Vehicle Side Door Structure With Bending Bracket for Collision Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle side structures where the protruding member on the door and the engagement portion on the vehicle body are relatively separated, there is a long idle running distance until engagement, which may result in improper engagement during a side collision.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle side structure that includes a door with a protruding member and an engagement portion on the vehicle body, connected by a bracket with a bend starting point portion that allows the bracket to bend and move the protruding member inward for accurate engagement during a side collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the protruding member and engagement portion are relatively separated to accommodate different door shapes, then adaptability to different vehicle types is improved, but the engagement reliability deteriorates due to long idle running distance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is designed to bend dynamically during side collision, transforming from a rigid structure to a flexible one that can accommodate the movement of the protruding member. The bend starting point portion allows controlled deformation, enabling the protruding member to reach the engagement portion even when initially separated, thus maintaining engagement reliability while supporting door shape variations
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member's physical state changes during collision - it transitions from an unbent state to a bent state around the bend starting point portion. This parameter change (shape deformation) allows the system to bridge the initial gap between the protruding member and engagement portion, ensuring reliable engagement regardless of the initial separation distance caused by different door configurations
2Strength
If the connection member is made rigid to ensure structural strength, then strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate separation between protruding member and engagement portion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is functionally segmented into different regions: a rigid portion that maintains structural strength and a bend starting point portion that allows controlled deformation. This segmentation enables the connection member to simultaneously provide strength where needed and flexibility where required to accommodate separation between the protruding member and engagement portion
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connection member have different mechanical properties. The bend starting point portion is specifically designed with local quality characteristics that allow bending, while other portions maintain rigidity for structural strength. This local differentiation enables the connection member to accommodate separation in specific areas without compromising overall structural integrity
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
Ensures accurate engagement of the protruding member and the engagement portion even when they are relatively separated, allowing for reliable transmission of forces during a side collision and reducing manufacturing costs by enabling a common vehicle body platform for different vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
The connection member has a bend starting point portion serving as a starting point of bending of the connection member at the time of side collision of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle side structure includes a door, a protruding member, an engagement portion, and a connection member. The door is configured to open and close a side surface opening of a vehicle body of a vehicle. The protruding member is provided on the door and protrudes outward from an outer plate member of the door. The engagement portion is provided in the vehicle body and is engaged with the protruding member is configured to move inward in a vehicle width direction at a time of side collision of the vehicle. The connection member connects the outer plate member of the door with another member and extends in the vehicle width direction. The connection member has a bend starting point portion serving as a starting point of bending of the connection member at the time of side collision of the vehicle.