Rear Side Panel Rib Structure for Lightweight Trunk Floor Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for supporting and retaining the carpeted floor in motor vehicle trunks increase vehicle weight, manufacturing costs, and compromise production efficiency, while providing a fragile appearance.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement structure with a rib shaped in the lower edge of the rear side panel serves as a support and retention for the carpeted floor, eliminating the need for auxiliary plastic or metal supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If auxiliary plastic or metal supports are added to support the carpeted floor, then the supporting strength is improved, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement rib is integrated directly into the rear side panel structure, merging the support function with the existing body panel. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary supports while maintaining supporting strength, thereby avoiding additional weight from separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from separate auxiliary elements and incorporated into the rear side panel itself through the reinforcement rib. This consolidation removes the need for additional plastic or metal supports, reducing overall vehicle weight while preserving structural support capability.
2Strength
If the rear side panels are thickened to support the carpeted floor, then the supporting strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly thickening the entire rear side panel, the reinforcement rib provides localized structural strengthening only at the specific area where carpeted floor support is needed. This targeted approach maintains supporting strength while minimizing material usage and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement is segmented into a specific rib structure rather than requiring uniform panel thickening. This segmentation allows support functionality to be concentrated where needed, reducing overall material consumption and manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If auxiliary support elements are added to the rear side panel, then the supporting strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement rib is merged with the rear side panel as an integrated structural element, forming a unified component. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating separate auxiliary support elements and their associated mounting requirements.
4Strength
If the rear side panel is thickened to provide support, then the supporting strength is improved, but the vehicle production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is segmented into a rib structure that can be formed as part of the standard panel manufacturing process. This segmented approach allows for efficient production through conventional forming operations rather than requiring additional assembly steps for separate support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement rib is preliminarily formed as an integral part of the rear side panel during the panel manufacturing process itself. This preliminary integration eliminates subsequent assembly operations, thereby maintaining production efficiency while providing the necessary structural support.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In a first embodiment, the present invention discloses a reinforcement structure for the rear side panel of a motor vehicle comprising a rib directly shaped in the lower edge portion of the rear side panel, both left and right, in order to act as a support and retention region for the edges of the usual finishing carpeted floor of a vehicle's trunk.