Universal Front Structural Support Member for Vehicle Roof Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current design and manufacturing of vehicle body structures require multiple parts for various configurations, leading to increased costs and inventory needs due to the inability to use common structural members across different vehicle designs, such as the transition from a low profile to a high profile roof panel, which necessitates re-designed front structural support members and side roof rails.
Innovation Solution
A method to create a single, universal front structural support member that can be used in multiple vehicle body designs by forming identical members with A-pillar attachment ends and extending them with additional members to accommodate different roof panel heights, allowing for the same structural member to support both low and high profile roof panels through the use of extension members and adhesive mastic for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple front structural support members are designed for different roof panel configurations, then adaptability to various vehicle body designs is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single front structural support member that can serve multiple functions across different vehicle configurations. The member includes an extension portion that can be selectively positioned to accommodate both low profile and high profile roof panels, eliminating the need for multiple specialized members and reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple front structural support members are designed for different roof panel configurations, then adaptability to various vehicle body designs is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by creating a universal front structural support member that can be used across multiple vehicle models and configurations. The single member design with selective extension positioning eliminates the need to manufacture, store, and manage multiple different member types, thereby reducing overall manufacturing and inventory costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate various roof panel heights
3Device complexity
If a single front structural support member is used for multiple vehicle body designs, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different roof panel configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the extension portion selectively positionable rather than fixed. This allows the single front structural support member to dynamically adapt its configuration based on the specific vehicle body design requirements, whether low profile or high profile roof panels are used, thereby maintaining adaptability while keeping the overall system simple
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body structure includes a roof panel, a front structural support member and an optional extension member. The front structural support member includes a first A-pillar attachment end, a second A-pillar attachment end, a front edge extending between the first and second A-pillar attachment ends and a rear edge extending between the first and second A-pillar attachment ends. In a first configuration, the roof panel attaches to the front edge and also to another region of the front structural support member. In a second vehicle configuration, the extension member is attached a rear edge of the front structural support member and extends to a position on the roof panel that is located vertically above the front structural support member when the front structural support member is in an installed orientation.