Vehicle Body Joint Blocking Structure for PBV Coupling Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

In purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), the exposure of joint parts between the drive module and the space module when they are not fastened together leads to aesthetic issues and increased risk of contamination and breakdowns.

Innovation Solution

A compact roller-type blocking structure is applied to the coupling part between the drive module and the space module, featuring a first fixing member, a second fixing member, connection members, a blocking member, a rotary member, and a motor assembly, which work together to prevent exposure of the joint part by changing the relative distance between the first and second fixing members and deploying the blocking member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a door-type device is used to prevent exposure of joint parts, then the joint part is protected from contamination and aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases, vehicle weight increases, and fuel economy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoiddoor device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential blocking function from a complete door device, using a simple blocking member that can be deployed or retracted as needed, rather than implementing a full door mechanism with hinges, seals, and control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical door system with a simpler blocking member that can be positioned using minimal mechanical components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the protective function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a sliding or collapsible door device is used to prevent exposure of joint parts, then the joint part is protected from contamination and aesthetic appearance is improved, but the space occupied in the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoidspace occupied by door device

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable, allowing it to transition between a compact stored position and an extended protective position, thereby minimizing space occupation when not in use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a door-type device is used to prevent exposure of joint parts, then the joint part is protected from contamination and aesthetic appearance is improved, but the vehicle weight increases and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, lightweight blocking member that can be easily manufactured and installed, replacing the need for heavy-duty door mechanisms, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight and installation costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution effectively prevents the exposure of joint parts, enhancing the aesthetic appearance and preventing external contamination, while also simplifying the system, reducing installation costs, and improving fuel economy by minimizing vehicle weight.

Implementation Method 1

a rotary member extending in the horizontal direction in parallel with the first fixing member and connected to another portion of the blocking member, the rotary member being configured to rotate when the blocking member moves to roll the blocking member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

a motor assembly configured to provide driving power to move the second fixing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric motor conversion: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS20250170881A1Structure for preventing exposure of a joint part of a vehicle body

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A structure for preventing exposure of a joint part of a vehicle body is provided, and includes: a first fixing member disposed inside the coupling part and extending in a horizontal direction of the drive module; a second fixing member extending in the horizontal direction and spaced apart from the first fixing member; a connection member configured to connect and support the first fixing member and the second fixing member and configured to be changed in shape by a movement of the second fixing member; a blocking member having one portion connected to the second fixing member and configured to prevent the joint part of the vehicle body from being exposed to the outside; a rotary member extending in the horizontal direction in parallel with the first fixing member; and a motor assembly configured to provide driving power to move the second fixing member.