Vehicle Module Mounting Structure With Impact Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation structures of electrical component modules in vehicles inhibit rearward displacement, thereby preventing adequate absorption of impact energy during collisions.

Innovation Solution

The installation structure includes an electrical component module supported by a vehicle body structure member that extends laterally, with a release mechanism allowing the module to disengage from the support upon impact, enabling rearward displacement and absorption of impact energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the electrical component module is firmly supported by the vehicle body structure member, then the module is securely fixed and stable, but the rearward displacement is inhibited and impact energy cannot be adequately absorbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of electrical component moduleVSAvoidimpact energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from a static firm connection to a dynamic system with release mechanisms. The release mechanisms remain engaged during normal operation to provide stable support, but automatically disengage upon detecting impact forces, allowing the module to move rearward and absorb impact energy through controlled displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into multiple segments including the vehicle body structure member, brackets, and release mechanisms. This segmentation allows different parts to perform different functions: the brackets provide support while the release mechanisms enable controlled disengagement, resolving the contradiction between stability and energy absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the electrical component module is firmly supported by the vehicle body structure member, then the module is securely fixed, but the crushable stroke of the front section cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of moduleVSAvoidcrushable stroke

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support system dynamically adapts its constraint level. During normal driving, the release mechanisms maintain engagement to secure the module. During impact, the mechanisms disengage to allow the module to move rearward, creating the necessary crushable stroke length for energy absorption while maintaining secure fixation during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The release mechanisms are pre-configured to disengage automatically upon detecting impact forces. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when impact occurs, the module can immediately begin its rearward displacement to create crushable stroke, without requiring active control or delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If a release mechanism is added to allow disengagement upon impact, then impact energy absorption is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidcomplexity of support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanisms are designed to automatically detect impact forces and disengage the support connection without requiring external control systems, sensors, or active components. The mechanisms self-activate based on the physical conditions of impact, adding minimal complexity while achieving the energy absorption function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The release mechanisms are designed as simple, robust components that can be manufactured cost-effectively. They serve their purpose during impact events and can be replaced if necessary, focusing on functional simplicity rather than long-term durability of the release mechanism itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3988358B1Structure for mounting electronic device module on vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

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AI summary

An electrical component module 1 is installed in a front (rear) section of a vehicle, and connected with a battery unit storing electricity for driving the vehicle. The electrical component module 1 is supported by a vehicle body structure member (cross-member) 2 extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The cross-member 2 is closer to a passenger compartment than the electrical component module 1, and doesn't overlap with the electrical component module 1 when viewed along any horizontal direction perpendicular to a vertical direction of the vehicle. Between the cross-member 2 and the electrical component module 1, provided is a release mechanism 4 for releasing the support of the electrical component module 1 by the cross-member 2 when receiving an impact from an opposite side to the passenger compartment. Since the cross-member 2 is vertically offset to the electrical component module 1, the electrical component module 1 whose support has been released never collides against the cross-member 2 even while being displaced due to the impact.