Load path as a new analysis tool has been widely used in structural design and assessment of load-bearing performance, but it still lacks effective guidance for structural improvement. In this paper, a new structural improvement method of vehicle component based on the load path and load distribution analysis is proposed. Firstly, according to the structural function and design requirements, the potential regions and parameters need to be optimized are identified based on the load path and load distribution analysis using Ustar and U*sum indexes. Secondly, taking the smoother Ustar on the load path and more effective use of the materials as the design criteria, the optimization suggestions are given. Then, as a case study, a safety hook on an automobile is redesigned and the new structure is compared with the original design. The results show that the Ustar becomes smoother and U*sum becomes more uniform. In addition, the stiffness and strength of the safety hook are improved by 25.29 % and 23.44 %, respectively. Finally, the failure tests show that the ultimate load of the safety hook is enhanced by 13.72 %. The method provides clear and effective guidance for structural improvement from the perspective of load path and load distribution.

载荷路径作为一种新的分析工具，在结构设计和承载性能评估中得到了广泛的应用，但仍缺乏对结构改进的有效指导。本文提出了一种基于载荷路径和载荷分布分析的车辆部件结构改进新方法。首先，根据结构功能和设计要求，利用Ustar和U *sum指标，基于载荷路径和载荷分布分析，识别出需要优化的潜在区域和参数。其次，取更流畅的Ustar以载荷路径和更有效地利用材料为设计准则，给出优化建议。然后，作为案例研究，重新设计了汽车上的安全钩，并将新结构与原始设计进行了比较。结果表明，Ustar变得更平滑，U *sum 变得更均匀。此外，安全钩的刚度和强度分别提高了25.29%和23.44%。最后，失效试验表明，安全钩的极限载荷提高了13.72%。该方法从载荷路径和载荷分布的角度为结构改进提供了清晰有效的指导。