Rotatable Wheel Deflector for Offset Impact Wheel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
During offset frontal vehicle impacts, existing suspension and steering components move uncontrollably, leading to packaging constraints and ineffective wheel positioning during deformation.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable wheel deflector system comprising a swing arm, track, anchor, and pyrotechnic actuator, which deploys from an undeployed to a deployed position to apply vehicle-outboard force to the wheel, utilizing a pyrotechnic actuator to rotate the swing arm relative to the vehicle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing suspension and steering components are used during offset frontal impacts, then the vehicle can maintain basic structural integrity, but the components move uncontrollably leading to packaging constraints and ineffective wheel positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a rotatable wheel deflector that can dynamically change its position and orientation during impact. The deflector rotates about a pivot point to actively control wheel positioning, transitioning from a static component arrangement to a dynamic system that adapts to impact forces, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and packaging constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel deflector is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the wheel well before impact occurs. This preliminary positioning allows the system to maintain compact packaging during normal operation, while enabling rapid deployment and rotation to the active deflection position when impact is detected, thus resolving the packaging constraint issue
2Reliability
If a rotatable wheel deflector is deployed to apply vehicle-outboard force to the wheel, then wheel positioning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel deflector system is segmented into distinct functional components: the deflector arm, pivot mechanism, and mounting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall mechanism by breaking down the complex rotation and positioning function into manageable, modular parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pivot point as an intermediary element that mediates between the fixed vehicle structure and the movable wheel deflector. This pivot serves as a simple rotational joint that enables the deflector to change position without requiring complex actuators or multiple moving parts, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effectiveness
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
The system reduces packaging constraints and effectively positions the wheel to mitigate inboard movement during impacts, enhancing vehicle stability and control.
Implementation Method 1
A pyrotechnic actuator is provided between the vehicle frame and the swing arm.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a swing arm rotatably coupled to the vehicle frame at a rotatable connection. A track curves along a curved path. The track is fixed relative to the swing arm and spaced from the rotatable connection. An anchor is fixed relative to the vehicle frame. The track is slideably engaged with the anchor along the curved path of the track. A pyrotechnic actuator is between the vehicle frame and the swing arm.