Vehicle Rocker Reinforcement for B-Pillar Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle structures face challenges in absorbing impact energy and reducing intrusion into the occupant compartment during collisions, particularly due to the presence of pillars like the B-pillar, which can hinder ingress and egress, especially in autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle structure that includes a reinforcement system comprising a forward beam and a rearward beam, with side members extending between them, which distributes impact forces and reinforces rockers, allowing for the elimination of the B-pillar and enhancing occupant access by redirecting forces through a track and groove system to support seat assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pillars (B-pillar) are used to provide structural support, then structural strength is improved, but ingress and egress become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the B-pillar from the vehicle structure entirely, extracting the obstructive element that hinders ingress and egress. The structural support function previously provided by the B-pillar is replaced by a reinforcement system consisting of rockers and side members that distribute impact forces without blocking door openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces side members as intermediary elements that connect rockers and distribute impact forces. These side members act as mediators between the rockers and the external impact forces, providing structural support without requiring a traditional B-pillar configuration that would obstruct door openings.
2Strength
If conventional vehicle structure is used, then structural support is provided, but impact energy absorption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the structural support function into multiple segments: rockers positioned at strategic locations and side members connecting them. This segmentation allows impact energy to be distributed across multiple components rather than concentrated in a single B-pillar, improving energy absorption capability while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement system combines multiple structural elements (rockers, side members) working together as a composite structure. This composite approach enhances both structural support and impact energy absorption by distributing loads across different components with potentially different material properties and structural characteristics.
3Stability of the object's composition
If B-pillar is present, then structural integrity is maintained, but occupant access is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the B-pillar from the structure, removing the element that hinders occupant access. Structural integrity is maintained through the alternative reinforcement system of rockers and side members that provide load paths without obstructing door openings, enabling free access for occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical support structure (B-pillar extending from floor to roof) to a horizontal reinforcement system (rockers and side members positioned laterally). This dimensional change allows structural support to be provided without vertical obstructions in the door opening area, improving occupant access while maintaining integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle structure including a first rocker, a second rocker, and a reinforcement. The first rocker is spaced from the second rocker. The reinforcement has a forward beam and a rearward beam spaced from each other. The reinforcement includes a first side member and a second side member each extending from the forward beam to the rearward beam. The first side member abuts the first rocker, and the second side member abuts the second rocker.