Automobile Windshield Joining Face Extension Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle body structure, where a lower skeleton formed into a bathtub shape using CFRP and an upper skeleton including a front roof arch and roof side rails are separable, faces the challenge of forming a seamless windshield joining face when the windshield frame is integral with the lower skeleton, leading to potential strength deterioration and discontinuity in support.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves forming a rectangular windshield joining face that straddles the dash panel upper, left and right roof side rails, and the front roof arch, with extension parts extending inward from the roof side rails' lower ends, featuring L-shaped wall faces fixed to a metal joint on the lower skeleton, and using sealing materials for waterproofing and positioning, allowing for seamless support and continuous joining of the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the windshield frame is formed integrally with the lower skeleton, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to separate the upper skeleton from the lower skeleton deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the windshield frame into two segments: a lower frame portion integrally formed with the lower skeleton, and an upper frame portion that can be separated from the upper skeleton. This segmentation allows the upper and lower skeletons to be manufactured and assembled separately while maintaining a complete windshield frame structure when assembled together.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lower end of the roof side rail and the outer end of the dash panel upper are divided for separability, then the separability of upper and lower skeleton is improved, but the continuity of the windshield joining face deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a lower frame portion as an intermediary element that connects the upper frame portion to the lower skeleton. This lower frame portion includes connection portions that engage with both the upper frame portion and the lower skeleton, thereby maintaining the continuity of the windshield joining face while enabling separability of the upper and lower skeletons.
3Productivity
If the upper skeleton and lower skeleton are formed to be separable, then the productivity and assembly flexibility are improved, but the structural integrity at the separation interface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the upper frame portion and lower frame portion into a unified windshield frame structure through engagement mechanisms. The connection portions include engagement protrusions and recesses that securely join the upper and lower frame portions, maintaining structural integrity at the separation interface while allowing for disassembly when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile body and a method for manufacturing the same is provided in which a substantially rectangular windshield joining face is formed by a front roof arch, a front portion of roof side rails and a dash panel upper of a lower skeleton. Since the upper skeleton and the lower skeleton can be separated, there is the problem that a gap occurs between lower ends of the roof side rails of the upper skeleton and the vehicle width direction outer ends of the dash panel upper of the lower skeleton, and the windshield joining face is discontinuous. Extension parts are provided inward in the vehicle width direction from the lower ends of the roof side rails, and the vehicle width direction inner ends of the extension parts are connected to the vehicle width direction outer ends of the dash panel upper, thereby eliminating discontinuity of the windshield joining face.