Transverse Fiber-Reinforced Carrier Element for Frontal Impact Load Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle structures exhibit inadequate accident behavior during frontal impact collisions, leading to potential damage to the passenger cabin and its occupants.
Innovation Solution
A carrier element made of fiber-reinforced plastic, extending transversely and overlapping lateral vehicle pillars, is integrated to absorb and divert accident-related loads, thereby protecting the front wall and passenger cabin by converting impact energy into deformation energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a front wall cross member with side parts and middle part is used to support the front wall, then the front wall can be structurally supported, but the accident behavior remains inadequate during frontal impact collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into distinct functional zones: the carrier element (element 30) serves as a front protective barrier, the front wall (element 12) forms the main cabin boundary, and the front wall cross member (element 32) provides rear support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function during impact, with the carrier element absorbing initial forces before they reach the passenger cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier element (element 30) is positioned in advance in front of the front wall to preemptively absorb and divert impact forces. By being located at the frontmost position overlapping the vehicle pillars, it performs preliminary load absorption before the main structure is subjected to full impact forces, improving accident behavior proactively.
2Reliability
If the carrier element overlaps the lateral vehicle pillars toward the front, then accident-related loads can be diverted to the pillars, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier element (element 30) is integrated with the existing front wall structure and vehicle pillar arrangement. Rather than adding completely separate support systems, the carrier element merges with the front wall cross member assembly, sharing mounting points and structural space, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining load diversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier element (element 30) serves multiple functions: it acts as a load-bearing structure during impact, provides a mounting surface for the front wall, and overlaps with vehicle pillars to create load transfer paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall structure.
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 carrier element enhances the motor vehicle's accident behavior by effectively absorbing and diverting impact forces, reducing the risk of damage to the passenger cabin and improving occupant safety while maintaining low weight and favorable driving dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier element is thus a support member for supporting or absorbing, and advantageously diverting, accident-related loads, particularly in case of a frontal impact collision of the motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, includes a front wall delimiting a passenger cabin toward the front, which extends between lateral vehicle pillars of the structure, and a carrier element which extends in transverse direction of the vehicle. The carrier element is supported by a front side of the front wall and at least to some extent overlaps the lateral vehicle pillars.