Vehicle Side Pillar Structure with Defective Section for Impact Energy Absorption

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle body side part structure, when subjected to a side impact load, faces challenges in efficiently absorbing energy due to potential uncrushed parts remaining on the front side of the reinforcement member, leading to incomplete deformation and reduced impact load absorption.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle body side part structure is designed with a front pillar and side sill configuration that includes a reinforcement plate extending in the upward/downward direction, a defective section on the sidewall of the sill outer panel, and a lower edge portion of the pillar outer panel that covers the defective section, allowing for efficient plastic deformation and energy absorption across the front region of the side sill and pillar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the closed cross section of the front pillar is made continuous and reinforced, then the strength and rigidity of the front pillar are improved, but the ability to absorb impact load energy through complete plastic deformation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength and rigidity of front pillarVSAvoidimpact load energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The side sill is divided into two distinct sections: a reinforced section with a continuous closed cross section for strength, and a non-reinforced section with an interrupted cross section for energy absorption. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function during side impact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different structural qualities are applied to different locations: the front portion of the side sill has a non-continuous cross section with reduced rigidity for plastic deformation, while the rear portion has a continuous closed cross section for strength. The interruption of the cross section at the forward end creates a localized weak point for energy absorption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If the front pillar is designed to crush and deform upon impact, then impact load energy is absorbed, but uncrushed parts remain on the front side leading to incomplete deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact load energy absorptionVSAvoidcompleteness of deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side sill is pre-designed with an interrupted cross section at the forward end, creating a predetermined weak point that will deform first during impact. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that deformation propagates completely through the front pillar without leaving uncrushed portions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If the cross section of the side sill is made non-continuous at the forward end, then plastic deformation and energy absorption are improved, but the overall structural strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact load energy absorptionVSAvoidstructural strength of side sill

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The side sill is divided into two distinct sections: a reinforced section with a continuous closed cross section for strength, and a non-reinforced section with an interrupted cross section for energy absorption. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function during side impact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different structural qualities are applied to different locations: the front portion of the side sill has a non-continuous cross section with reduced rigidity for plastic deformation, while the rear portion has a continuous closed cross section for strength. The interruption of the cross section at the forward end creates a localized weak point for energy absorption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration ensures complete deformation of the side sill and pillar upon impact, effectively absorbing the impact load energy and preventing water or dust entry, while minimizing the risk of wheel intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Implementation Method 1

the front region of the closed cross section is first crushed and deformed to leave the rear region of the closed cross section of the front pillar reinforced by the reinforcement plate. Here, in the forward portion of the side sill, the portion having a relatively low rigidity in front of the extension region of the reinforcement plate is also crushed and deformed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11400984B2Vehicle body side part structure

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

In a vehicle body side part structure, a front pillar has a pillar inner panel and a pillar outer panel. A side sill has a sill inner panel and a sill outer panel. A sidewall and a front wall of the pillar outer panel on an inner side in a vehicle width direction extend to a position at which the sidewall and the front wall overlap the side sill in an upward/downward direction. A defective section is provided on a front section of the sill outer panel. A reinforcement plate extending in a vehicle upward/downward direction is coupled to a rear region of an inner side surface of the pillar outer panel. A lower end of the reinforcement plate extends to a position at which the lower end overlaps the defective section in the upward/downward direction on a side behind the defective section. A lower edge portion of the sidewall of the pillar outer panel is joined to a sidewall of the sill outer panel on an outer side in the vehicle width direction.