Vehicle Front Frame Recessed Portion for Collision Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body front structures have high rigidity, making it difficult for the rear portion of the front frame to bend in the width direction when a collision load is applied from the front, which limits their ability to absorb collision energy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body front structure design that includes a front frame with a recessed portion between the front and rear bulkheads, allowing the frame to bend outward in the width direction when subjected to a collision load, with additional features such as a C-shaped front bulkhead, L-shaped rear bulkhead, and a load transmitting member to distribute stress and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the front frame is designed with high rigidity to maintain structural integrity, then the strength and stability of the frame are improved, but the ability of the rear portion to bend in the width direction during collision is worsened, reducing collision energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recessed portion with reduced thickness (5-10mm) specifically at the rear portion of the front frame, while other portions maintain normal thickness (15-20mm). This localized thinning creates a specific region with lower rigidity that can bend during collision, while the rest of the frame maintains high rigidity for structural integrity. The recessed portion is positioned between the front bulkhead and rear bulkhead to optimize both bending capability and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the front frame into multiple portions with different thicknesses and rigidity characteristics: the recessed portion (5-10mm thickness) for bending, the front bulkhead and rear bulkhead regions (15-20mm thickness) for structural support, and intermediate portions connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the recessed portion absorbs energy through bending while the bulkhead portions maintain overall frame stability.
2Loss of energy
If the front frame is designed to bend easily to absorb collision energy, then the collision energy absorption is improved, but the structural integrity and rigidity of the frame are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion with reduced thickness (5-10mm) is strategically positioned at the rear of the front frame to concentrate stress during collision. This localized thinning ensures that bending occurs preferentially in this region, maximizing energy absorption while the thicker portions (15-20mm) elsewhere maintain the frame's overall rigidity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of frame rigidity (which prevents bending) into a benefit by creating a controlled weak point in the form of the recessed portion. During collision, this intentionally weakened region allows the frame to bend and absorb energy, transforming what would otherwise be a rigid, energy-resistant structure into one that can dissipate collision energy effectively through controlled deformation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bulkheads are positioned close together to maintain frame rigidity, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability of the recessed portion to bend outward is worsened due to hindrance from bulkheads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the front bulkhead and rear bulkhead at specific locations that preliminarily define the bending zone. The bulkheads are placed such that they provide structural support while leaving sufficient space in between for the recessed portion to bend outward during collision. This preliminary positioning ensures that when collision occurs, the bulkheads do not hinder the bending motion, and the recessed portion can deform freely to absorb energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension between the front bulkhead and rear bulkhead to create the recessed portion that can bend in the width direction. By positioning bulkheads at appropriate longitudinal locations, the patent creates a three-dimensional space that allows bidirectional bending (inward and outward) of the recessed portion, maximizing energy absorption while maintaining overall frame stability through the bulkhead support structure.
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 design ensures that the rear portion of the front frame bends outward to absorb collision energy efficiently, while maintaining the structural integrity of the connecting portion and preventing deformation of the dash lower panel, thereby enhancing safety and energy absorption during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
when the collision load from frontward is applied on the rear portion of the front frame, the stress (compressive stress) concentrates OR the recessed portion (outside wall). Accordingly, the further front side portion than the recessed portion bends at the recessed portion as a starting point bends to the outside in the width direction of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 2
the rear portion of the front frame certainly bends to the outside in the width direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is collided from the front direction, which can absorb the collision energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body front structure includes a front side frame body provided on the front portion of the vehicle body, the front side frame including a front frame extending to the longitudinal direction and a rear frame extending downward from the rear end portion of the front frame to the rear direction, the rear portion of the front frame has a front bulkhead and a rear bulkhead which are longitudinally spaced from each other, a recessed portion which recesses the outside wall outside in the width direction of the vehicle to the inside in the width direction of the vehicle, and the recessed portion is positioned between the front bulkhead and the rear bulkhead.