Vehicle Floor Structure with Metal Framework for Collision Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) used in vehicle cabins are brittle and prone to deformation during collisions, leading to potential fractures and increased risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle floor structure comprising a fiber reinforced resin floor panel, metal framework members, and metal cross members that connect the framework, distributing loads and preventing deformation by using ductile materials for the framework and cross members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the vehicle floor structure is made overall from fiber reinforced resin (CFRP), then weight reduction is achieved, but deformation and fracture occur during collisions due to brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fiber reinforced resin (CFRP) for the floor panel with metal materials for the framework members and cross members. This composite construction allows the floor panel to benefit from weight reduction while the metal framework provides collision resistance and prevents deformation, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and collision reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials in different locations: CFRP is used specifically for the floor panel where weight reduction is prioritized, while metal materials are used for the framework members and cross members where structural integrity and collision resistance are critical. This localized material selection optimizes both weight and reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If the vehicle floor structure is made overall from fiber reinforced resin, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but deformation prevention during collisions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CFRP floor panel with metal framework members and cross members to create a composite structure that maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving deformation resistance during collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials locally: CFRP for the floor panel and metal for the framework, allowing each component to be manufactured using appropriate processes while achieving overall improved strength and deformation resistance
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 structure effectively reduces or prevents deformation during collisions, maintaining structural integrity and safety by utilizing ductile metal components to absorb and distribute impact loads, while allowing for weight reduction and improved safety features like secure seating and battery pack fixation.
Implementation Method 1
the pair of framework members that extend to the front and rear at the vehicle width direction outer sides, and the cross members that connect the pair of framework members, are respectively configured by a metal, this being a ductile material. Thus, overall deformation of the vehicle floor structure is reduced or prevented, even were the floor panel, this being made of a brittle material, to break in a vehicle collision.
Implementation Method 2
CFRP, this being a fiber reinforced resin, is a brittle material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle floor structure comprises a floor panel made from fiber reinforced resin; a pair of framework members made of metal, the pair of framework members extend in a vehicle front-rear direction with the floor panel interposed at vehicle width direction inner sides of the pair of framework members, and both end portions in a vehicle width direction of the floor panel are joined to the pair of framework members; and a cross member made of metal, and the cross member extends in the vehicle width direction, both end portions in the vehicle width direction of the cross member are joined to the pair of framework members.