STRUCTURAL AND VEHICLE REINFORCEMENT DEVICE

Description

STRUCTURAL AND VEHICLE REINFORCEMENT DEVICE Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention is situated in the field of structural components for automotive vehicles, more specifically in the development of structural reinforcement devices designed to limit the displacement of engine mounts during impacts, ensuring greater safety and resistance of the system. The device is adaptable to different engine configurations and platforms, being designed to improve performance in collisions, reduce damage to adjacent components and meet vehicle safety requirements, without compromising economic viability or compatibility with existing systems. Background of the Invention

[0002] This patent application relates to a structural reinforcement device developed for application in vehicle engine support systems, with the aim of improving safety and resistance during collisions. In the automotive industry, the constant advancement of technologies and the need to meet increasingly stringent safety standards have driven the development of innovative solutions that reconcile performance, cost and compatibility between different platforms.

[0003] Engine support systems are designed to ensure the secure attachment of the engine to the vehicle chassis, reducing vibrations and absorbing dynamic loads generated during normal operation. However, in impact scenarios, these systems face additional challenges. Excessive movement of the engine support during a collision can cause damage to adjacent components, such as the engine cover or fuel lines, compromising the structural integrity of the assembly and increasing the risk of catastrophic failures.

[0004] Currently available solutions include structural reinforcements using high-strength materials or complex designs, such as supports with multiple attachment points or specialized geometries. While effective, these approaches have significant limitations. They often increase manufacturing costs and hinder the universal application of parts across different engine and platform configurations, requiring additional modifications to existing components.

[0005] Another challenge faced by conventional solutions is the difficulty in balancing cost-effectiveness and performance. Components with advanced materials or processes Petition 870250003858, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 9 / 21 2 / 7 tend to increase production costs, while design changes often result in greater complexity in assembly and logistics management. In vehicles that use shared platforms, these limitations can directly affect the economic and technical viability of the project.

[0006] Therefore, there is a clear need for a structural reinforcement device that offers an efficient solution to mitigate the effects of impacts, ensuring the safety of adjacent components without compromising compatibility with existing systems or increasing production costs. This solution must be robust, easy to implement, and capable of meeting the different engine and support configurations present in various automotive platforms.

[0007] Some prior art documents have attempted to solve this problem, as can be seen below:

[0008] KR1024078732021- The present invention relates to a support integrated into an engine mount. More specifically, the support integrated into the engine mount comprises: a mounting bracket fixed to the vehicle body; an insulator combined with the mounting bracket and provided with a fastening part; a main body positioned at the bottom of the insulator; an orifice disposed inside the main body; a diaphragm located at the bottom of the orifice; a ring plate that combines the main body, the orifice and the diaphragm; and a support with an insertion part designed to be pressed into the fastening part of the insulator and mounted on the engine.

[0009] KR1018467842017 - The present invention relates to an active damping device for vehicles, in which a support connecting the engine to the engine mount is designed to perform the functions of a mass damper and an active damper. The support structure is adapted to act as a mass damper, using a mass, and as an active damper, using an actuator, aiming to maximize dynamic stiffness and minimize vibration transmitted from the engine to the mount. Furthermore, the vibration is directed in a specific direction.

[0010] Existing solutions fail to offer an effective alternative for structural reinforcement devices in motor support systems, capable of limiting the displacement of the supports during impacts without compromising compatibility with different motor configurations, structural safety, or the economic viability of the project. Objectives of the Invention Petition 870250003858, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 10 / 21 3 / 7

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a structural reinforcement device configured to limit the displacement of engine mounts during impacts, ensuring greater safety and structural strength.

[0012] The present invention also aims to provide a device compatible with different engine configurations and vehicle platforms, allowing its universal application without the need for significant modifications to existing systems.

[0013] It is still one of the objectives of the present invention to develop a device with simplified manufacturing, which contributes to the reduction of production and assembly costs, without compromising its durability and efficiency. Brief Description of the Invention

[0014] The present invention discloses a structural reinforcement device comprising at least one fastening system. Said fastening system comprising at least one fastening point on the engine cover and at least 4 fastening points on the engine mount.

[0015] The aforementioned structural reinforcement device is configured to limit the movement of the motor support during impacts, increasing the safety and structural strength of the assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, the fastening system shall be installed using fastening means. Said fastening means are configured to connect said fastening point on the engine cover to said fastening point on the engine mount.

[0017] The aforementioned fastening means are threaded screws.

[0018] In addition, the aforementioned attachment point on the engine cover (1) is positioned to prevent axial displacement of the engine mount during frontal collisions.

[0019] The mounting point on the engine mount is configured to withstand tensile and compressive forces.

[0020] It is also important to highlight that the aforementioned structural reinforcement device is configured to absorb some of the energy generated during the impact, reducing damage to the engine components.

[0021] Moreover, the mounting system is compatible with different engine configurations and engine mounts.

[0022] The aforementioned structural reinforcement device is manufactured from cast iron.

[0023] Furthermore, the aforementioned reinforcement device has a thickness between 4.90 mm and 5.10 mm. Petition 870250003858, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 11 / 21 4 / 7 mm.

[0024] Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fastening means are M8 screws.

[0025] The total weight of the said reinforcement device is between 0.397 kg and 0.407 kg.

[0026] Furthermore, it is worth noting that the outer surface of the aforementioned reinforcement device is treated with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0027] Nevertheless, the connection interface with the motor support (2) includes a metal bushing configured to reduce frictional wear during impacts.

[0028] The present invention further discloses a vehicle comprising a structural reinforcement device (100) as described earlier in this descriptive report. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] The present invention will be described in more detail after the presentation of the figures, which contain a preferred configuration. The Figures show: Figure 1 illustrates a view of the present invention installed in a vehicle. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the aforementioned structural reinforcement device. Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the aforementioned structural reinforcement device.

[0030] The reference elements present in the figures are: 100 - structural reinforcement device; 1 - fixing point on the engine cover; 2 - fixing point on the engine support; 3 - fixing means; 10 - fixing system. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] Before the invention is detailed, it is important to understand that it is not limited to the specific components of the described device, as these may vary. It is also relevant to emphasize that the terminology employed serves only to describe particular embodiments and should not be seen as limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this descriptive report and associated claims, the singular forms a, an, and the can refer to both singular and plural elements, unless the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when ranges of numerical parameters are provided, they are considered to include limiting values.

[0032] It should also be understood that the modalities presented here should not be viewed in isolation or disconnected. The characteristics described for one modality are also applicable to the other modalities mentioned. If a Petition 870250003858, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, p. 12 / 21 5 / 7 If a specific characteristic is mentioned in one modality but not in another, the specialist in the field would understand that this does not necessarily imply that the characteristic should not be considered for the other modality. The specialist would understand that the objective of this request is to reveal the characteristic also for other modalities, but, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, this has not been explicitly stated in each case.

[0033] The present invention discloses a structural reinforcement device 100, comprising at least one fastening system 10. Said fastening system 10 comprises at least one fastening point on the engine cover 1 and at least one fastening point on the engine support 2.

[0034] Regarding the present invention, the structural reinforcement device 100 is configured to limit the movement of the motor support during impacts, increasing the safety and structural strength of the assembly.

[0035] In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, said fastening system 10 is installed using fastening means 3. Said fastening means are configured to connect said fastening point on the engine cover 1 to said fastening point on the engine support 2.

[0036] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, the said fastening means are threaded screws.

[0037] Regarding another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment point on the engine cover 1 is positioned to prevent lateral displacement of the engine mount during collisions. This preferred embodiment ensures that structural stability is maintained even in high-energy scenarios, contributing to the integrity of the system and the safety of the vehicle as a whole.

[0038] Still in the same preferred configuration of the present invention, the said fixing point on the motor support 2 is configured to withstand tensile and compressive forces.

[0039] The present invention further anticipates that, preferably, said structural reinforcement device 100 is configured to absorb part of the energy generated during the impact, reducing damage to engine components.

[0040] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, the outer surface is treated with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0041] Preferably, the aforementioned structural reinforcement device 100 is made of material Petition 870250003858, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 13 / 21 6 / 7 metallic, more specifically, cast iron. Alternatively, the present invention is made of one of the materials selected from the group comprising: carbon steel, stainless steel.

[0042] In a preferred configuration, the structural reinforcement device has a thickness between 4.90 mm and 5.10 mm, more preferably 5.00 mm, ensuring a balance between structural strength and lightness.

[0043] In another preferred configuration, the structural reinforcement device has a total length between 105 mm and 110 mm, more preferably 107 mm, allowing its compatibility with different motor configurations.

[0044] Preferably, the structural reinforcement device is manufactured with a total weight between 0.397 kg and 0.407 kg, more preferably 0.402 kg, ensuring that the additional weight does not compromise engine performance.

[0045] Preferably, the device fastening system is designed to use screws with a nominal diameter between 8.0 mm and 12.0 mm, more preferably between 8.0 mm and 9.0 mm, and even more preferably 8.0 mm, ensuring secure fastening under impact conditions.

[0046] The present invention discloses a structural reinforcement device developed to improve the safety and resistance of engine support systems in impact situations. With preferred configurations that allow its application in different platforms and engines, the device combines suitable materials, optimized dimensional parameters and compatibility with existing components, offering a versatile and effective solution. Furthermore, the described technical characteristics guarantee the functionality of the device in critical scenarios, contributing to the reduction of damage and the structural integrity of the assembly.

[0047] The present invention further discloses a vehicle comprising at least one structural reinforcement device 100, as described in this descriptive report.

[0048] Preferably, the vehicle in question is a passenger car. In alternative configurations of the present invention, the vehicle in question may be a bus, truck, van, or pickup truck.

[0049] All combinations of elements that perform the same function in a substantially similar manner, using equivalent methods and producing the same results as the elements specified in the claims, are included within the scope of this invention. This means that even if a variation of elements performs the Petition 870250003858, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, p. 14 / 21 7 / 7 function in a slightly different way, provided that the result is essentially the same, these variations are also protected by the patent. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the scope of protection conferred by this invention is not limited only to the literal content of the claims described, but also includes variations or modifications that may be considered equivalent.

[0050] It is necessary to observe that the attached drawings, although representing the ideas and concepts of the invention, have not necessarily been drawn to scale and serve only to illustrate conceptually the possible configurations of the elements. This choice aims only to facilitate the understanding of the invention and not to restrict the interpretation of the claims to a specific or exact dimension. Furthermore, all combinations of elements that perform the same function in an essentially equivalent way, even if they operate slightly differently, are protected by the scope of the invention. The patent protection, therefore, covers a wide range of potential variations that may differ in their specific characteristics, but which achieve the same results.This flexibility allows the invention to protect not only the exact forms described, but also other possible variations and modifications, including so-called equivalents, which fall within the broader scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Structural reinforcement device (100), characterized by comprising at least one fastening system (10); wherein said fastening system (10) comprises at least one fastening point on the engine cover (1) and at least one fastening point on the engine mount (2); wherein the structural reinforcement device (100) is configured to limit the movement of the engine mount during impacts.

2. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fastening system (10) is installed using fastening means (3); said fastening means being configured to connect said fastening point on the engine cover (1) to said fastening point on the engine support (2).

3. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to Claim 1, characterized in that said fastening means (3) are threaded screws.

4. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment point on the engine cover (1) is positioned to prevent lateral displacement of the engine support during collisions.

5. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment point on the motor support (2) is configured to withstand tensile and compressive forces.

6. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural reinforcement device (100) is configured to absorb part of the energy generated during the impact.

7. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening system (10) is compatible with different configurations of motors and motor mounts.

8. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of cast iron.

9. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by having a thickness between 4.90 mm and 5.10 mm. Petition 870250003858, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 16 / 21 2 / 2 10. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fastening means are M8 screws.

11. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by having a total weight between 0.397 kg and 0.407 kg.

12. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer surface is treated with an anti-corrosion coating.

13. Structural reinforcement device (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection interface with the motor support (2) includes a metal bushing configured to reduce wear due to friction during impacts.

14. Vehicle characterized by comprising a structural reinforcement device (100) as described in any of the preceding claims.

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