Transverse Link Deformation Section for Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle accidents, especially frontal impacts, the rigid chassis and link connections form a block that obstructs energy absorption, leading to insufficient dissipation of impact energy and increased risk of injury due to the inability of existing transverse or oblique links to deform effectively, thereby pressing against the passenger cell.
Innovation Solution
A transverse or oblique link with a first link arm configured to have a deformation section in front and a stiffer section behind, allowing for energy-absorbing deformation in the event of a crash, featuring an H-shaped profile with increasing flexural rigidity in the rear section to manage bending and reduce injury risk, while the second link arm connects to the wheel articulation point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the link is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the chassis forms a block that obstructs energy absorption, but the impact energy cannot be dissipated effectively and the chassis presses against the passenger cell
Solution Approach 1:
The first link arm is divided into two distinct sections: a deformation section with lower flexural rigidity designed to absorb impact energy through controlled bending, and a stiffer section with higher flexural rigidity that maintains structural stability. This segmentation allows the link to simultaneously achieve energy absorption and structural integrity during frontal crashes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the first link arm are assigned different mechanical properties: the front portion (deformation section) has reduced rigidity to enable energy-absorbing deformation, while the rear portion (stiffer section) maintains high rigidity for structural support. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between overall rigidity and localized energy absorption.
2Loss of energy
If the link is made deformable to absorb impact energy, then energy dissipation improves, but the structural stability and load-bearing capacity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The link is segmented into a deformation section that sacrificially deforms to absorb energy and a stiffer section that retains structural strength. The deformation section is designed to yield in controlled bending while the stiffer section maintains load-bearing capacity, thus resolving the contradiction between deformability for energy absorption and strength for structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The link arm exhibits local quality variations with different flexural rigidities along its length. The deformation section has optimized properties for energy absorption through controlled deformation, while the stiffer section maintains high strength characteristics. This localized property differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve both energy dissipation and structural strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the link connects articulation points approximately one behind the other in the direction of travel, then individual wheel suspension is achieved, but the link blocks crash processes and increases injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The link arm is segmented into functional zones: a deformation section positioned to engage during frontal impacts for energy absorption, and a stiffer section for maintaining suspension geometry. This segmentation allows the link to provide individual wheel suspension functionality while simultaneously serving as a crash energy management element that reduces injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The link is designed to convert the harmful impact energy from frontal crashes into beneficial controlled deformation in the deformation section. By positioning articulation points to enable individual wheel suspension while incorporating the deformation section, the link transforms the previously harmful blocking effect into a beneficial energy-absorbing mechanism that protects passengers.
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 designed link effectively absorbs impact energy by deforming predominantly in the energy-absorbing section, reducing the risk of injury and preventing blocking tendencies, while maintaining high rigidity and reducing weight, thus enhancing passenger safety during accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The first link arm is configured such that, in a frontal crash in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the first link arm deforms in an energy-absorbing manner predominantly in the deformation section
Implementation Method 2
The stiffer section has a flexural rigidity about a bending axis running in a transverse direction of the vehicle and increases in comparison to a flexural rigidity of the deformation section
Data Source
AI summary
A transverse or oblique link is provided for a front vehicle axle. The link contains a first and a second link arm, the first link arm has a deformation section situated at a front in the direction of travel and a section situated behind it in the direction of travel. Furthermore, the first link arm is configured in such a manner that, in an accident, it is deformed in an energy-absorbing manner predominantly in its deformation section. In order to force a deformation in the deformation section, the flexural rigidity of the section about a bending axis running in the transverse direction of the vehicle is increased in comparison to the flexural rigidity of the deformation section. Upon contact with a curb, the two sections can be deformed in an energy-absorbing manner.