Three-Beam Front Support for Vehicle Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation vehicles with smaller engine compartments and expanded internal space face challenges in absorbing impact during forward collisions, leading to increased risk of injury due to shorter front side members that cannot sufficiently absorb impact.
Innovation Solution
A front support apparatus featuring three back beams - an upper, middle, and lower back beam - mounted at the front of the vehicle, connected to fender aprons, front side members, and a sub-frame, respectively, with hollow closed section structures and vertically formed beads to enhance impact absorption and distribute load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the engine compartment space is reduced to expand internal space in next-generation vehicles, then the internal space is expanded, but the front side member length is shortened resulting in insufficient impact absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the impact absorption function into three separate back beams (upper, middle, and lower) positioned at different vertical levels. Each back beam independently absorbs impact energy, allowing the system to achieve sufficient total absorption capability even when individual member lengths are reduced due to smaller engine compartment space.
2Length of moving object
If the front side member length is shortened to accommodate smaller engine compartment, then the vehicle structure is compact, but a large amount of impact is delivered to the vehicle body increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single horizontal impact absorption approach to a three-dimensional arrangement with back beams at upper, middle, and lower levels. This vertical dimensionality allows impact energy to be distributed across multiple structural elements, reducing the force transmitted to the vehicle body and occupants even when horizontal member lengths are shortened.
3Strength
If three back beams are mounted at different vertical levels, then impact absorption capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each of the three back beams serves multiple functions: absorbing impact energy, providing structural support, and maintaining vehicle stiffness. This multi-functionality justifies the increased number of components, as each beam contributes to both safety and structural integrity rather than being a dedicated single-purpose element.
Data Source
AI summary
A front support apparatus for a vehicle may include an upper back beam mounted at a front of the vehicle, extending in a width direction of the vehicle, and connected to front end portions of a pair of fender aprons positioned at the front of the vehicle; a middle back beam mounted below the upper back beam, extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and connected to front end portions of a pair of front side members extending to the front of the vehicle; and a lower back beam mounted below the middle back beam, extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and connected to a front portion of a front sub-frame mounted below the vehicle.