Closed-Section Vehicle Frame Reinforcement for Controlled Impact Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle frame portions struggle to provide sufficient deformation for impact absorption while maintaining rigidity, leading to inadequate protection during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle structure comprising a first and second member forming a closed space with internal reinforcement members having corrugated legs and recesses, allowing controlled deformation and improved rigidity to absorb impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional frame portions are made rigid to resist impacts, then strength and rigidity are improved, but deformation capability for absorbing impacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame portion is divided into multiple segments including a first member, second member, and reinforcement members with legs. These segmented components can deform independently through controlled collapse mechanisms, allowing the structure to absorb impact energy while maintaining overall rigidity. The segmentation enables localized deformation without compromising the entire structure's strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the frame portion are given different properties: the reinforcement members and their legs are designed with specific geometric features (corrugations, recesses, inclinations) that enable controlled deformation in impact zones, while other portions maintain high rigidity. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of strength and deformation capability.
2Loss of energy
If frame portions are designed to allow deformation for impact absorption, then energy absorption is improved, but rigidity and penetration resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame portion is pre-designed with specific geometric features (corrugations, recesses, inclinations) that guide the deformation process during impact. These preliminary structural arrangements ensure that when impact occurs, the structure deforms in a controlled manner through predetermined paths, maximizing energy absorption while preventing uncontrolled collapse that would compromise penetration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic system during impact. The reinforcement members and legs are designed to change their mechanical behavior under load, enabling controlled collapse and deformation that absorbs energy dynamically, while maintaining rigidity when not subjected to impact forces.
3Strength
If reinforcement members are added to improve rigidity, then strength is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement members and their legs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural reinforcement to maintain rigidity, enable controlled deformation for energy absorption, and define the closed space geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the added reinforcement.
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 enhances impact absorption, maintains rigidity, and prevents penetration, improving collision performance while reducing weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
each one of the first and second legs of the first reinforcement member is corrugated and comprises corrugations, wherein the corrugations of each one of the first and second legs of the first reinforcement member comprise ridges and grooves
Implementation Method 2
the first leg of the first reinforcement member has one or more inclinations in one or more directions transverse to the longitudinal direction so as to form the recess at the first location
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle structure comprising a portion including first and second members forming a closed space. The portion comprises first and second reinforcement members located in the closed space and attached to one another. First and second legs of the first reinforcement member are corrugated and comprise corrugations, wherein the corrugations comprise ridges and grooves. Each one of the first and second legs of the first reinforcement member has an outer surface. At the outer surface each one of one or more of the ridges of the first leg of the first reinforcement member has a recess at a first location. The first leg of the first reinforcement member has one or more inclinations in one or more directions transverse to the longitudinal direction so as to form the recess at the first location.