Ribbed Vehicle Body Structure for Collision Energy Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle body structure members bend and deform significantly under collision loads due to bending moments, leading to insufficient absorption of collision energy.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle body structure member is reinforced with ribs extending along the direction of collision loads, which are axially compressed to absorb energy and prevent bending deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the vehicle body structure member is formed with a closed section portion, then it provides structural integrity, but it bends and deforms significantly under collision loads due to bending moments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidbending deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The closed section portion is segmented by providing multiple ribs that divide the internal space into separate compartments. This segmentation increases structural rigidity and resistance to bending deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity under collision loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ribs are extended in the vehicle width direction (lateral dimension) within the closed section portion, creating a three-dimensional truss-like structure. This dimensional addition provides multiple load paths and significantly improves resistance to bending moments caused by front-rear collision loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If ribs are extended along directions crossing the input direction of the collision load, then the structure provides lateral support, but collision energy is not absorbed sufficiently when bending occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral supportVSAvoidcollision energy absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ribs are strategically oriented to extend along the vehicle width direction at specific locations where bending moments are most severe. This localized reinforcement provides optimal lateral support while creating effective load paths for collision energy dissipation through controlled deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the vehicle body structure member has an arch shape curving along the vehicle up-down direction, then it provides structural strength, but a bending moment is generated when collision load is input along the vehicle front-rear direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidbending moment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Ribs are pre-positioned within the arch-shaped closed section portion to create a rigid internal framework before collision occurs. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when collision loads are applied, the ribs immediately engage to distribute and resist bending moments, preventing excessive deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively absorbs collision energy and prevents bending deformation, improving rigidity while reducing weight by integrating ribs with side wall portions.

Implementation Method 1

the collision energy is effectively absorbed due to deformation (elastic deformation and plastic deformation) of the ribs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the collision energy is effectively absorbed due to deformation (elastic deformation and plastic deformation) of the ribs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3686088B1Vehicle body structure member
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3686088B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3686088B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3686088B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a vehicle body structure member molded by a die. The vehicle body structure member includes a general portion (40) constituting a main part of the vehicle body structure member, and ribs provided in a standing manner from the general portion (40) and extended along the input direction of a collision load.