Rear Body Frame Collapse Control Using a Wheel-Overlapping Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body rear structures may not effectively absorb impact load energy due to insufficient collapse of rear side frames when subjected to rear impacts, leading to concerns about collision safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a collapsing member, such as a silencer, fixed to the rear side frame at a position ahead of the intermediate point between the rear wheel and the rear end of the frame, which is sandwiched between the impact object and the rear wheel, restricting folding deformation and enhancing energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the rear side frame is designed to collapse in the axial direction to absorb impact energy, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the frame may bend and deform at intermediate parts leading to insufficient collapse and reduced safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a collapsing member (such as a silencer) as an intermediary component between the rear side frame and the rear wheel. This collapsing member is disposed to overlap the rear wheel in the forward/rearward direction and is fixed to the rear side frame. When impact occurs, the collapsing member collapses together with the rear side frame, restricting folding deformation of the frame at intermediate parts while maintaining stable axial collapse. This mediator ensures that the frame collapses predictably to absorb impact energy effectively.
2Reliability
If a dedicated impact absorption member is added to improve collision safety, then the energy absorption capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the multi-functionality principle by utilizing an existing component (such as a silencer) and giving it an additional function as a collapsing member for impact absorption. The silencer is already part of the vehicle structure and serves its primary exhaust function while also being configured to collapse and restrict frame deformation during rear impacts. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated impact absorption member, maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing collision safety.
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 stabilizes the collapse of the rear side frame, ensuring effective energy absorption and improved collision safety without the need for a dedicated impact absorption member, thereby enhancing vehicle safety while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Energy of the input impact load is absorbed by collapsing the rear side frames and the side pockets
Implementation Method 2
the crushable member abuts the rear wheel via the tire abutting part
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body rear structure includes a rear wheel, a rear side frame, and a collapsing member. The rear wheel is disposed on a vehicle side portion. The rear side frame is disposed substantially along a vehicle forward/rearward direction and extends to a vehicle-rear-side than a rear wheel. The collapsing member is disposed at the vehicle-rear-side of the rear wheel so that at least a part of the collapsing member overlaps the rear wheel in the forward/rearward direction. The collapsing member is fixed to the rear side frame.