Vehicle Rocker Panel Side Rail Stiffener Partitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle floor structures are inadequate in absorbing the energy of severe side impacts, particularly at 32 km/h with a 75° angle, which can lead to significant deformation and risk of injury due to limited energy absorption capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The proposed motor vehicle structure features U-section side rails with integrated U-shaped stiffener sections and transverse partitions that form vertical junction planes, allowing for enhanced energy absorption through staggered and closely spaced connections between the U-sections and stiffener profiles, which are strategically positioned between crosspieces to support front seats and extend along the length of the spar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional floor structures with cross members are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the energy absorption capability during side impact is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped stiffener is nested inside the U-shaped main profile, with the stiffener housed within the hollow section formed by the main profile. This nesting arrangement allows the stiffener to be integrated into the existing structure, maximizing space utilization and improving energy absorption without significantly increasing external dimensions or manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffener is divided into multiple segments by transverse partitions that create separate hollow sections along its length. This segmentation allows each section to independently absorb impact energy while maintaining overall structural integrity, and enables modular manufacturing and assembly
2Use of energy by moving object
If the stiffener is placed far from the floor to maximize protection, then energy absorption is improved, but the structural stiffness and resistance to deformation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener is positioned with its web adjacent to the floor structure at critical impact zones, providing localized reinforcement where it is most needed for stiffness. The transverse partitions create regions of varying stiffness along the stiffener's length, with closer spacing near the floor to maximize local reinforcement and greater spacing elsewhere to maintain energy absorption capacity
3Use of energy by moving object
If closely spaced transverse partitions are used, then energy absorption is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Transverse partitions are implemented at selective locations rather than continuously along the entire stiffener length. The partitions are concentrated in regions where impact forces are most likely to occur, providing sufficient energy absorption enhancement while avoiding the manufacturing complexity and material costs associated with continuous partitioning
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle structure (8) with a floor and two rocker panel side rails (12), each of the side rails extending in a main direction and comprising: two main profile members (20; 22) having a U-shaped cross-sections arranged with the openings thereof opposite one another in a horizontal direction, and attached to one another; each of the side rails (12) comprise, in addition: a stiffening profile member (24) with a U-shaped cross-section, housed in the side rail (12) and with tabs for attachment to the ends of the U attached to an inner side surface of the main profile member (20) located on the outer side of the floor; at least one and preferably a plurality of partitions (26) arranged transversely in the side rail (12) between the stiffening profile member (24) and a side inner surface of the main profile member (22) located on the side of the floor. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a structure (8).