Vehicle Rear Deck Bracket Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle body rear portion structures face challenges in increasing support strength for the link mechanism of a rear deck cover without excessive weight gain, while also ensuring high rigidity and adequate space for auxiliary devices and trunk rooms, and avoiding stress concentration on peripheral members.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body rear portion structure that supports the rear deck cover above a wheelhouse, featuring a rear fender with an upper perimeter connected to a deck member, a link mechanism, and a bracket portion with obliquely mounted components to distribute loads effectively, reducing the likelihood of peeling at welded joints and allowing for a lightweight design with high rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bracket thickness is increased to improve load resistance, then the load resistance performance is improved, but the welded portion between the wheelhouse and the bracket may be peeled off when a large load acts on the bracket and the wheelhouse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-bracket structure to a multi-component support structure involving the deck member, link mechanism, and bracket assembly. The deck member extends in the vehicle width direction and connects to the link mechanism, distributing loads across multiple components rather than concentrating them on a single thick bracket, thereby improving welded portion reliability while maintaining load resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate functional components: the deck member providing structural support, the link mechanism for deck cover operation, and the bracket for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the need for excessive bracket thickness while maintaining overall load resistance.
2Strength
If the wheelhouse thickness is increased to improve load resistance, then the load resistance is improved, but there is an excessive increase in weight of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing wheelhouse thickness throughout, the patent applies reinforcement locally where needed. The deck member extends in the vehicle width direction and connects to the link mechanism at specific locations, providing localized structural support that improves load resistance without requiring excessive wheelhouse thickness and associated weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure combines multiple materials and components: the deck member (metal panel), the link mechanism (metal links and joints), and the bracket (metal mounting component). This composite approach distributes structural requirements across different components with optimized material usage, avoiding the need for excessive wheelhouse thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rear deck cover is made operable at low speed, then the operational flexibility is improved, but a large load acts on the rear deck cover and link mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is designed as a dynamic system with multiple articulated links that can adapt to different operational conditions. When the rear deck cover is operated at low speed, the link mechanism absorbs and distributes the resulting large loads through its articulated structure, preventing excessive stress on any single component while enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the rear deck cover. It translates actuator motion into deck cover movement while distributing and absorbing loads, particularly during low-speed operation when large forces are involved. This intermediary structure protects the wheelhouse and mounting brackets from excessive direct loading.
4Area of stationary object
If the upper rear member is arranged rearward to secure auxiliary device installation space and trunk room opening area, then the space availability is improved, but the vehicle body rear portion length is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The upper rear member is configured to extend in the vehicle width direction rather than only in the vehicle front-rear direction. This dimensional change allows the auxiliary device installation space to be created laterally, providing adequate space for auxiliary devices and trunk room opening area without excessively extending the vehicle body rear portion length in the forward direction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a vehicle body rear portion structure for an automobile configured so that the rear deck cover opens or closes above a wheelhouse. The vehicle body rear portion structure includes a rear fender including an upper perimeter extending on an inner side in a vehicle width direction above the wheelhouse; a deck member extending in the vehicle width direction; and a support structure which supports the rear deck cover. The upper perimeter of the rear fender is connected to the deck member. The support structure includes a link mechanism, which opens and closes the rear deck cover, and a bracket portion including a mounting seat situated on an inner side with respect to a top portion of the wheelhouse in the vehicle width direction, the bracket portion supporting the link mechanism. The link mechanism is supported on the wheelhouse via the bracket portion.