Vehicle Side Sill Reinforcement for Lateral Collision Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle side body structures face challenges in improving bending rigidity against lateral collisions while minimizing weight increase, particularly in the side sill region, due to uneven reinforcement distribution and the need for weight reduction for better fuel economy and performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle side body structure with a side sill reinforced by a side sill reinforcing member at the intermediate and rear portions, combined with a wheel house reinforcing member that overlaps the side sill reinforcing member, and an impact bar that overlaps the center pillar, dispersing collision loads and enhancing bending and torsional rigidity without significant weight increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the overlapping structure is adopted for the entire coupled portion from an upper end to a lower end, then bending rigidity against the load toward the vehicle width inner side is improved, but weight of the side sill increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from a uniform overlapping structure along the entire coupled portion to a localized reinforcement approach. The side sill reinforcement is concentrated at the joined portion with the center pillar where collision loads are transmitted, rather than distributing reinforcement uniformly from upper end to lower end. This localized reinforcement maintains bending rigidity while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reinforcement function by separating the side sill reinforcement into distinct functional zones: the joined portion with the center pillar receives reinforcement for load transmission, while other portions maintain original structure. This segmentation allows weight reduction in non-critical areas while preserving strength where needed.
2Weight of moving object
If local reinforcement of the joined portion to the center pillar is provided, then weight of the side sill is reduced, but difference in rigidity occurs between the region where the center pillar is located and peripheral portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the side sill reinforcement with the center pillar structure at the joined portion. The side sill reinforcement is integrated into the existing center pillar joining area, creating a unified load-bearing structure. This merging ensures rigidity continuity between the reinforced region and peripheral portions while minimizing weight increase.
3Strength
If the entire side sill is reinforced in the longitudinal direction, then bending rigidity against the load toward the vehicle width inner side is improved, but weight of the side sill increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating side sill reinforcement specifically at the joined portion with the center pillar, rather than reinforcing the entire side sill in the longitudinal direction. This localized approach targets the critical load transmission area while avoiding unnecessary weight increase in non-critical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by providing reinforcement only where it is most needed - at the joined portion with the center pillar - rather than applying reinforcement uniformly throughout the entire longitudinal extent of the side sill. This partial reinforcement achieves the necessary bending rigidity with minimal weight penalty.
Data Source
AI summary
To improve bending rigidity of a side sill against an inward load in a vehicle width direction during a lateral collision while suppressing a weight increase of the side sill, a vehicle side body structure includes: a side sill; a wheel house, a front lower portion; a center pillar; and a door formed to be opened at a position above the side sill and behind the center pillar. A rear portion of an impact bar provided to the door overlaps the rear portion of the side sill in side view when the door is closed. The side sill includes a reinforcing member reinforcing bending rigidity against an inward load. The side sill reinforcing member is provided in an intermediate portion of the side sill where the center pillar is located and the rear portion of the side sill in a longitudinal direction of the side sill.