risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The first deformation part serves as an intermediary element between the collision load and the retractor. It absorbs and dissipates energy through controlled deformation, mediating the force transmission and preventing direct stress concentration on the retractor and reinforcement members.
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 construction effectively reduces retractor displacement to the vehicle interior side by absorbing side collision loads through multiple deformation points, enhancing rigidity and distributing stress, thereby minimizing deformation and cracking.
Implementation Method 1
The pillar outer includes a first deformation part which is provided between the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member and deformable upon input of side collision load
Data Source
AI summary
A pillar construction includes: a pillar including a pillar inner and a pillar outer forming a closed cross section; a retractor disposed at a lower portion of the pillar; and a first reinforcement member and a second reinforcement member disposed at the pillar outer, the first reinforcement member being disposed at a position coinciding with the pillar outer in a side view, the second reinforcement member being disposed higher than the retractor. The first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member are disposed apart from each other in a vehicle up-down direction. The pillar outer includes a first deformation part which is provided between the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member and deformable upon input of side collision load.