Vehicle Frame Assembly With Side-Collision Load Path Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle frame assemblies are inadequate in distributing loads during side collisions, as the center pillar's stiffness is weakened and the load path is not effectively formed due to the lack of direct connection between the body side sill and center pillar, leading to excessive deformation.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly that couples the body side sill and center pillar through an internal reinforcing structure, including multiple panels and bonding mechanisms, to create a load path that distributes loads during side collisions, enhancing the vehicle's stiffness and deformation resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the body side sill and center pillar are not directly connected, then the internal empty space can be used to absorb impact, but the load path is not formed and the center pillar deforms excessively during side collision
Solution Approach 1:
The body side sill and center pillar are directly connected through coupling structures, merging these components into an integrated load-bearing system. This integration creates a continuous load path from the center pillar through the body side sill to the side sill internal panel, ensuring that collision forces are distributed effectively across the connected components rather than concentrating on the center pillar alone.
2Strength
If the body side sill and side sill internal panel are not directly connected, then the internal space can be used for stiffness reinforcement, but the load path is interrupted and load distribution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The body side sill is directly coupled to the side sill internal panel through connection structures that merge these components into a unified structural system. This coupling ensures that the internal panel becomes an active participant in load bearing, creating a continuous load path that extends from the center pillar through the body side sill to the side sill internal panel, thereby distributing collision forces across all connected components.
3Reliability
If the center pillar stiffness is increased through direct connection, then load distribution improves, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the body side sill and center pillar is achieved through segmented coupling structures, including coupling protrusions and coupling recesses, that can be manufactured and assembled as separate components. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and simplified assembly processes while still achieving the structural integrity needed for effective load distribution during side collisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a body side sill provided in an outward direction of a body floor of the vehicle, extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle to form an internal space, and including an internal reinforcing portion fixed to the internal space, and a center pillar provided at a side of the vehicle to extend in a vertical direction of the vehicle, disposed outside the body side sill to cover the body side sill from the outside thereof, and coupled to the body side sill to form a load path for side collision of the vehicle.