Vehicle Body Framework Stiffness via Coupling Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body structures struggle to form a vehicle body framework with a substantially ring shape in the lateral direction near damper support portions without increasing weight, as direct coupling of side pillars to wheelhouse reinforcements is challenging when damper support portions are separated.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body structure featuring a ring-shaped framework with side pillars, rear headers, wheelhouse reinforcements, and coupling members that connect the side pillars to wheelhouse reinforcements, ensuring stiffness while avoiding weight increase, and utilizing reinforcing plates and attachment brackets to enhance support stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If side pillars are disposed close to damper support portions and directly coupled to wheelhouse reinforcements, then a high stiffness is obtained and inward collapse of rear wheelhouses can be suppressed, but the structure becomes complex and weight may increase when damper support portions are separated from side pillars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling member as an intermediary element that connects the side pillar to the wheelhouse reinforcement when the damper support portion is separated from the side pillar. This coupling member acts as a mediator that maintains the structural connection and stiffness requirements without requiring direct coupling between the side pillar and wheelhouse reinforcement, thus simplifying the overall structure while preserving mechanical strength.
2Strength
If a member for coupling is provided to connect side pillars to wheelhouse reinforcements when damper support portions are separated, then the vehicle body framework maintains stiffness, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed to perform multiple functions: it connects the side pillar to the wheelhouse reinforcement, maintains structural stiffness, and serves as an attachment point for vehicle parts. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent avoids the need for separate coupling members and additional fastening hardware, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining the required structural performance.
3Shape
If side pillars are disposed at rear ends of side door openings and coupled to wheelhouse reinforcements, then a substantially ring-shaped vehicle body framework is formed near damper support portions, but the structure becomes more complex without direct coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle body framework into distinct functional components: side pillars forming the vertical structure, wheelhouse reinforcements providing lateral support, and coupling members connecting these elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively forming the required ring-shaped framework, thereby simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle body structure in a vehicle rear portion includes a second rear lateral ring-shaped vehicle body framework (RWC2) having a substantially ring shape in a vehicle lateral direction and located near a pair of left and right damper support portions (54) supporting suspension dampers (55) and disposed in rear wheelhouses (52) behind side door openings (Es) in the vehicle. The vehicle body structure includes coupling members (33) coupling a pair of left and right side pillars (42) constituting the second rear lateral ring-shaped vehicle body framework (RWC2) having the substantially ring shape to a pair of left and right wheelhouse reinforcements (53).