Vehicle Side Impact Profile Part Absorbing Lateral Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side impact protection devices for motor vehicles fail to optimally absorb lateral forces and ensure precise positioning during assembly, leading to inadequate occupant protection and potential deformation that could cause injury.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a profile part with a box-shaped configuration and a transversely extending bearing element, where the profile part is attached via fastening sections to prevent deformation and ensure energy absorption, with a bracket mounted above the vehicle sill and connected to the vehicle structure, allowing for targeted force distribution and absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a transverse bracing component with tubular design is used for side impact protection, then lateral forces can be absorbed, but the device fails to optimally absorb lateral forces and ensure precise positioning during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting element is divided into distinct functional parts: a profile part (upward projection), fastening sections (for attachment), and a bearing element (transverse component). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall force absorption and positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile part is designed with specific local characteristics including a box-shaped configuration with side flanks, legs extending downward, and an impact plate with rounded edges. These local structural qualities enhance the device's ability to absorb lateral forces while preventing inward deformation of the vehicle body.
2Manufacturing precision
If the profile part is not properly positioned during assembly, then targeted introduction of force into the vehicle structure cannot be achieved, but complex positioning mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The profile part is designed with pre-defined fastening sections and a bracket structure that guides positioning during assembly. The bracket is fixed to the vehicle body at predetermined locations, ensuring that the supporting element automatically assumes the correct position when installed, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Strength
If the profile part projects underneath the bearing element, then deformation effects occur on the transversely extending bearing element, but restricting the profile part reduces energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 1:
The profile part is configured to project primarily in the upward vertical direction rather than extending underneath the bearing element. This dimensional orientation change ensures that the profile part contributes to energy absorption through its upward projection and lever arm effect while preventing adverse deformation of the bearing element by avoiding downward extension.
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 absorbs lateral forces during side impacts, maintaining a survival space for occupants by preventing inward deformation of the vehicle body and ensuring precise force distribution, thereby enhancing occupant protection.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing element (4), which may be fastened to the vehicle floor and may have a configuration that is adapted to the floor, in particular over the central tunnel (6)
Implementation Method 2
only an upwardly extending lever arm results from the vertical profile part, and the bearing element is correspondingly deformed with absorption of energy
Data Source
AI summary
For the effective absorption of a side impact in a motor vehicle, a transversely extending component is provided in the vehicle that comprises a bearing element and profile parts situated on the ends thereof.