Windshield Support Frame with Segmented Braces for NV and Pedestrian Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield support structures either compromise noise vibration (NV) function or pedestrian protection, often requiring complex structures to achieve both functionalities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A support structure featuring a frame with an open section extending along the windshield's lower side, incorporating a support member with rear and front support portions that allow for easy deformation in frontal collisions while reducing vibrations in non-collision states, thereby ensuring both NV and pedestrian protection functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a closed cross section is formed by the brace to increase support rigidity, then the NV function is improved, but the layout around the cowl portion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent braces (first brace and second brace) positioned at different locations. Each brace provides localized support without requiring a fully enclosed cross-section, thereby maintaining rigidity while freeing up space for other components and improving layout flexibility.
2Strength
If the cowl portion is designed with high rigidity to improve NV function, then vibration is reduced, but additional measures are needed for pedestrian protection
Solution Approach 1:
The braces are designed to serve dual functions: providing structural rigidity for NV performance and enabling controlled deformation for pedestrian protection. The same structural elements that reduce vibration also serve as energy-absorbing components during impacts, eliminating the need for separate protection systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the brace bending portion is positioned to promote deformation, then pedestrian protection is improved, but the NV function deteriorates due to film vibration
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple braces are distributed at different positions along the cowl portion, with each having its own bending portion. This segmentation allows localized deformation at each brace position during impact, providing effective pedestrian protection while the distributed configuration maintains overall structural rigidity to suppress windshield vibration and noise during normal operation.
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 solution effectively enhances pedestrian protection by allowing frame deformation during collisions and reduces windshield vibrations and noise in normal conditions, ensuring robust NV function and improved safety.
Implementation Method 1
the bending portion 66a is formed at the middle portion, in the vertical direction, of the brace 66, so that deformation of the brace 66 at the bending portion 66a is promoted when the impact load is inputted from above
Implementation Method 2
the closed cross section 67 is formed among the brace 66, the cowl inner panel 62, and the cowl outer panel 61, so that the support rigidity of the windshield 65 is increased to reduce the noises and vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure of a windshield of the present invention comprises a frame having an open section opening forward in a vehicle and a support member provided inside the frame and connecting an upper face portion and a lower face portion of the frame. The frame has a windshield support portion supporting a lower side portion of the windshield at part of the upper face portion. The support member includes a rear support portion attached to the upper face portion of the frame and a front support portion attached to a cowl panel at a specified location positioned in front of the rear support portion. The windshield support portion is positioned between the front and rear support portions in the vehicle longitudinal direction.