Vehicle Upper Frame Segmentation for Steering Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing front part body structures of vehicles face challenges in maintaining positional accuracy and securing rigidity of the upper frame, particularly under vertical loads, which can affect steering performance.
Innovation Solution
A front part body structure with an upper frame that includes a divided outer panel and partition walls, where the outer panel is divided in the longitudinal direction and fixed to partition walls using fastening members, enhancing durability and allowing for spot welding, thereby stabilizing positional accuracy and increasing rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If arc welding is used to join the upper frame to the front pillar, then joining rigidity is secured, but maintenance of quality such as positional accuracy becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The outer panel is divided into multiple sections (front outer panel, rear outer panel, and dividing part) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for easier quality control and positional accuracy maintenance while still achieving the required joining rigidity through the integrated structure and fastening members
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing part of the outer panel acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the joining between the front and rear outer panels. This intermediary structure enables precise positioning and assembly while maintaining the overall rigidity of the upper frame when combined with the fastening members
2Force
If the upper frame is connected to the strut house, then the upper frame bears vertical loads from the front suspension, but steering performance is badly affected when rigidity against vertical loads is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The outer panel is divided into front and rear sections that can be independently optimized for their respective functions. The front outer panel can be designed to handle vertical loads from the suspension while the rear outer panel maintains structural integrity for steering stability, with the dividing part providing a robust connection between them
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the outer panel can have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The front outer panel near the strut house can be designed with higher rigidity to bear vertical loads, while other sections can be optimized for weight reduction or manufacturing ease, overall improving both load bearing capacity and steering performance
Data Source
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AI summary
A front part body structure of a vehicle, includes: an upper frame (10,11) which is extended in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, one end of which is joined to a front pillar (8,9), and which includes an inner panel (110) and an outer panel (111), the outer panel that is divided in a dividing part in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a first partition wall (130) which is provided between the inner panel and the outer panel, one end of which is joined to the inner panel, and the other end of which is fastened and fixed to the dividing part of the outer panel by means of a fastening member (135).