Vehicle Front Frame Axial and Moment Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional front structures with curved frames in automotive vehicle bodies face challenges in managing bending moments during collisions, leading to potential deformation and reduced impact absorption capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an axial load receiving member with straight ridge lines and a moment receiving member with curved ridge lines, both welded together, to distribute and absorb impact forces effectively, reducing deformation and enhancing collision resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the front frame is curved inwardly to allow steering movement and obtain sufficient turning radius, then the turning performance is improved, but the front frame becomes easy to deform upon front collision due to bending moments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturning performanceVSAvoidresistance to deformation upon collision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The front frame is divided into two functional members: an axial load receiving member with straight ridge lines for collision resistance, and a moment receiving member with curved ridge lines for steering movement. This segmentation allows each member to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between turning performance and collision strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the front frame structure are given different geometric properties: the axial load receiving member has straight ridge lines optimized for withstanding collision forces, while the moment receiving member has curved ridge lines optimized for steering movement. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate properties in appropriate locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the front frame body has sufficient plate thickness to resist deformation, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to deformationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the plate thickness of a single front frame body, the structure is segmented into two specialized members with different geometric configurations. This approach achieves the required strength through structural design rather than material thickness, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front frame uses a composite structure combining two different member types (axial load receiving member and moment receiving member) with different geometric properties. This composite approach provides enhanced strength and collision resistance without requiring increased plate thickness throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 allows for efficient absorption of impact forces during collisions, minimizing deformation and maintaining the structural integrity of the front frame, while maintaining a sufficient turning radius for vehicles with large engines.

Implementation Method 1

a moment receiving member welded to the axial load receiving member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

the front frame body 2a curved inwardly of the vehicle body as extending rearwardly of the vehicle body, and a closed section forming plate 2b spot-welded to the front frame body 2a... the front frame 2 is easy to deform upon front collision

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption through axial crush deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS7264301B2Front structure of vehicle body

Publication Date: 2007.09.04 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A front structure of a vehicle body having a pair of right and left front frames. Each front frame includes an axial load receiving member having first ridge lines extending substantially straight over the length thereof in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and a moment receiving member welded to the axial load receiving member and having second ridge lines branched from substantially longitudinally central portions of the front ridge lines and curved inwardly of the vehicle body as extending rearwardly of the vehicle body.