Rear Side Structure With Multi-Directional Load Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear side structures for vehicles, particularly in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, fail to uniformly distribute loads transferred to the rear wheel house due to interference during assembly, leading to severe deformation and compromised torsional and longitudinal stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A rear side structure design that connects a side sill and rear wheel house in various directions using a combination of reinforcing members, including a first, second, and third reinforcing member, allowing for load distribution in multiple directions through oblique and longitudinal paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If reinforcing members only connect the side sill and rear wheel house in the height direction, then assembly is simplified, but the periphery of the rear wheel house is severely deformed during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-direction (vertical) reinforcement to multi-directional reinforcement by adding reinforcing members that extend in the longitudinal direction and oblique directions. This dimensional expansion of the reinforcement structure enables loads to be distributed across multiple pathways, preventing severe deformation during collision while maintaining assembly feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure is divided into multiple segments (first, second, third, and fourth reinforcing members) that connect different portions of the side sill to the rear wheel house. Each segment handles specific load directions, and their combined action creates a comprehensive reinforcement system that addresses both assembly simplicity and collision resistance requirements.
2Strength
If reinforcing members only connect the side sill and rear wheel house in the longitudinal direction, then load distribution is improved, but torsional stiffness and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different reinforcing members are configured with distinct orientations and connection positions to address specific structural requirements. The first and second reinforcing members extend in the longitudinal direction for load distribution, while the third and fourth reinforcing members extend in oblique directions for torsional stiffness. This localized optimization of reinforcement directions ensures both load distribution and structural stability.
3Strength
If multiple reinforcing members are added to connect in various directions, then load distribution and stiffness are improved, but assembly interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing members are designed with predetermined connection positions and orientations that are optimized to minimize interference during assembly. The first reinforcing member connects the front portion, the second connects the rear portion, and the third and fourth members connect intermediate portions, creating a systematic assembly sequence that reduces complexity while achieving comprehensive stiffness enhancement.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment rear side structure for a vehicle includes a side sill extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a rear wheel house located behind the side sill, a first reinforcing member fixed to a front portion of the rear wheel house, a second reinforcing member fixed to a rear portion of the side sill, and a third reinforcing member connecting the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member and fixed to the rear wheel house.