Side Member Reinforcement Layout for Rear Impact Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle structures, particularly in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, face challenges in rigidity and passenger safety due to the added weight of batteries, and existing reinforcement systems are complex to manufacture and install, compromising safety and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement piece is integrated into the vehicle's longitudinal member, comprising a first part for suspension attachment and a second part extending along the second section, enhancing rigidity and safety by extending anchoring areas and using existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a passive reinforcement system with rigid cylindrical elements is used inside the hollow side member, then compressive strength along the longitudinal direction is increased, but the complexity of manufacturing and installation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is extracted from the interior of the hollow side member and placed on the exterior surface. This eliminates the complexity of installing rigid cylindrical elements through the hollow body while maintaining the compressive strength enhancement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element is merged with the external surface of the side member, creating an integrated structure that combines the side member and reinforcement into a single unit, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the side member has two sections (horizontal and angled downwards), then it can accommodate vehicle structure requirements, but in rear-end collision the angled section forces downward and horizontal section forces upward, compromising passenger safety
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is applied selectively to specific sections of the side member, with different configurations for the horizontal section versus the angled section. This local differentiation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity during impact.
3Strength
If existing reinforcement systems are used, then some structural support is provided, but they do not improve the support of the vehicle's suspension system
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the side member against compressive loads, provides enhanced support for the suspension system attachment points, and improves overall structural rigidity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcement systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a structure with at least one side member (14); the side member comprises an elongate body with a horizontal first section (18) and a second section (20) that is inclined relative to the first section, the body having a vertical lateral face (22) and a lower face (24); the structure further comprising a part (26) for reinforcing the side member, said reinforcing part comprising a first part (28) for reinforcing the attachment of the suspension system to the lower face (24) at the first section (18). The reinforcing part further comprises a second part (30) which extends along the second section (20) and which is attached to said second section (20).