Vehicle Reinforcement Leg With Release Notch for Dashboard Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reinforcement legs for vehicle crossmembers enhance acoustic and vibration comfort but hinder the dashboard lifting maneuver during violent accidents, complicating passenger extraction.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement device with a semi-circular fixing orifice and notch design allows a threaded rod to connect the reinforcing leg to the vehicle's structural element, enabling easy disconnection for dashboard lifting by allowing the rod to slide and be extracted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reinforcement legs are fixed to the crossmember to improve acoustic and vibration comfort, then the structural stability and comfort are improved, but the dashboard lifting maneuver for passenger extraction is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic and vibration comfortVSAvoiddashboard lifting for extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing orifice is designed with a contour that is partially closed on itself, creating a movable retaining wall that can be pushed to release the threaded rod. This dynamic design allows the connection to transition from a fixed state (providing structural stability) to a releaseable state (enabling dashboard lifting), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded rod acts as an intermediary element that can be retained during normal operation but released when needed. The contour of the fixing orifice with its opening and retaining wall creates an intermediate mechanism that holds the rod in place for structural support while allowing controlled release for extraction maneuvers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a through-fixing orifice with a closed contour is used to secure the threaded rod, then the connection strength is improved, but the threaded rod cannot be easily extracted for emergency dashboard lifting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebolted connection strengthVSAvoidthreaded rod extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining wall formed by the contour of the fixing orifice can be dynamically pushed by rescue teams to release the threaded rod. This dynamic feature maintains strong connection during normal use while enabling easy extraction during emergencies, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The contour that appears to be a limitation (partially closed with an opening) actually provides the benefit of easy release. The retaining wall that secures the threaded rod during normal operation can be easily pushed to release it, converting what might seem like a restrictive design into a feature that enables both strong connection and easy extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3953239B1Device for reinforcing a cross-member of a driver's compartment of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 RENAULT SA
  • EP3953239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3953239B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for reinforcing a cross-member of a driver's compartment of a motor vehicle suitable for extending transversely in the vehicle under an upper portion of a dashboard, the device comprising a reinforcing leg suitable for being attached to said cross-member in order to connect the cross-member to a structural element of the vehicle disposed at the vehicle floor, the reinforcing leg being provided with a lower end (30) provided with an attachment through-hole (31') having an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, making it possible to perform a bolted connection along said axis in order to connect the reinforcing leg to the structural element, the attachment through-hole (31') having a contour partially closed onto itself, which opens towards a lower free edge (32) of the lower end of the reinforcing leg, onto a notch (34) opening into said lower free edge (32).