Vehicle Structure Connecting Part Strain Force Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle structures are inadequate in withstanding collisions with large animals, particularly exposing the roof rail and front header to excessive damage due to insufficient resistance against impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle structure featuring a transverse rail with an inner and outer side rail extending at an angle, connected by a connecting part with one leg attached to the transverse rail and the second leg positioned between the inner and outer side rails, which redirects strain forces during collisions, enhancing resistance and distributing loads more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connecting part is connected to the side of the inner rail facing the transverse rail, then the connection is exposed to pull forces, but the resistance during collision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional connection arrangement by positioning the second leg of the connecting part between the inner and outer side rails, exposing it to strain forces rather than pull forces. This inversion of force exposure fundamentally changes the mechanical advantage, providing superior collision resistance as the strain force configuration is mechanically stronger than the pull force configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional connection (single plane attachment) to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning the connecting part's second leg between two parallel rails (inner and outer side rails). This spatial arrangement creates a more robust structural geometry that better distributes and resists collision forces from multiple directions.
2Strength
If the connecting part is positioned to expose it to strain forces during collision, then resistance is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connecting part into two distinct legs with different functions: the first leg connects to the transverse rail while the second leg positions between the inner and outer side rails. This segmentation allows each leg to be optimized for its specific mechanical role, achieving superior collision resistance through distributed force management rather than requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second leg of the connecting part acts as an intermediary element positioned between the inner and outer side rails, mediating the force transmission during collision. This intermediary positioning creates a more efficient force distribution pathway that enhances overall structural resistance without requiring additional complex components or mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the connection is strengthened to withstand pull forces, then reliability improves, but the connecting part becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force exposure configuration to expose the connecting part to strain forces instead of pull forces. This inversion is critical because strain force configuration provides inherently greater mechanical resistance, allowing the use of lighter and less expensive connecting part materials while maintaining or improving connection reliability during collision events.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments herein relate to a structure for a vehicle (100). The structure comprises a transverse rail (108), an inner side rail (110) and an outer side rail (112) both extending at an angle (α) from an end of the transverse rail (108). The structure further comprises a connecting part (103) having a first leg (103a) and a second leg (103b). The transverse rail (108) and the inner side rail (110) are joined together via the connecting part (103) such that the first leg (103a) is connected to the transverse rail (108) and the second leg (103b) is located between the inner side rail (110) and the outer side rail (112).