Vehicle Pillar Structure with Segmented Frame and Transparent Bridge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle pillar structures face a reduction in rigidity when the pillar frame structure portion forming the long side portion of the window portion is reduced in thickness, which can compromise the overall vehicle body rigidity and collision safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle pillar structure comprising multiple pillar frame structure portions formed in a hollow columnar shape, with a transparent member bridging adjacent portions and a connection member connecting these portions to enhance rigidity and visibility, while a lower connection member transmits loads during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the pillar frame structure portion is reduced in thickness, then the weight and material usage are reduced, but the rigidity of the pillar is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pillar frame structure is divided into multiple separate pillar frame structure portions (first, second, third, and fourth portions) that are arranged in parallel. Each portion is formed as a separate hollow columnar member, allowing individual optimization while collectively providing enhanced rigidity compared to a single thick pillar frame
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining multiple thin-walled hollow columnar members (pillar frame structure portions) with a connection member that joins them together. This composite arrangement creates a bundled structure where the collective rigidity exceeds that of a single thick-walled member, achieving weight reduction while maintaining structural strength
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate pillar frame structure portions are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The pillar frame is segmented into multiple separate hollow columnar portions that can be manufactured independently using standard forming processes. Each portion is a simple tubular structure that is easy to produce, and the segmentation allows for modular assembly with the connection member, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the multi-component design
3Illumination intensity
If the pillar frame structure portions are made thinner, then the visibility for occupants is improved, but the collision safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the pillar frame into multiple thin-walled hollow portions arranged in parallel, the invention creates gaps between the portions that improve visibility for occupants. The segmented structure allows light to pass through the spaces between members while the collective arrangement of multiple members maintains the overall structural strength needed for collision safety
Solution Approach 2:
The composite arrangement of multiple thin-walled hollow columnar members with the connection member creates a structure that balances transparency and strength. The thin walls improve visibility while the bundled configuration and connection member provide the necessary rigidity and strength to withstand collision forces, achieving a compromise between visibility and safety
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle pillar structure includes a plurality of pillar frame structure portions, a transparent member, and a connection member. The pillar frame structure portions are disposed on an edge side of an upper half of a door opening as a portion of a columnar pillar. The pillar frame structure portions are provided in parallel with an interval, and have upper and lower end portions fixed to a frame member of the vehicle side portion. The transparent member is formed of a transparent material and is bridged between the pillar frame structure portions. The connection member is formed separately from the pillar frame structure portions, the frame member, and the transparent member, and connects the pillar frame structure portions.