Wheel Catcher Assembly Waveform Bracket Energy Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle energy absorption devices fail to effectively prevent tire movement and rotation towards the passenger compartment when subjected to external, frontal forces, potentially compromising safety.

Innovation Solution

A Wheel Catcher Assembly (WCA) comprising an energy absorbing bracket with a waveform feature and a plate, indirectly coupled to the rocker panel via a gusset and underbody sill, which absorbs and manages kinetic energy from external forces to inhibit tire displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing energy absorption devices are used, then general energy absorption is achieved, but tire movement and rotation towards the passenger compartment is not effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtire movement towards passenger compartment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The energy absorption device is divided into multiple functional segments: a first energy absorbing component with deformation members for primary energy absorption, a second energy absorbing component with engagement members for mechanical constraint, and a support component for structural stability. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific functions, preventing tire movement more effectively than unified conventional devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support component acts as an intermediary element that couples both the first and second energy absorbing components to the vehicle body. This intermediary structure provides a stable mounting foundation, ensuring that the deformation members and engagement members can effectively perform their functions without compromising overall device stability during impact events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If deformable metallic components are used for energy absorption, then kinetic energy is absorbed, but structural integrity under frontal force is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekinetic energy absorptionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Different components of the device have locally optimized properties: the first energy absorbing component uses deformable metallic components with specific geometric shapes for controlled energy absorption through deformation, while the second energy absorbing component uses engagement members with high-strength features for mechanical constraint. The support component provides rigid structural support. This local differentiation allows effective energy absorption while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs composite construction combining deformable metallic components for energy absorption with rigid support structures and engagement mechanisms. This composite approach integrates materials and structures with different mechanical properties to achieve both kinetic energy absorption and structural integrity under frontal forces, overcoming the limitation of using单一 deformable materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Effectively prevents or minimizes tire movement towards the passenger compartment by absorbing kinetic energy from frontal offset forces, enhancing vehicle safety and structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

some energy absorption devices include deformable metallic components that are configured to deform when subjected to an external force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The energy absorbing bracket includes multiple ridges and grooves so as to define a waveform feature... an external force applied to the WCA can be transferred from the plate to the energy absorbing bracket thus mitigating the load to the body structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9533712B2Wheel catcher assembly

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A wheel catcher assembly can inhibit a wheel from moving toward a passenger compartment of a vehicle when an external force is applied to the vehicle. The wheel catcher assembly generally includes an energy absorbing bracket and a plate coupled to the energy absorbing bracket. The energy absorbing bracket includes a plurality of ridges and grooves so as to define a waveform portion. The plate is coupled to the energy absorbing bracket at the ridges such that an external force applied to the wheel catcher assembly is transferable from the plate to the energy absorbing bracket.