Vehicle Front Section Structure for Small Overlap Collision Load Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle body front section structures are inadequate in minimizing deformation during small overlap or oblique collisions, as they fail to efficiently redirect the vehicle body towards the collision opposite side.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body front section structure comprising a front side member, an outer side frame member, a linking member, and a reinforcing structure that distributes and converts collision loads into lateral forces, utilizing a closed cross-section configuration and shock-absorbing members to efficiently move the vehicle body during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling member is attached to the front end portion of apron reinforcement with a face portion fastened between front side frame and crash can, then the basic structural connection is achieved, but the vehicle body deformation is not sufficiently suppressed during small overlap or oblique collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The front section structure is divided into multiple functional components: front side member, outer side frame member, linking member, and reinforcing structure. Each segment has a specific role in load transmission and energy absorption, allowing the system to handle complex collision scenarios through coordinated action of discrete elements rather than a monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The outer side frame member is positioned at the vehicle width direction outer side, creating a three-dimensional load path that extends beyond the traditional planar front structure. This spatial arrangement enables the structure to effectively redirect oblique and small overlap collision loads through lateral movement toward the collision opposite side
2Strength
If the outer side frame member portion overlapping with front side member is reinforced, then collision load is efficiently transmitted to vehicle body structure, but the structure complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing structure is applied specifically to the portion of the outer side frame member that overlaps with the front side member in side view. This localized reinforcement concentrates structural strength where it is most needed for load transmission during small overlap and oblique collisions, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire member
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing structure may be formed by joining together base end and terminal end portions of a bent plate member, creating a composite structural element that combines the outer side frame member with the reinforcing structure to achieve enhanced strength and stiffness in the critical load transmission zone
3Power
If a closed cross-section reinforcing structure is used, then load is efficiently converted into lateral force with simple and lightweight structure, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bent plate member is formed with curved or bent geometry to create the closed cross-section reinforcing structure. This curved configuration is more effective at converting axial collision loads into lateral forces compared to straight members, as the bent geometry provides mechanical advantage in force redirection
Solution Approach 2:
The base end and terminal end portions of the bent plate member are joined together to form a closed cross-section. This merging creates a structurally efficient configuration that provides both strength and lateral force generation capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall 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 structure effectively moves the vehicle body towards the collision opposite side during small overlap or oblique collisions by efficiently distributing and converting collision loads into lateral forces, thereby reducing deformation and enhancing collision energy absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorbing member interposed between a bumper reinforcement and front ends of the front side member and the outer side frame member
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body front section structure includes a front side member, an outer side frame member, a linking member, and a reinforcing structure. The outer side frame member is disposed separated from the front side member at a vehicle width direction outer side, has a vehicle front-rear direction rear end connected to an apron section or to a front pillar, and has a vehicle front-rear direction front end side overlapping with a vehicle front-rear direction front end side of the front side member in side view. The linking member links the vehicle front-rear direction front end side of the front side member and the vehicle front-rear direction front end side of the outer side frame member, and is input with a collision load. The reinforcing structure reinforces the outer side frame member at a portion of the outer side frame member overlapping with the front side member in side view.