Vehicle Side Pillar Structure for Side-Collision Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing weight of vehicles due to large batteries and the resulting higher loads in side collisions lead to potential deformation of pillars and increased intrusion into the vehicle interior, necessitating improved structural rigidity and energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A side structure comprising a side sill and pillar portion with a reinforcing member and a bracket that absorbs collision energy by deforming inward and downward, enhancing support rigidity and reducing interior intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vehicle weight increases due to large battery mounting, then vehicle capacity is improved, but collision load increases and pillar deformation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pillar structure is segmented into multiple components: the pillar body, the reinforcing member inserted into the pillar, and the bracket connecting to the side sill. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the pillar provides overall support, the reinforcing member strengthens the root portion, and the bracket creates additional load transmission paths, collectively resolving the strength issue without compromising battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillar assembly functions as a composite structure combining different structural elements (pillar body, reinforcing member, bracket) that work together. The reinforcing member is inserted into the pillar cavity and the bracket connects to both the pillar and side sill, creating a composite system with enhanced load-bearing capacity that can handle increased collision loads from heavier vehicles.
2Ease of operation
If opening is formed in center pillar inner frame for ELR attachment, then seat belt function is enabled, but support rigidity at pillar root decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member acts as an intermediary element inserted into the pillar cavity. It bridges the gap created by the opening for ELR attachment and the pillar root structure, providing additional structural support at the critical root portion where rigidity is most needed, while still allowing the opening to exist for seat belt functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member is specifically positioned at the pillar root portion where structural strength is most critical. This local reinforcement strategy strengthens the weakest area (the root portion near the opening) without requiring changes to the overall pillar design or the ELR opening, thereby maintaining seat belt functionality while locally improving rigidity.
3Loss of energy
If bracket is fixed between reinforcing member and inner sill, then collision energy absorption is improved, but structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket merges multiple functions into a single component: it attaches the seat belt retractor to the side structure and simultaneously creates a load transmission path for collision forces. By integrating these functions, the design achieves improved energy absorption without proportionally increasing complexity, as the bracket works cooperatively with existing components rather than adding entirely new systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple purposes: it provides mounting for the seat belt retractor, creates a load transmission path from the door beam to the side sill, and works with the reinforcing member to absorb collision energy. This multi-functionality allows the single bracket component to contribute to energy absorption without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.
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 structure efficiently absorbs collision energy, increases vehicle body support rigidity, and suppresses noise and vibration transmission, while minimizing interior deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a bracket (85) for attaching a seat belt retractor (81) to the side sill (19). The bracket (85) is fixed to and interposed between a surface of the reinforcing member (75) on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and an upper surface of the inner sill (19a)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a side structure of a vehicle body, which realizes a pillar structure that can efficiently absorb the collision energy in the event of a side collision with a simple configuration to be capable of effectively increasing the vehicle body support rigidity in the event of a vehicle side collision. The side structure of the vehicle body includes a reinforcing member (75) joined to the upper surface of an outer sill (19b) of a side sill (19) on the inner side of an outer pillar (72) of a center pillar (70) in the vehicle width direction; and a bracket (85) for attaching a seat belt retractor (81) to the side sill (19). The bracket (85) is fixed to and interposed between a surface of the reinforcing member (75) on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and the upper surface of an inner sill (19a).