Vehicle Side Member Hinged Link Bumper Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

In small overlap frontal impact collisions, the existing reinforcement methods for vehicle support structures lead to increased vehicle mass and material usage, which are undesirable in terms of cost and fuel mileage, while also failing to effectively limit the deformation and encroachment of these structures into the passenger cabin.

Innovation Solution

A support structure assembly comprising a side member, a link member with an inner hinged connection, and a bumper extension member that allows for controlled deformation and force transfer during impacts, reducing the transmission of impact forces to the cabin by pivoting and buckling mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If reinforcement methods are applied to support structures, then the strength and protection capability are improved, but the vehicle mass and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure strengthVSAvoidvehicle mass
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates a collapsible design that transitions from a rigid state during normal operation to a controlled collapse state during impact. The structure includes collapsible members with hinge connections that allow controlled deformation to absorb impact energy, providing dynamic protection without requiring permanent reinforcement of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into multiple collapsible members connected by hinge connections, creating a segmented system. Each segment can independently deform and absorb energy during impact, allowing the structure to provide protection through distributed energy absorption rather than requiring a single heavy reinforcement element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If reinforcement methods are applied to support structures, then the protection capability against impact is improved, but the material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact protection capabilityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure uses dynamic collapse mechanisms with hinge connections that enable controlled deformation during impact. This allows the structure to absorb impact energy through movement and deformation rather than requiring excessive material to resist the force statically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structure changes its mechanical parameters during impact by transitioning from a rigid load-bearing state to a controlled collapse state. The hinge connections allow the structure to change its degree of freedom and deformation characteristics, enabling efficient energy absorption with reduced material requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support structure is made more rigid to prevent deformation, then the cabin protection is improved, but the impact force absorption capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidimpact force absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure maintains stability during normal operation through its rigid configuration but transitions to a controlled collapse mode during impact. The hinge connections enable the structure to dynamically adjust its stability, allowing controlled deformation that absorbs impact energy while ultimately protecting the cabin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structure converts the harmful impact force into beneficial energy absorption through controlled collapse. The hinge connections allow the structure to deform in a controlled manner, transforming the destructive impact energy into work done during deformation, thereby reducing the force transmitted to the cabin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The assembly effectively limits the impact force on the vehicle cabin by absorbing and redirecting the collision forces through controlled deformation and pivoting, reducing the encroachment of structural elements into the cabin and maintaining a balance between safety and weight/mass considerations.

Implementation Method 1

the inner mounting portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinged connection: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

allows for controlled deformation and force transfer during impacts, reducing the transmission of impact forces to the cabin by pivoting and buckling mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS9550462B2Small overlap frontal impact counter-measure
Publication Date: 2017.01.24 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US9550462B2 patent drawing
  • US9550462B2 patent drawing
  • US9550462B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member.