Vehicle Side Impact Reinforcing Beam Bracket Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current side impact protection systems for motor vehicles are inadequate in effectively distributing and managing side forces during collisions, which can compromise the safety of vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing structure comprising a transversely extending reinforcing beam with a dished profile part connected to a bracket fixed to the vehicle, featuring an X-shaped reinforcing structure and a reinforcing sleeve, which directs forces into the vehicle superstructure through controlled introduction via B pillars and longitudinal beams, enhancing the absorption and distribution of side impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a profile part is inserted through a bracket with a free region projecting from the bracket, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the side impact forces are not effectively distributed into the vehicle superstructure
Solution Approach 1:
The profile part is firmly connected to the bracket through a material connection (welding or adhesive bonding), merging the profile part, bracket, and reinforcing beam into an integrated load-bearing structure. This ensures that side impact forces are effectively distributed into the vehicle superstructure through the B pillar and longitudinal beam, resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity by creating a unified structural system rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing structure combines different structural elements (profile part with base plate, bracket with through hole, reinforcing beam, and connecting webs) into a composite system where each component contributes to force distribution. The base plate extends substantially transversely and connects to the bracket, while the reinforcing beam passes through the bracket, creating a multi-material composite structure that optimizes both strength and force management.
2Reliability
If the profile part is firmly connected to the bracket, then side impact forces are effectively introduced into the vehicle superstructure, but the manufacturing and material connection processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The profile part is designed with a base plate that is pre-configured to be firmly connected to the bracket before final assembly. The base plate extends substantially transversely and is positioned to align with the bracket's through hole, allowing for pre-welding or pre-bonding operations. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable force introduction while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by preparing connection surfaces and geometries in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate of the profile part serves as an intermediary element between the profile part and the bracket. It provides a dedicated connection surface that can be firmly attached to the bracket through welding or adhesive bonding, while the profile part itself remains relatively simple in design. This intermediary base plate simplifies the material connection process by concentrating the complex connection requirements into a single, well-defined interface.
3Strength
If the base plate extends substantially transversely with respect to the reinforcing beam, then force distribution is improved, but the structural complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate extends substantially transversely with respect to the reinforcing beam, utilizing the transverse dimension to distribute forces effectively. By extending in the transverse direction rather than increasing length in the longitudinal direction, the base plate achieves improved force distribution while minimizing the overall volume of the profile part. This dimensional orientation allows the base plate to span across the bracket and connect to the B pillar and longitudinal beam, maximizing structural efficiency within available space.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for absorbing side forces during a side impact of a motor vehicle has a reinforcing structure (12) with a transversely extending reinforcing beam (14). An end (15) of the reinforcing beam (14) is mounted in a bracket (20) that is fixed to the vehicle. A profile part (30) is at the end (15) of the reinforcing beam (14) and supports the reinforcing beam (14). The profile part (30) is connected firmly to the bracket (20) that is fixed to the vehicle thereby providing improved side impact protection and enhanced safety for vehicle occupants.