Strut Tower Force Redirection for Small Overlap Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle front body structures are inadequate in redirecting forward momentum into lateral movement during small overlap impact tests, leading to inefficient energy absorption and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a strut tower with a ramping surface that redirects forces from the vehicle's longitudinal direction into lateral movement by deflecting the rigid barrier, utilizing a configuration where the strut tower is positioned forward of the A-pillar and coupled to the front side member, with reinforcement members providing additional rigidity and deformation support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional vehicle front body structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is inadequate in redirecting forward momentum into lateral movement during small overlap impact tests, leading to inefficient energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The front body structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a front side member, an A-pillar, and a strut tower with a specifically configured force receiving surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function in the impact energy redirection process, transforming the simple conventional structure into a multi-functional system that efficiently redirects forward momentum into lateral movement while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The strut tower defines a force receiving surface configured to receive forces in the vehicle longitudinal direction and redirect at least a portion of that force into lateral movement. This dimensional transformation of force vectors—from longitudinal to lateral—creates a new dimension of energy absorption, allowing the structure to handle impact forces more effectively without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity
2Strength
If the strut tower is positioned forward of the A-pillar and coupled to the front side member with reinforcement members, then the structural integrity and force redirection capability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strut tower is fixedly attached to an outboard section of the front side member, merging two structural components into a unified load-bearing assembly. This integration strengthens the force transmission path from the impact point through the strut tower to the front side member, while the reinforcement members further consolidate the structural network, creating a cohesive system that maintains strength without requiring excessive separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The strut tower is pre-positioned forward of the A-pillar and pre-configured with the force receiving surface oriented at the appropriate angle before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that during an impact event, the force redirection geometry is already optimized, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms or post-assembly adjustments, thereby maintaining manufacturing ease while achieving superior structural performance
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
Effectively redirects kinetic energy into lateral movement, enhancing the vehicle's ability to absorb impact forces and reduce damage during small overlap tests by transforming forward momentum into lateral velocity, thereby improving safety and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the force receiving surface of the strut tower is configured and arranged to receive a force directed rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and redirect at least a portion of the force in a vehicle lateral direction toward the front side member
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle front body structure includes a front side member, an A-pillar and a strut tower. The front side member extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The A-pillar is coupled to the front side member. The strut tower is positioned forward of the A-pillar and has an inboard side fixedly attached to an outboard section of the front side member. The strut tower also defines a force receiving surface extending between the inboard side and an outboard side. The force receiving surface of the strut tower is configured and arranged to receive a force directed rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and redirect at least a portion of the force in a vehicle lateral direction toward the front side member.