Vehicle Front Frame Gusset for Offset Collision Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body frame structures face inefficiencies in absorbing impact loads during narrow offset collisions due to complex configurations and increased production costs and weight, particularly when a diagonal beam is added to enhance impact absorption.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body frame structure featuring a pair of side frames, a subframe, a bumper beam with a concave shape, and a fit member that connects the side frame and subframe, allowing the bumper beam to fit into the fit member and restrict bending, thereby efficiently transmitting impact loads to the impact absorption member and subframe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diagonal beam is added to the front side frame to suppress local bending and transmit impact load, then impact absorption efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes complex and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the diagonal beam and the fit member by integrating the fit member into the existing side frame structure. The fit member performs both the connection function (joining side frame to subframe) and the impact transmission function (transmitting impact load to the subframe), eliminating the need for a separate diagonal beam while achieving the same impact absorption effect
Solution Approach 2:
The fit member is designed to serve multiple functions: it connects the side frame to the subframe structurally, transmits impact loads during narrow offset collisions, and provides a mounting point for the bumper beam. This multi-functional design replaces the specialized diagonal beam, reducing overall structure complexity while maintaining impact absorption efficiency
2Reliability
If a diagonal beam is added to the front side frame to transmit impact load, then impact absorption efficiency is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the impact transmission function with the existing fit member structure, eliminating the need for additional diagonal beam components. This integration reduces the total material used and consequently decreases the overall weight of the vehicle body front portion while maintaining effective impact load transmission to the subframe
3Area of stationary object
If the bumper beam extends more outwardly to cover the outer portion, then collision coverage is improved, but local bending occurs and impact load transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local reinforcement by positioning the fit member at the outer end portion of the side frame where impact loads are most likely to occur during narrow offset collisions. The fit member's specific location and structural design provide localized strength and stiffness exactly where needed, preventing local bending of the bumper beam outer portion while maintaining overall collision coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The fit member is pre-positioned and structurally configured to provide support to the bumper beam outer portion before collision occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when impact occurs, the load is immediately transmitted through the fit member to the subframe, preventing local bending and ensuring efficient impact load transmission from the outset
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
This configuration effectively absorbs impact loads during narrow offset collisions while reducing production costs and weight, improving design flexibility, and enhancing the bumper beam's strength and rigidity, allowing for efficient impact load distribution without deforming the impact absorption member or subframe.
Implementation Method 1
the impact load is absorbed by compressive deformation (buckling distortion) of the impact absorption member
Implementation Method 2
the bumper beam is configured to extend more outwardly in the vehicle width direction than the side frame, to have a concave shape opening inwardly in the vehicle body front-rear direction, and to be capable of fitting the fit member
Data Source
AI summary
A front portion structure (2) of a vehicle body (1) includes: a pair of front side frames (11) that extend along a vehicle body front-rear direction on both sides in a vehicle width direction; a lower member (12) that extends along the vehicle body front-rear direction on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the front side frame (11); a bumper beam (13) provided in the front of the front side frame (11) and extending along the vehicle width direction; a bumper beam extension (14) provided between the front side frame (11) and the bumper beam (13); and a gusset (23) that connects a front end portion of the front side frame (11) and a front end portion of the lower member (12) and that is formed in a protrusion protruding forwardly, wherein the bumper beam (13) is configured to have a concave shape opening rearwardly and to be capable of fitting the gusset (23).