Integrated Service Panel Strut Brace for Pedestrian Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle designs face challenges in pedestrian impact protection, particularly when the bulkhead fails as a structural part at the top front, as rigid components need to maintain a certain distance from the hood to cushion impacts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid component integrating a service panel with a strut brace, which requires less vertical installation space, allowing for a longer hood deformation path during impacts and enhanced protection, while simplifying vehicle design and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a separate strut brace and service panel are used, then transverse reinforcement is provided, but vertical installation space is excessive and pedestrian impact protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the strut brace and service panel into a single integrated component. The service panel includes a bulkhead portion and a cover portion that together form both the structural closing element and the transverse reinforcement function, eliminating the need for a separate strut brace and reducing vertical space requirements.
2Strength
If a separate strut brace and service panel are used, then transverse reinforcement is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the strut brace function into the service panel structure, creating a single component that performs both functions. This reduces the number of parts from two separate components (strut brace + service panel) to one integrated component, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If a separate strut brace and service panel are used, then transverse reinforcement is provided, but maintenance accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the strut brace into the service panel, the patent creates a single removable component. This allows maintenance personnel to access and remove only the service panel assembly to service components like wiper modules, rather than having to remove multiple separate components, thereby improving accessibility.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid components are placed close to the hood for pedestrian impact protection, then impact distance is reduced, but the bulkhead cannot serve as a structural part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the bulkhead to serve dual functions: as a structural part providing transverse reinforcement through the integrated strut brace function, and as a closing element for the service panel. This allows rigid components to be positioned closer to the hood for better pedestrian impact protection while maintaining the bulkhead's structural integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The service panel (6) is formed for closing an opening between a front wall (2) and a hood by fastening on a suspension leg dome (5) of a vehicle (1). The service panel is provided with an integrated strut brace (7). The service panel has plastic with plastic-injection-molded metal strut braces.