Quarter Member Overlap Structure for Vehicle Frame Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The dynamic rigidity of the vehicle frame, particularly at the quarter upper portion where the rear glass pane is mounted, is compromised due to weak connectivity between the rear pillar and vertical members, leading to issues in securing the rigidity and supporting the motive power system in dedicated electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A structure is introduced that reinforces the rigidity by connecting the quarter vertical member and rear pillar member through overlapping portions, incorporating a bulk head unit and flange portions to distribute load and enhance the cross-sectional rigidity, specifically designed for dedicated electric vehicles with a downward-extending package tray.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the quarter vertical member and rear pillar member are separated with weak connectivity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the dynamic rigidity of the vehicle frame deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddynamic rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the quarter vertical member and rear pillar member by forming overlapping portions that extend into each other's space. The quarter vertical member overlaps the rear pillar member in the longitudinal direction, creating an integrated structure that improves dynamic rigidity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized overlapping geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces overlapping in the longitudinal dimension beyond the simple end-to-end connection. The quarter vertical member extends forward to overlap the rear pillar member, adding dimensional integration that enhances structural rigidity without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the quarter vertical member and rear pillar member are connected through overlapping portions, then the dynamic rigidity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rigidityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the overlapping connection into distinct functional zones: the quarter vertical member is divided into a first portion (non-overlapping) and a second portion (overlapping), while the rear pillar member is divided into a first portion (non-overlapping) and a second portion (overlapping). This segmentation clarifies the structural roles and simplifies the analysis and manufacturing of each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing reinforcement bars specifically in the overlapping portions where stress concentration occurs. The reinforcement bars are placed locally in the second portion of the quarter vertical member and the second portion of the rear pillar member, strengthening only the critical connection zones without adding complexity to the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If a linearized package tray is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to support downward-extending fixed glass pane design deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddesign adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a downward-extending portion in the package tray side that can be configured in different geometries and lengths. This dynamic design element allows the package tray to adapt to various fixed glass pane designs while maintaining the overall linearized structure for ease of manufacture. The downward extension provides the necessary support for aesthetically pleasing glass pane configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12454318B2Structure for reinforcing rigidity of quarter member
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US12454318B2 patent drawing
  • US12454318B2 patent drawing
  • US12454318B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment structure for reinforcing rigidity of a quarter member includes a rear shock absorber member configured to position a rear shock absorber, a quarter vertical member extending from an upper end portion of the rear shock absorber member to an upper portion of a quarter glass pane, and a rear pillar member extending from the upper portion of the quarter glass pane up to a rear glass pane and overlapping a portion of the quarter vertical member.