Vehicle Side Sill Reinforcement for Small Overlap Collision Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing side sill reinforcement structures in vehicles are inadequate in preventing breakage and spreading during forward or rearward collisions, particularly in small overlap collision scenarios, where the side sill is prone to damage due to its low deformation strength and empty internal space.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement structure for the side sill that includes a side internal panel, a side sill reinforcement, a side sill extension, and a side sill reinforcing member, along with an integrated reinforcement and a front reinforcing member, which are coupled through various joining portions and a fender coupling bolt to enhance the structural integrity and prevent breakage during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the side sill height is reduced to improve elevating rigidity, then the elevating rigidity is improved, but the side sill becomes more susceptible to damage from ground obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is inserted into the internal space of the side sill, creating a nested structure where the reinforcement member is contained within the side sill cavity. This allows the side sill to maintain its low external profile for aerodynamic efficiency while having internal reinforcement that prevents damage from obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The side sill structure combines the outer shell (side sill) with an inner reinforcement member to create a composite structure. This composite design provides both the low-profile aerodynamic shape and the enhanced strength needed to resist damage from ground obstacles during vehicle operation.
2Shape
If the internal space of the side sill is left empty to maintain proper dimensions, then the cross-sectional area is maintained, but the deformation strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is placed inside the side sill's internal space, utilizing the available volume without increasing the external dimensions. This nested configuration maintains the required cross-sectional area for aerodynamic performance while providing internal structural support to resist deformation during collisions.
3Strength
If a reinforcement member is inserted into the side sill to improve collision resistance, then the deformation strength is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side sill structure is divided into functional segments: the outer side sill shell and the inner reinforcement member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the shell for aerodynamic shape and the reinforcement member for collision resistance - while simplifying the overall design by using standardized, separable components.
4Reliability
If the side sill reinforcement is extended forward to improve small overlap collision performance, then the collision performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side sill reinforcement is merged with the side sill extension to form an integrated structural component. This combination eliminates the need for separate reinforcement elements in the extended region, reducing the number of parts and joining operations while maintaining improved collision performance in small overlap scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcement structure of a side sill for a vehicle may include a side internal panel disposed within a vehicle body; a side sill reinforcement attached to the external surface of the side internal panel and forming a sill space; and a side sill extension closing the opening portion open to the front of the sill space formed by the side internal panel and the side sill reinforcement and being coupled to the side internal panel, the side sill reinforcement and a side sill reinforcing member, respectively.