Vehicle Rear Underbody Rigidity Reinforcement Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rigidity reinforcement structures of vehicle rear underbodies, particularly in SUVs, face challenges in adequately reinforcing torsional rigidity due to separated bulkhead and rearside member plates, leading to insufficient airtightness and increased vehicle weight with limited rigidity enhancement.

Innovation Solution

A rigidity reinforcement structure that integrates a transverse reinforcement member with a bulkhead part bonded to the transverse member and a plate part bonded to the rearside member, connected via an inclined connection part, forming a unified structure that improves torsional rigidity while minimizing weight increase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the thicknesses of the bulkhead and rearside member plate are increased, then the torsional rigidity is improved, but the vehicle weight greatly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional rigidityVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bulkhead and rearside member plate into a single integrated reinforcement member. This unified structure provides continuous reinforcement across the transverse member interior, improving torsional rigidity without requiring increased thickness of separate components, thereby avoiding excessive weight gain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement member utilizes composite construction with a main body portion and an extended portion formed as an integrated structure. This composite design optimizes material distribution to provide maximum rigidity enhancement with minimal weight increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If additional reinforcement members are added, then the torsional rigidity is improved, but the vehicle cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional rigidityVSAvoidvehicle cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple separate reinforcement components into a single integrated reinforcement member. This reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly operations, and lowers manufacturing costs while achieving the required torsional rigidity enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bulkhead and rearside member plate are separated, then the layout flexibility is maintained, but the airtightness is compromised allowing moisture and exhaust gas to flow into the interior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout flexibilityVSAvoidmoisture and exhaust gas infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the bulkhead and rearside member plate into a continuous reinforcement member that spans the entire interior of the transverse member. This continuous structure eliminates gaps and separation points, ensuring airtightness and preventing moisture and exhaust gas infiltration while maintaining layout flexibility through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11312417B2Rigidity reinforcement structure of a rear underbody of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A rigidity reinforcement structure of the rear underbody of a vehicle may include: a transverse member disposed in the width direction of the vehicle at a site adjacent to the rear end of the vehicle; a rearside member disposed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and having a rear end located below the transverse member; and a transverse reinforcement member formed in the vertical direction of the vehicle and having an upper portion bonded to the transverse member and a lower portion bonded to the rearside member.