Vehicle Front Structure for Multi-Mode Collision Energy Dispersion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-body front structures fail to effectively absorb collision energy and protect the cabin and battery pack in multiple frontal collision forms, particularly because they do not consider impact absorption on the rear side of fragile portions, leading to potential deformation of the cabin or battery pack.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-body front structure comprising front side frames, sub-frames, lower arms, and action members, where the sub-frames and action members are designed with specific coupling and fixation points to absorb and disperse collision energy through controlled deformation, forming a parallel-cross-shaped framework that includes a torque box and side sills to distribute energy across the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional front structure is used to absorb collision energy, then the front portion may deform to absorb impact, but the cabin and battery pack on the rear side may still be damaged due to insufficient energy absorption coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The front structure is divided into multiple independent components: front side frames, sub-frames, lower arms, and action members. Each component can deform independently to absorb collision energy, preventing energy transmission to the cabin and battery pack while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends energy absorption from the traditional single-dimensional front impact zone to a multi-dimensional framework. The parallel-cross-shaped structure created by sub-frames and action members distributes energy absorption across multiple spatial dimensions, protecting rear components without requiring excessive complexity in any single area
2Strength
If the front structure is made more rigid to protect the cabin, then collision energy transmission to the cabin is reduced, but the structure cannot effectively absorb energy through controlled deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the structure have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. Front side frames and sub-frames are designed with controlled deformation characteristics to absorb energy locally, while the overall framework maintains sufficient rigidity to protect the cabin. This local differentiation allows simultaneous energy absorption and cabin protection
Solution Approach 2:
Action members serve as intermediary components between the front side frames and sub-frames. These members facilitate controlled energy transmission and deformation in the intermediate zone, allowing the structure to absorb collision energy through progressive deformation while ultimately protecting the rigid cabin structure from direct energy transmission
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple front structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the structure cannot effectively disperse collision energy across multiple collision forms
Solution Approach 1:
The front structure is designed as a universal system that handles multiple collision forms (frontal, offset, angled) through its parallel-cross-shaped framework. The sub-frames and action members work together in various deformation patterns depending on impact type, providing versatile protection without requiring separate structures for each collision scenario, thus maintaining ease of manufacture
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 absorbs and disperses collision energy across a parallel-cross-shaped framework, reducing deformations of the cabin and battery pack in various frontal collision forms, thereby protecting the vehicle's occupants and power unit.
Implementation Method 1
absorbs energy of the collision and protects a driving motor at a front portion of the vehicle by, for example, controlling deformations of front side members due to the impact
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-body front structure includes front side frames in a pair, sub-frames in a pair, lower arms, and action members. Each sub-frames is provided with first and second coupling portions, an action-member fixation portion, and a recess. The coupling portions rotatably fix a corresponding one of the lower arms. The action-member fixation portion is provided between the coupling portions and rotatably fixes a corresponding one of the action members on the vehicle upper side of each sub-frame. The recess is fitted to the corresponding action member. The fixation portion of each action member is fitted to the recess of the corresponding one of the sub-frames. Each action member is fixed at the action-member fixation portion and the second coupling portion to the corresponding sub-frame and is fixed at the second coupling portion to the corresponding sub-frame by being fastened together with the corresponding lower arm.