Vehicle Shock Absorbing Structure With Deformation Control Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle shock absorbing structures struggle to maintain sufficient drag irrespective of the input direction of a shock from a collision object, as they are primarily designed to absorb energy obliquely downward and rearward, leading to reduced effectiveness in other collision scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle shock absorbing structure featuring a shock absorbing member extending in the vehicle width direction, with a bracket interposed between the shock absorbing member and the vehicle body, and deformation control members that are more fragile than the shock absorbing member and the bracket, allowing for adaptive deformation modes and drag generation based on the collision direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the bracket is designed to be easily bent downward to reduce reaction force on thighs, then the pedestrian protection is improved, but the drag generation capability during frontal collision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing structure is divided into multiple segments: the shock absorbing member (first structure), the bracket (second structure), and the deformation control member (third structure). Each segment has distinct mechanical properties and deformation characteristics, allowing the system to provide different responses for different collision scenarios while maintaining overall effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the structure have different mechanical properties tailored to specific functions. The deformation control member is designed to be more fragile than both the shock absorbing member and the bracket, creating a controlled weak point that initiates deformation in a specific sequence to achieve both pedestrian protection and drag generation
2Reliability
If the shock absorbing structure is designed primarily for oblique downward and rearward energy absorption, then that specific collision scenario is handled well, but effectiveness in other collision directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is designed to dynamically adapt its deformation mode based on the collision direction and force application point. The combination of rigid (shock absorbing member), semi-rigid (bracket), and fragile (deformation control member) components creates a system that automatically adjusts its response characteristics to maintain effectiveness across different collision scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing structure serves multiple functions through its multi-component design: it provides drag generation during frontal collision, pedestrian protection during impact, and adaptive energy absorption for various collision directions. The deformation control member acts as a universal element that facilitates different deformation modes depending on the collision scenario
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 absorbs collision energy by deforming the shock absorbing member while generating sufficient drag in various input directions, reducing abrupt acceleration and ensuring effective energy absorption and drag generation regardless of the collision direction.
Implementation Method 1
A deformation control member that extends forward and obliquely upward is provided in a coupling portion at which the bracket is coupled to the shock absorbing member
Implementation Method 2
The deformation control member is more fragile than (i) a front portion of the shock absorbing member that is located in front of the coupling portion and (ii) a rear portion of the bracket that is located in rear of the coupling portion
Implementation Method 3
The structure effectively absorbs collision energy by deforming the shock absorbing member while generating sufficient drag in various input directions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle shock absorbing structure provided on the vehicle includes a shock absorbing member and a bracket. The shock absorbing member is disposed on a front end of the vehicle so as to extend in a vehicle width direction. The shock absorbing member includes a front end serving as a collision portion. The bracket includes a front end coupled to a rear end of the shock absorbing member. The bracket interposed between the shock absorbing member and a vehicle body. A deformation control member that extends forward and obliquely upward is provided in a coupling portion at which the bracket is coupled to the shock absorbing member. The deformation control member is more fragile than a front portion of the shock absorbing member that in front of the coupling portion and a rear portion of the bracket in rear of the coupling portion.