Side Reinforcing Element with Deformable Front Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral reinforcing elements for the front of a motor vehicle body are complex and require a simpler, more effective solution that can absorb energy and maintain structural integrity during frontal or three-quarter face impacts.
Innovation Solution
A lateral reinforcing element with a deformable front section, a median section extending rearwards, a rear foot reinforcement section, and a window pillar reinforcement section that covers the base of the windshield window pillar, allowing for compression deformation and energy absorption, while maintaining the geometry of the passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex lateral reinforcing element with multiple branches is used, then the structural integrity and energy absorption capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral reinforcing element is divided into distinct functional sections: a deformable front section for energy absorption, a median section extending rearwards, a rear foot reinforcement section, and a rear end section for window pillar reinforcement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall design compared to complex multi-branch structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the reinforcing element have different structural properties tailored to their specific functions. The front section is designed to be deformable for energy absorption, while the rear sections maintain rigidity for structural support. This local differentiation of properties achieves high structural integrity without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire element.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a deformable front section is used, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front section's geometry is specifically designed with parameters that enable controlled deformation. By adjusting dimensions, wall thickness, and cross-sectional characteristics of the deformable front section, the element achieves optimal energy absorption through compression deformation while maintaining manufacturability with standard precision tolerances.
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 solution effectively absorbs energy and maintains the structural integrity of the vehicle's front door frames during impacts, preserving the passenger compartment's geometry and being lighter than existing solutions, potentially reducing vehicle weight by two kilograms.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the front section to deform by compression following a frontal impact of the vehicle or a three-quarter face impact
Implementation Method 2
The front section and the middle section are shaped to laterally cover the front fender lining belonging to the body side of the vehicle, allowing the front section to deform by compression following a frontal impact of the vehicle or a three-quarter face impact
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a side reinforcing element (40) for the front of a side of the shell (10) of a motor vehicle, said element extending longitudinally from the front of a front fender liner (30) of the shell to a front pillar (14) of the shell. Said reinforcing element includes a longitudinally deformable front section (43). A median section (45) extends the front section (43) toward the rear. A rear section (47) for reinforcing the pillar extends the median section toward the rear. A rear end section (49) for reinforcing the window pillar extends tilted upward and toward the rear from the top of said rear section (47). The front section and the median section cover the side of the front fender liner, enabling the front section to deform by compression resulting from a frontal impact. The rear section covers the side of the front pillar of the shell. The rear end section covers the side of the base of a windscreen window pillar.