Vehicle Body Side Bracket for Slide Door Rigidity

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle body side section structure fails to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity of the connection between the roof side rail and the center pillar when a space is defined within a slide rail accommodation recess, compromising the vehicle's ability to withstand side collisions.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle body side section structure that includes a roof side rail, a center pillar, and a bracket at the connection section between the roof side rail and the center pillar, where the bracket forms closed sections with the rail and pillar and has a linking part to connect these sections forward of the slide rail accommodation recess, enhancing the structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the slide rail accommodation recess is extended forward to provide a wider opening for the slide door, then the slide door opening width is increased, but the connection strength and rigidity between the roof side rail and center pillar deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslide door opening widthVSAvoidconnection strength between roof side rail and center pillar

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into three functional segments: a rail-side part joined to the roof side rail, a pillar-side part joined to the center pillar, and a linking part connecting these two parts. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while collectively solving the contradiction between slide door opening width and connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket extends in the vehicle width direction (lateral dimension) to form closed sections with the roof side rail and center pillar. By utilizing this lateral dimension to create triangular closed sections, the structure gains rigidity without compromising the longitudinal space needed for the slide door opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of moving object

If the slide rail accommodation recess is extended forward to provide a wider opening for the slide door, then the slide door opening width is increased, but the rigidity of the lateral side section deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslide door opening widthVSAvoidrigidity of lateral side section

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into three functional segments: a rail-side part joined to the roof side rail, a pillar-side part joined to the center pillar, and a linking part connecting these two parts. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while collectively solving the contradiction between slide door opening width and connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket extends in the vehicle width direction (lateral dimension) to form closed sections with the roof side rail and center pillar. By utilizing this lateral dimension to create triangular closed sections, the structure gains rigidity without compromising the longitudinal space needed for the slide door opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the bracket forms closed sections with the roof side rail and center pillar, then the connection strength and rigidity are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strength between roof side rail and center pillarVSAvoidstructural complexity of connection section

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural reinforcement, forms closed sections for rigidity, and serves as a mounting platform for the slide rail. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed while achieving the desired connection strength and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket performs multiple functions simultaneously: it strengthens the connection between the roof side rail and center pillar, forms triangular closed sections for structural rigidity, and provides a mounting surface for the slide rail mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9162711B2Vehicle body side section structure

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle body side section structure provided with a bracket that is disposed on a connection section between a roof side rail and a center pillar. The bracket includes a rail side member that is joined to the roof side rail and forms a rail closed section in the gap with the roof side rail, a pillar side member that is joined to the center pillar and forms a pillar closed section in the gap with the center pillar, and a linking member that links the rail side member and the pillar side member on the forward side of a forward end wall section.