Vehicle Pillar Structure Infrared Radiation Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle pillar structures with reinforcement members are prone to heat degradation and warping due to infrared radiation from sunlight, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an infrared transmission inhibition member that covers the reinforcement member from the design surface and upper sides of the pillar, and optionally using an ultraviolet transmission inhibition member to reduce radiation exposure, thereby controlling heat generation and degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a reinforcement member is disposed inside the pillar member to reinforce the pillar structure, then the strength and rigidity of the pillar member is improved, but the reinforcement member absorbs infrared radiation from sunlight causing heat generation and potential warping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepillar member strengthVSAvoidreinforcement member temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an infrared transmission inhibition member as an intermediary layer between the reinforcement member and the external environment. This layer blocks infrared radiation from reaching the reinforcement member, preventing heat absorption while preserving the structural reinforcement function. The inhibition member acts as a protective mediator that filters harmful radiation before it can transfer thermal energy to the reinforcement structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the reinforcement member is placed near the surface of the pillar member to effectively reinforce it, then the reinforcement efficiency is improved, but the reinforcement member is more exposed to infrared radiation causing increased heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereinforcement efficiencyVSAvoidinfrared radiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared transmission inhibition member serves as a protective intermediary that is positioned between the reinforcement member and the incoming sunlight. This allows the reinforcement member to maintain its optimal positioning for structural support while the inhibition member filters out harmful infrared radiation, preventing direct exposure to the reinforcement element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If an infrared transmission inhibition member is added to cover the reinforcement member, then the heat generation in the reinforcement member is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereinforcement member temperatureVSAvoidpillar structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin-film approach for the infrared transmission inhibition member, which can be integrated into the existing pillar structure. This thin film configuration provides effective infrared blocking functionality without adding substantial structural complexity or volume. The flexible film nature allows for easy integration into the pillar assembly while maintaining aesthetic appearance and minimizing impact on overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Effectively inhibits the transmission of infrared and ultraviolet radiation, reducing heat generation in reinforcement members and preventing warping, while potentially lowering the cost of the pillar structure by using less expensive materials for radiation inhibition.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared transmission inhibition member, the infrared transmission inhibition member covering the reinforcement member at least from a design surface side of the pillar member and inhibiting transmission of infrared radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the pillar member has an ultraviolet transmission inhibition member that inhibits transmission of ultraviolet radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10065581B2Vehicle pillar structure

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicle pillar structure comprising: a pillar member configuring a skeleton of a vehicle; a reinforcement member disposed inside the pillar member, bridging a pair of side portions of the pillar member, and reinforcing the pillar member; and an infrared transmission inhibition member, the infrared transmission inhibition member covering the reinforcement member at least from a design surface side of the pillar member and inhibiting transmission of infrared radiation.