Vehicle Skeleton Structure for Width Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle skeleton structures lack sufficient rigidity in the vehicle width direction, particularly when a large door opening portion is secured at the side portion, leading to potential deformation under load.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle body incorporates a reinforced skeleton structure with annular reinforcement members that distribute loads across the vehicle body, including front and rear annular structure portions, side door reinforcement, and a frame structure with mount portions to support the power supply and maintain cabin space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a large door opening portion is secured at the side portion of the vehicle, then the door opening area is improved, but the rigidity of the vehicle body against loads in the vehicle width direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is divided into multiple structural components including front annular structure portions, rear annular structure portions, side annular structure portions, and diagonal annular structure portions. These segmented reinforcement members work together to distribute loads while allowing a large door opening portion without compromising overall rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement members are arranged in multiple spatial dimensions including front-rear direction, left-right direction, and diagonal directions. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates a three-dimensional load distribution network that maintains rigidity while accommodating large door openings in the side portions.
2Area of moving object
If a center pillar is not provided at the side portion of the vehicle body, then the door opening portion can be enlarged, but the rigidity against loads in the vehicle width direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional center pillar, the structure is segmented into multiple annular reinforcement members positioned at different locations (front, rear, side, and diagonal). These distributed reinforcement elements provide the necessary rigidity without requiring a central supporting pillar, enabling enlarged door openings.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple annular reinforcement members are provided in addition to the basic structural components. These excessive reinforcement elements ensure that even without a center pillar, the vehicle body maintains sufficient rigidity to withstand loads in the vehicle width direction while allowing large door openings.
3Strength
If annular reinforcement members are added to distribute loads, then the vehicle body rigidity is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular reinforcement members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they reinforce the vehicle body against loads in the vehicle width direction, distribute impact forces, and provide structural support without requiring additional separate components. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity despite the addition of reinforcement elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple reinforcement functions are merged into integrated annular structure portions that combine front, rear, side, and diagonal reinforcement elements. These merged structures work together as a unified load distribution system, reducing the need for separate, complex reinforcement components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle skeleton structure includes: a first front pillar portion (46) provided at a first side portion (68) of a vehicle body (12); a second front pillar portion (48) provided at a second side portion (92) of the vehicle body (12); a front upper cross portion (58) coupled to upper portions (46A, 48A) of the first and second front pillar portions (46, 48); a front lower cross portion (76) coupled to lower portions (46B, 48B) of the first and second front pillar portions (46, 48); a first rear pillar portion (50) provided at the first side portion (68) along a rear peripheral edge portion (70C) of the door opening portion (70); a second rear pillar portion (52) provided at the second side portion (92); a rear upper cross portion (60) coupled to upper portions (50A, 52A) of the first and second rear pillar portions (50, 52); and a rear lower cross portion (78) coupled to lower portions (50B, 52B) of the first and second rear pillar portions (50, 52).