Vehicle Body End Structure for Small Overlap Collision Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle body end section structures are inadequate in distributing load during frontal collisions, particularly in small overlap or oblique collisions, as they fail to effectively distribute collision energy across vehicle body sections.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body end section structure featuring first and second shock absorbing sections supported by respective support sections, coupled by a coupling member that distributes load input during collisions, allowing energy absorption and transmission across multiple sections, including a third shock absorbing section for wider load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vehicle body end section structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the load distribution capability during small overlap or oblique collisions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body end section is divided into multiple support sections (first, second, and third support sections) with respective shock absorbing sections. Each support section independently absorbs and distributes load from different collision scenarios, enabling better load distribution during small overlap or oblique collisions while maintaining structural clarity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a third support section disposed at the vehicle width direction outer side, extending the load distribution from a two-dimensional arrangement (front-rear and up-down directions) to a three-dimensional configuration that includes the vehicle width direction. This enables comprehensive load distribution across all spatial dimensions during collisions.
2Reliability
If multiple shock absorbing sections are added to improve load distribution, then the load distribution capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support sections and shock absorbing sections are merged into an integrated vehicle body end section structure. The coupling members connect the support sections to form a unified load distribution system, allowing collision energy to be distributed across multiple sections while maintaining structural coherence and avoiding the complexity of completely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each support section with its shock absorbing section is designed to handle multiple collision scenarios (frontal collision, small overlap collision, oblique collision). The first, second, and third support sections work together to provide universal protection against various collision types, reducing the need for specialized components for each scenario.
3Reliability
If shock absorbing sections are disposed at multiple positions, then the initial stage collision load distribution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body end section is segmented into modular support sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each support section with its shock absorbing section is an independent module, allowing for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving complex load distribution functionality when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling members serve as intermediaries that connect the first, second, and third support sections. These coupling members simplify the assembly process by providing standardized connection interfaces between modules, reducing the overall assembly complexity despite the multi-position disposition of shock absorbing sections.
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
This configuration enables efficient load distribution across vehicle body sections during initial collision stages, reducing damage and the need for component replacement in small overlap or oblique collisions.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second shock absorbing sections then absorb collision energy while deforming or breaking
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle body end section structure is obtained that is capable of distributing load in a small overlap collision or an oblique collision to each vehicle body section in an initial stage of the collision. A vehicle body front section structure (10) includes a front side member (12) provided with an inner box (14A) at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion, a lower side member (40) provided with a lower crash box (34) at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion and disposed at the lower side of the inner box (14A), and a coupling plate (44) that couples together a portion at the inner box (14A) side of the front side member (12) and a portion at the lower crash box (34) side of the lower side member (40).