Rear Vehicle Frame Center Longitudinal Member Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear vehicle frame constructions face limitations in energy absorption during rear-end collisions, particularly in vehicles with shorter rear overhangs, where additional energy absorption is needed but increasing the strength of longitudinal frame members is not feasible or desired.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a center longitudinal frame member that extends from the rear to the forward end of a laterally disposed storage bin between two spaced apart longitudinal side frame members, providing additional energy absorption and integrating with the storage bin for enhanced impact resistance while reducing overhang distance and vehicle weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the strength of longitudinal frame members is increased by adding stiffeners and/or thickness, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the frame structure into multiple components: two longitudinal side frame members and a separate center longitudinal frame member. This segmentation allows the center member to be positioned within the storage bin to provide additional energy absorption without requiring the side members to be overly complex or heavy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to the frame structure by introducing a center longitudinal frame member that extends in the longitudinal direction within the storage bin space. This utilizes the available three-dimensional space more effectively to provide energy absorption capability without increasing the complexity of the existing side members.
2Loss of energy
If the strength of longitudinal frame members is increased by adding stiffeners and/or thickness, then energy absorption capability is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into multiple members, with the center longitudinal frame member positioned within the storage bin. This allows energy absorption to be distributed across multiple components rather than requiring excessive thickness or stiffeners in the main side members, thereby reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the longitudinal space within the storage bin for the center frame member, the invention provides additional energy absorption capability without adding weight to the existing side members. This dimensional utilization of available space achieves weight efficiency.
3Device complexity
If conventional frame construction is used with two spaced apart longitudinal frame members, then structural simplicity is maintained, but energy absorption is insufficient in rear end collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the energy absorption function by adding a center longitudinal frame member that works in conjunction with the two side members. This creates a multi-component system where each member contributes to energy absorption, providing enhanced protection while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The center longitudinal frame member serves multiple functions: it provides additional energy absorption capability, utilizes the storage bin space efficiently, and integrates with the existing frame structure. This multi-functionality enhances performance without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
This configuration enhances energy absorption in rear collisions, reduces vehicle overhang, and achieves weight reduction while maintaining effective impact protection, addressing the limitations of conventional modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The center longitudinal frame member extends from a rear end of the storage bin to a forward end of the storage bin for absorbing energy in a rear crash event
Data Source
AI summary
A rear vehicle frame includes a first longitudinal side frame member, a second longitudinal side frame member, a storage bin, and a center longitudinal frame member. The storage bin is disposed laterally between the first and second longitudinal side frame members adjacent rear end portions of the first and second longitudinal side frame members. Lateral sides of the storage bin are respectively secured to the first and second longitudinal side frame members. The center longitudinal frame member is disposed laterally between and spaced apart from the first and second longitudinal side frame members. The center longitudinal frame member extends from a rear end of the storage bin to a forward end of the storage bin for absorbing energy in a rear crash event.