Underride Load Transfer Member for Engine Compartment Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack efficient structures to manage underride contact loads, which often result in longitudinal compression of engine compartments during collisions with external objects, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A load transfer member is integrated into the vehicle's chassis to convert horizontal underride loads into vertical loads, redirecting them through the suspension system and tires, utilizing a wedge-shaped design with a ramp surface to absorb and distribute impact energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional vehicle structures are used without a load transfer member, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but longitudinal compression of the engine compartment occurs during underride contact collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The load transfer member acts as an intermediary component between the front bumper assembly and the longitudinal rail. It transfers underride contact loads from the horizontal plane to the vertical plane, redirecting forces through the suspension assembly and tires rather than allowing direct transmission to the engine compartment, thereby protecting critical structures while adding a dedicated load management component
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer member changes the dimension of force transmission by converting horizontal longitudinal loads into vertical loads. The inclined surface of the member redirects forces from the horizontal axis (longitudinal compression) to the vertical axis (suspension and tire loading), effectively moving the problem from one dimensional plane to another where the vehicle's existing vertical load-bearing structures can handle it
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a load transfer member with inclined surface is added to redirect underride loads, then longitudinal compression is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load transfer member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a load redirection mechanism during underride contact, provides structural reinforcement to the front chassis, and works in conjunction with existing suspension and bumper components. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive safety benefits beyond a single-purpose component
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer member is integrated with existing chassis components such as the longitudinal rail and bumper assembly. The member's bottom surface couples to the longitudinal rail while its inclined surface interfaces with the bumper, merging multiple structural elements into a unified load path that distributes forces across several components rather than concentrating them in one location
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 load transfer member reduces longitudinal compression and enhances damage control by distributing impact loads vertically, minimizing engine compartment intrusion and optimizing load dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
The load transfer member includes an inclined surface extending between a distal end and a raised upper end. The distal end is more exterior on the vehicle than the raised end so that the inclined surface faces outward on the vehicle. A horizontal force impacted at the inclined surface causes the raised end to move downward to cause a downwardly directed load on the vertical suspension assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with example implementations, a vehicle includes a front, a back, and a chassis extending longitudinally between the front and the back. At least one vertical suspension assembly has an upper end coupled to the chassis and a lower end coupled to a wheel. A load transfer member is disposed between the at least one vertical suspension assembly and the front or back, wherein the load transfer member comprises a distal end, a raised end higher than the distal end, and a ramp portion with an outer ramp surface extending between the distal end and the raised end, wherein the distal end is closer to the front or back than the raised end so that the ramp surface faces outward on the vehicle, and wherein the raised end extends upward toward the upper end of the vertical suspension assembly.