Vehicle Rocker Structure With Load Transfer for Side Impact Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing aluminum alloy extruded rocker structure for vehicle side impact absorption is complex and inefficient in transferring impact loads to impact absorbing members.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle side structure featuring a rocker with a tubular inner space formed by steel sheets, a load transfer member, and an impact absorbing member, where the load transfer member efficiently transfers impact loads from the rocker to the impact absorbing member, which is made of synthetic resin with a honeycomb structure, allowing for effective energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an aluminum alloy extruded material is used for the rocker with small space partitioning, then impact energy can be absorbed through crushing of small spaces, but the structure becomes complicated and inefficient in transferring impact load
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker is divided into multiple small spaces partitioned by reinforcing ribs, creating a segmented structure that efficiently absorbs impact energy through controlled crushing of each space while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses aluminum alloy extruded material for the rocker body combined with steel sheets for the impact absorbing member and load transfer member, creating a composite structure that optimizes both energy absorption and load transfer efficiency
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple rocker structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but impact load cannot be efficiently transferred to the impact absorbing member
Solution Approach 1:
The load transfer member acts as an intermediary component between the rocker and the impact absorbing member, efficiently transferring impact loads from the rocker to the impact absorbing member while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker includes an undersurface forming a step shape that is lower on an outer side than on an inner side, creating a downward extending space that provides a new dimensional arrangement for placing the impact absorbing member and load transfer member
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 enables efficient transfer and absorption of impact loads, simplifies the structure compared to aluminum alloy extruded materials, and enhances impact energy management during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
Impact load from the outside in the vehicle width direction is transferred to the impact absorbing member through the load transfer member
Implementation Method 2
an impact absorbing member that is adjacent to the rocker to absorb the impact energy from the outside in a vehicle width direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle side structure includes: a rocker extending in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle; and an impact absorbing member adjacent to the rocker. The rocker includes a tubular inner space formed by joining a rocker inner panel and a rocker outer panel, which are made of a steel sheet having a hat-shaped cross section, in such a manner as to face each other. The rocker includes an undersurface forming a step shape in such a manner that a downward extending space is formed in the inner space of the rocker. The impact absorbing member is placed adjacent to and inward in a vehicle width direction relative to the downward extending space. A load transfer member is provided within the downward extending space, the load transfer member having an elongated shape extending along the rocker and forming a closed cross-sectional portion by being joined to either the rocker inner panel or the rocker outer panel. Impact load from the outside in the vehicle width direction is transferred to the impact absorbing member through the load transfer member.