Vehicle Lid Convex Part Deformation for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular storage devices, such as glove boxes, face challenges in effectively absorbing impacts when the storage depth is reduced, particularly in designs where the instrument panel curves towards the vehicle occupants, leading to insufficient impact absorption and increased structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular storage device with a lid that has a convex part with a deformation allowance part, supported by a shaft, which deforms to absorb impacts when applied from the front, allowing for effective impact absorption even in designs with limited storage depth, and can be configured to handle varying input forces by differing distances from the vehicle occupant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the storage depth is reduced to accommodate curved instrument panel design, then the aesthetic design and space utilization are improved, but the impact absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorption function is segmented from the main storage box structure and concentrated in the lid's convex part. This allows the box depth to be reduced for aesthetic purposes while the segmented convex part maintains impact absorption capability through its deformation allowance part.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex part with deformation allowance part is designed beforehand to absorb impacts before they reach the passenger. The deformation allowance part is pre-configured to deform under impact loads, providing cushioning protection even when the overall storage depth is reduced.
2Reliability
If the hollow space thickness is increased to improve impact absorption, then the impact absorption ability is improved, but the storage capacity and structural simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorption function is segmented into a dedicated convex part with deformation allowance part, separate from the main storage hollow space. This allows the storage hollow space to maintain sufficient capacity while the segmented convex part provides the necessary impact absorption without requiring increased overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly increasing the thickness of the entire hollow space, the deformation allowance part is locally positioned in the convex part where impact forces are concentrated. This local quality enhancement provides effective impact absorption while maintaining overall storage capacity.
3Reliability
If different shapes are used for left and right side surfaces to accommodate varying depths, then the impact absorption is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex part is positioned asymmetrically on the lid based on the specific impact risk assessment. The deformation allowance part is configured on the side with shorter distance to the passenger seat, creating an asymmetric design that optimizes impact protection while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized components.
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 enables sufficient impact absorption during frontal collisions, dispersing the force across both legs uniformly, even with a curved lid, maintaining effectiveness across different impact conditions and storage configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the deformation allowance part has a chevron shape notched to open downwardly at a center portion of the convex part. The deformation allowance part can reliably be made to deform even when a load is applied to the lid upward from below.
Implementation Method 2
When the vehicle has a frontal collision, the lid is pushed into the passenger compartment by an impact applied from the front surface of the vehicle, and when the lid interferes with a leg of the vehicle occupant in the passenger seat, the deformation allowance part becomes the point of origin, deforms together with the convex part, and absorbs the impact applied to the leg.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular storage device provided in opposed relation to a passenger seat. A convex part, protruding from a rear surface of a lid in a direction opposite from a vehicle occupant, has a deformation allowance part that deforms when an impact is applied to the convex part.