阅读说明：本技术 用于车辆的节点集成偏转器 (Node integrated deflector for vehicle ) 是由 穆罕默德·里达·巴库什 拉胡尔·阿罗拉 迈克尔·穆萨·阿祖兹 赛义德·努赛尔 于 2021-04-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了“用于车辆的节点集成偏转器”。一种车架总成尤其包括：主纵梁和节点总成,所述节点总成附接到所述主纵梁。节点总成包括前向安装构件、后向安装构件以及偏转器,所述偏转器在所述前向安装构件与所述后向安装构件之间延伸。当施加到车辆的前部的载荷超过阈值载荷时,所述偏转器被配置为与轮胎接合并将所述轮胎偏转以免进入前向车辆区域。(The present disclosure provides a "node integrated deflector for a vehicle". A frame assembly particularly includes: a main stringer and a node assembly attached to the main stringer. A node assembly includes a forward mounting member, a rearward mounting member, and a deflector extending between the forward and rearward mounting members. The deflector is configured to engage and deflect a tire from entering a forward vehicle region when a load applied to a front of a vehicle exceeds a threshold load.)

1. A frame assembly, comprising:

a main stringer; and

a node assembly attached to the main stringer, the node assembly comprising:

a forward mounting member;

a rearward mounting member; and

a deflector extending between the forward and rearward mounting members, and wherein the deflector is configured to engage and deflect a tire from entering a forward vehicle region when a load applied to a front of a vehicle exceeds a threshold load.

2. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the forward mounting member is directly coupled to the main longitudinal beam, and/or

The rear mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member, and/or

The node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to a lower stringer.

3. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the deflector is integrally formed as a single piece with the node assembly.

4. The frame assembly of claim 3, wherein the node assembly comprises a three-dimensional printed component.

5. The frame assembly of claim 1, comprising: a first member extending rearwardly from the forward mounting member; and a second member spaced from the first member and extending rearwardly from the forward mounting member at an outboard location relative to the first member, and wherein the deflector extends outwardly from the second member.

6. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the deflector comprises an outer engagement surface that engages the tire when the threshold load is exceeded and deflects the tire from entering the forward vehicle region, and optionally, when the tire is disengaged from the vehicle, the outer engagement surface is configured to engage and provide a pivot region to rotate the vehicle and rebound the vehicle away from the barrier surface.

7. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein said main rail comprises: a rear end coupled to the node assembly; and a front end associated with a canister member coupled to the bumper.

8. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the node assembly is positioned adjacent a wheel well area within the vehicle.

9. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the forward mounting member is directly coupled to the main rail and the rearward mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member, and wherein the node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to a lower rail that extends below the main rail, and wherein the deflector is integrally formed as a single piece with the node assembly.

10. A frame assembly, comprising:

a main stringer; and

a node assembly attached to the main stringer, the node assembly comprising:

an upper forward mounting member;

a lower forward mounting member;

a rearward mounting member; and

a deflector extending between the upper forward and rearward mounting members, and wherein the deflector is configured to engage and deflect a tire from entering a forward vehicle area when a load applied to a front of a vehicle exceeds a threshold load.

11. The frame assembly of claim 10, wherein said upper forward mounting member is directly coupled to said main side rail, said rearward mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member, and said lower forward mounting member is coupled to a lower side rail, said lower side rail extending below said main side rail.

12. The frame assembly of claim 10, comprising: a first member extending rearwardly from the upper forward mounting member; and a second member spaced from the first member and extending rearwardly from the upper forward mounting member at an outboard location relative to the first member, and wherein the deflector extends outwardly from the second member and includes an outer engagement surface that engages the tire when the threshold load is exceeded and deflects the tire from entering the forward vehicle area, and the outer engagement surface is configured to engage and provide a pivot area for rotating the vehicle and rebounding the vehicle away from the barrier surface when the tire is disengaged from the vehicle.

13. A method of absorbing a vehicle frame load, comprising:

providing a node assembly having: a forward mounting member directly coupled to a main rail; a rear mounting member coupled to a vehicle center frame member; and a deflector extending between the forward and rearward mounting members;

applying a load to a front portion of the vehicle that exceeds a threshold load;

engaging an outer engagement surface of the deflector with a tire to deflect the tire from entering a forward vehicle region when the threshold load is exceeded; and

when the tire is subsequently separated from the vehicle, the outer engagement surface of the deflector is engaged with a barrier surface to provide a pivot area to rotate the vehicle and rebound the vehicle away from the barrier surface.

14. The frame load absorbing method of claim 13, including integrally forming the deflector, the forward mounting member and the rearward mounting member as a single-piece component, and optionally, forming the single-piece component using three-dimensional printing.

15. The frame load absorbing method of claim 13, wherein the node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to a lower side rail extending below the main side rail.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to body structures of vehicles and, more particularly, to a node integrated deflector that can deflect a tire from entering a forward vehicle region during frontal contact.

Background

A vehicle design may undergo numerous tests. One such test, the Small Offset Rigid Barrier (SORB) test, simulates a small offset frontal contact to a rigid barrier. During the SORB test, an input load is applied to the front of the vehicle at a location outboard of one of the main rails.

Disclosure of Invention

A frame assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a main rail and a node assembly attached to the main rail. A node assembly includes a forward mounting member, a rearward mounting member, and a deflector extending between the forward and rearward mounting members. The deflector is configured to engage and deflect a tire from entering a forward vehicle region when a load applied to a front of a vehicle exceeds a threshold load.

In a further embodiment of the foregoing frame assembly, the forward mounting member is directly coupled to the main side rail.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the rearward mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to the lower side rail.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the lower side member extends below the main side member.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the deflector is integrally formed as a single piece with the node assembly.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the node assembly includes a three-dimensional printed component.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, a first member extends rearwardly from the forward mounting member, and a second member is spaced from the first member and extends rearwardly from the forward mounting member at an outboard location relative to the first member, and wherein the deflector extends outwardly from the second member.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the deflector includes an outer engagement surface that engages the tire when the threshold load is exceeded and deflects the tire from entering the forward vehicle region.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the outer engagement surface is configured to engage a barrier surface and provide a pivot area to rotate the vehicle and rebound the vehicle away from the barrier surface when the tire is disengaged from the vehicle.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the main rail includes: a rear end coupled to the node assembly; and a front end associated with a canister member coupled to the bumper.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the node assembly is positioned adjacent a wheel well area within the vehicle.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the forward mounting member is directly coupled to the main rail and the rearward mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member, and wherein the node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to a lower rail that extends below the main rail, and wherein the deflector is integrally formed as a single piece with the node assembly.

A frame assembly according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a main rail and a node assembly attached to the main rail. The node assembly includes an upper forward mounting member, a lower forward mounting member, a rearward mounting member, and a deflector extending between the upper forward mounting member and the rearward mounting member. The deflector is configured to engage and deflect a tire from entering a forward vehicle region when a load applied to a front of a vehicle exceeds a threshold load.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, the upper forward mounting member is coupled directly to the main side member, the rearward mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member, and the lower forward mounting member is coupled to a lower side member that extends below the main side member.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing frame assemblies, a first member extends rearwardly from the upper forward mounting member and a second member is spaced from the first member and extends rearwardly from the upper forward mounting member at an outboard location relative to the first member, and wherein the deflector extends outwardly from the second member and includes an outer engagement surface that engages the tire when the threshold load is exceeded and deflects the tire from entering the forward vehicle area, and the outer engagement surface is configured to engage and provide a pivot area for rotating the vehicle and rebounding the vehicle away from the barrier surface when the tire is disengaged from the vehicle.

The vehicle frame load absorbing method according to still another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia: providing a node assembly having: a forward mounting member directly coupled to a main rail; a rear mounting member coupled to a vehicle center frame member; and a deflector extending between the forward and rearward mounting members; applying a load exceeding a threshold load to a front portion of the vehicle; engaging an outer engagement surface of the deflector with a tire to deflect the tire from entering a forward vehicle region when the threshold load is exceeded; and when the tire is subsequently separated from the vehicle, engaging the outer engagement surface of the deflector with a barrier surface to provide a pivot area to rotate the vehicle and rebound the vehicle away from the barrier surface.

Another example of the foregoing method includes integrally forming the deflector, the forward mounting member, and the rearward mounting member as a one-piece component.

In another example of any of the foregoing methods, forming the one-piece component using three-dimensional printing is included.

In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to a lower longitudinal beam extending below the main longitudinal beam.

The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be employed independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

Drawings

Various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a top partial cross-sectional view of a vehicle incorporating a node integrated deflector according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the node integrated deflector in the wheel well area of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the node integrated deflector of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the node integrated deflector of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows a top view of the node integrated deflector of fig. 1.

Fig. 6A shows a top view of a node integrated deflector before a vehicle contacts a rigid barrier.

FIG. 6B is similar to FIG. 6A, but shows the tire in contact with the rigid barrier and the node integrated deflector.

FIG. 6C is similar to FIG. 6B, but shows the tire separated from the vehicle.

Fig. 6D is similar to fig. 6C, but shows the rigid barrier in contact with the node integrated deflector.

Fig. 6E is similar to fig. 6D, but shows the vehicle rotating about the node integrated deflector and rebounding away from the rigid barrier.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle frame having a nodal integrated deflector that can absorb input kinetic energy when a frontal contact load is applied to the vehicle, particularly on the outboard side of the main rail of the vehicle frame. For example, during a Small Offset Rigid Barrier (SORB) test, the node-integrated deflector deflects the tire during frontal contact from entering the forward vehicle region, and redirects the load such that the vehicle rotates about the node-integrated deflector and rebounds away from the rigid barrier.

Referring to fig. 1, a vehicle 10 includes a plurality of tires 12 located within a wheel well area 14. The vehicle 10 includes a frame assembly 16 having an integrated node assembly 18 located near the front wheel well area 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The integrated node assembly 18 is on the driver side of the vehicle 10, while another integrated node assembly (not shown) is disposed on the passenger side of the vehicle 10.

As shown in fig. 3, the integrated node assembly 18 is disposed laterally outboard of the main rail 20 of the vehicle 10. Another integrated node assembly is disposed on the lateral outboard side of the main rail 20 on the passenger side.

A bumper 22 of the vehicle 10 extends transversely across the vehicle 10 and partially outboard of the main rail 20. A tank member 24 is disposed between the bumper 22 and each of the main side rails 20. The tank member 24 may help absorb loads applied to the front of the vehicle 10 through the bumper 22.

The SORB test replicates the contact of the vehicle 10 with a rigid barrier 26 (FIG. 6B) outboard of the main rail 20. During the SORB test, the canister member 24 may absorb some of the load. However, in the exemplary embodiment, integrated node assembly 18 also functions to absorb and redirect loads and minimize movement of tires 12 and/or rigid barriers 26 into vehicle 10. The integrated node assembly 18 may also redirect loads applied during the SORB test to the main rail 20 while otherwise helping to slide or push the vehicle 10 away from the rigid barrier 26.

Referring now to fig. 2-5, the integrated node assembly 18 in the exemplary embodiment includes, among other things, an upper forward mounting member 30, a lower forward mounting member 32, a rearward mounting member 34, and a deflector 36. A deflector 36 extends between the upper forward and rearward mounting members 30, 34 as shown in fig. 4. When the load applied to the front of the vehicle 10 exceeds a threshold load, such as during a SORB test, the deflector 36 is configured to engage the tire 12 and deflect the tire 12 from entering the forward vehicle region. In one exemplary embodiment, the forward vehicle area includes a footrest, a post, a dashboard, etc. area.

In one example, the upper forward mounting member 30 is coupled directly to the main side rail 20, the rearward mounting member 34 is coupled to the vehicle center frame member 40, and the lower forward mounting member 32 is coupled to the lower side rail 42 that extends below the main side rail 20. The front end of the upper forward mounting member 30 is directly coupled to the main longitudinal beam 20. The upper forward mounting member 30 transitions to the rearward mounting member 34 via a first member 44 extending rearward and a second member 46 spaced from the first member 44 by an open area. The second member 46 also extends rearwardly and is in an outboard position relative to the first member 44. Thus, the first and second members 44, 46 each have a front portion connected to the upper forward mounting member 30 and a rear portion connected to the rearward mounting member 34, as shown in FIG. 5. The deflector 36 extends outwardly from the second member 46 and includes an outer engagement surface 50 that engages the tire 12 when a threshold load is exceeded.

The first and second members 44, 46 extend below and rearward of the upper forward mounting member 30 to connect to the rearward mounting member 34, which is vertically lower relative to ground than the upper forward mounting member 30. The rear mounting member 34 is configured to be connected to a center frame of the vehicle 10.

In one example, the deflector 36 is integrally formed with the node assembly 18 as a one-piece component. In one exemplary embodiment, the node assembly 18 includes three-dimensional printed components such that the upper forward mounting component 30, the lower forward mounting component 32, the rearward mounting component 34, and the deflector 36 comprise a unitary, integrated, one-piece component. Any type of three-dimensional printing technique may be used to form the components. For example, Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM), and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) may be used to form the node assembly 18. By integrating the deflector 36 into the node assembly 18, no additional components are required and the assembly fits within the existing package/tire envelope area.

Referring now to fig. 6A and 6E, rigid barrier 26 may be utilized in conjunction with the SORB test. FIG. 6A shows the node assembly 18 prior to contact of the tire 12 with the rigid barrier 26. When rigid barrier 26 and the forward region of vehicle 10 are moved relative to each other, rigid barrier 26 is brought into contact with tire 12, which is then urged into contact with node-integrated deflector 36, as shown in FIG. 6B. The outer engagement surface 50 of the deflector 36 then forces the tire 12 to slide in the outboard direction until the tire 12 is separated from the vehicle 10, as shown in fig. 6C. Once the tire 12 is disengaged, the outer engagement surface 50 of the deflector 36 contacts the outer surface 52 of the rigid barrier 26 as shown in FIG. 6D. The deflector 36 is configured such that the exterior engagement surface 50 provides a pivot contact area that rotates the vehicle 10, as indicated at 54 in fig. 6E, and rebounds away from the rigid barrier 26.

Thus, the node assembly 18 includes an integrated deflector 36 for deflecting the tire 12 from entering the forward vehicle region, and when the tire is separated from the vehicle, an outer engagement surface 50 of the deflector 36 is configured to engage a barrier surface 52 to provide a pivot region to rotate the vehicle 10 and rebound the vehicle 10 away from the barrier 26.

Although particular component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the disclosure. In other words, the placement and orientation of the various components shown may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the various drawings that accompany the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of particular components.

The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

According to the present invention, there is provided a frame assembly having: a main stringer; and a node assembly attached to the main stringer, the node assembly comprising: a forward mounting member, a rearward mounting member, and a deflector extending between the forward and rearward mounting members, and wherein the deflector is configured to engage and deflect a tire from entering a forward vehicle region when a load applied to a front of a vehicle exceeds a threshold load.

According to one embodiment, the forward mounting member is directly coupled to the main longitudinal beam.

According to one embodiment, the rearward mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member.

According to one embodiment, the node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to a lower stringer.

According to one embodiment, the lower longitudinal beam extends below the main longitudinal beam.

According to one embodiment, the deflector is integrally formed as a single piece with the node assembly.

According to one embodiment, the node assembly includes a three-dimensional printing component.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a first member extending rearwardly from the forward mounting member; and a second member spaced from the first member and extending rearwardly from the forward mounting member at an outboard location relative to the first member, and wherein the deflector extends outwardly from the second member.

According to one embodiment, the deflector includes an outer engagement surface that engages the tire when the threshold load is exceeded and deflects the tire from entering the forward vehicle region.

According to one embodiment, when the tire is separated from the vehicle, the exterior engagement surface is configured to engage a barrier surface and provide a pivot area to rotate the vehicle and rebound the vehicle away from the barrier surface.

According to one embodiment, the main stringer comprises: a rear end coupled to the node assembly; and a front end associated with a canister member coupled to the bumper.

According to one embodiment, the node assembly is positioned adjacent to a wheel well area within the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the forward mounting member is directly coupled to the main rail and the rearward mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member, and wherein the node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to a lower rail that extends below the main rail, and wherein the deflector is integrally formed as a single piece with the node assembly.

According to the present invention, there is provided a frame assembly having: a main stringer; and a node assembly attached to the main stringer, the node assembly comprising: an upper forward mounting member, a lower forward mounting member, a rearward mounting member, and a deflector extending between the upper forward mounting member and the rearward mounting member, and wherein the deflector is configured to engage and deflect a tire from entering a forward vehicle region when a load applied to a front of a vehicle exceeds a threshold load.

According to one embodiment, the upper forward mounting member is coupled directly to the main longitudinal beam, the rearward mounting member is coupled to a vehicle center frame member, and the lower forward mounting member is coupled to a lower longitudinal beam that extends below the main longitudinal beam.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a first member extending rearwardly from the upper forward mounting member; and a second member spaced from the first member and extending rearwardly from the upper forward mounting member at an outboard location relative to the first member, and wherein the deflector extends outwardly from the second member and includes an outer engagement surface that engages the tire when the threshold load is exceeded and deflects the tire from entering the forward vehicle area, and the outer engagement surface is configured to engage and provide a pivot area for rotating the vehicle and rebounding the vehicle away from the barrier surface when the tire is disengaged from the vehicle.

According to the present invention, a vehicle frame load absorbing method includes: providing a node assembly having: a forward mounting member directly coupled to a main rail; a rear mounting member coupled to a vehicle center frame member; and a deflector extending between the forward and rearward mounting members; applying a load exceeding a threshold load to a front portion of the vehicle; engaging an outer engagement surface of the deflector with a tire to deflect the tire from entering a forward vehicle region when the threshold load is exceeded; and when the tire is subsequently separated from the vehicle, engaging the outer engagement surface of the deflector with a barrier surface to provide a pivot area to rotate the vehicle and rebound the vehicle away from the barrier surface.

In one aspect of the invention, the method includes integrally forming the deflector, the forward mounting member and the rearward mounting member as a one-piece component.

In one aspect of the invention, the method includes forming the one-piece component using three-dimensional printing.

In one aspect of the invention, the node assembly includes a second forward mounting member coupled to a lower longitudinal beam extending below the main longitudinal beam.