Cross car beam system, method for setting a natural frequency of a steering column, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cross car beam system (200) for a motor vehicle (300), comprising a base beam (10), which is designed to be connected, at each base beam end region (11), to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle (300), a steering column holder (20), which is connected to the base beam (10) and is designed to be connected to a steering column, and at least one reinforcement strut holder (150), which is designed to hold a reinforcement strut (100) which can be disposed between the base beam (10) and the steering column holder (20). In a free state (I) the reinforcement strut holder (150) remains free, resulting in a first natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column holder (20), and in a reinforced state (II) the reinforcement strut (100) is held in the reinforcement strut holder (150), resulting in a second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column holder (20). The invention also relates to a method for setting a natural frequency of a steering column and to a motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Modular cross member system, method for adjusting a natural frequency of a steering column and motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a modular cross member system, a method and a motor vehicle.

[0004] When constructing a motor vehicle's chassis or frame, load-bearing components are connected to one another, particularly by cross members. At the front of the vehicle, for example, the bumper, an upper front cross member, and the windscreen support cross member form key cross connections of the vehicle frame.

[0005] In addition to connecting the individual parts of the vehicle frame, cross members typically serve the purpose of allowing additional modules to be attached to them. In particular, cockpit components can be attached to a cross member.

[0006] Often, at least individual parts of the chassis or frame are developed and used not just for a single vehicle type, but as part of a platform or modular system to reduce development and manufacturing costs. An example of such a modular system is the modular transverse matrix, or MQB for short, for cars with transversely mounted engines and transmissions. Volkswagen uses this system in models such as the Audi A3 8V, Golf VII, Seat Leon III, and Skoda Octavia III.

[0007] However, individual vehicle models may have different chassis requirements. For example, a specific product line may require increased noise protection or haptic performance.

[0008] This may require the design of separate chassis for these product lines or vehicle models, which cannot be taken from the platform or modular solution. This can result in increased costs for the development and production of the vehicle.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular cross member system, a method for adjusting the natural frequency of a steering column, and a vehicle in which the natural frequency of a steering column can be adjusted flexibly and cost-effectively.

[0010] The above object is achieved by a modular cross member system having the features of claim 1, a method having the features of claim 8, and a motor vehicle having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the modular cross member system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the method according to the invention and / or the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reciprocal reference is or can always be made.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a modular cross member system for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising:

[0012] - a base support which is designed to be connected to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle at each base support end area,

[0013] - a steering column holder which is connected to the base support and is designed to be connected to a steering column, and

[0014] - at least one reinforcement strut receptacle which is designed to receive a reinforcement strut which can be arranged between the base support and the steering column receptacle, wherein in a free state the reinforcement strut receptacle remains free, thereby resulting in a first natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle, and in a reinforced state the reinforcement strut is received in the reinforcement strut receptacle, thereby resulting in a second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle.

[0015] In other words, according to the invention, an assembly can be provided which has a support element with at least two ends, wherein the ends can be connected to an A-pillar of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the assembly has a connecting assembly which is intended to receive a steering column, wherein the connecting assembly is arranged on the base support. Also provided on the assembly is a receiving assembly which is designed to be connected to a reinforcing element, wherein the receiving assembly is provided between the support element and the connecting assembly. This assembly according to the invention can be put into at least two different states, wherein in a fitted state the reinforcing element is received in the connecting assembly and in an unfitted state the connecting assembly remains free, thereby resulting in different natural frequencies of an installable steering column.

[0016] In this context, a motor vehicle is understood to mean any motor vehicle, in particular land, water, and air vehicles, that is powered by an engine. In particular, the motor vehicle can be a passenger car (PKW) and / or a truck (LWK).

[0017] The base support may be a cross member of a vehicle frame of the motor vehicle. In particular, the cross member may be arranged on the front end of the vehicle. The cross member may be designed as a substantially elongated, particularly tubular, component.

[0018] The base support has two base support end areas. In other words, the base support has at least two ends. The ends can be suitable for connection to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, special mounts, particularly as independent components, can be provided. It can also be provided that welding areas are provided at the base support end areas, where welding can take place.

[0019] In the context of the invention, an A-pillar is understood to be a supporting vehicle pillar that connects a roof area to a body substructure. In other words, an A-pillar can serve as a connection between the vehicle roof and a front bulkhead of the motor vehicle.

[0020] A steering column mount can comprise a steering column mount area into which the steering column can be inserted and connected to the steering column mount. In other words, the steering column mount forms at least one volume into which the steering column can be at least partially inserted when it is connected to the steering column mount. Provision can be made for the steering column mount to be designed as a spatially physical object. In particular, the steering column mount can have at least one projection and / or a recess that surrounds the steering column when it is connected to the steering column mount.

[0021] In the context of the invention, a reinforcement strut mount can be a spatially physical object designed to accommodate a reinforcement strut. In particular, the reinforcement strut mount can be designed in the form of at least one projection and / or one receptacle. Furthermore, holes for screws or similar connecting means can be provided in the reinforcement strut mount. This simplifies the connection between the reinforcement strut and the reinforcement strut mount during assembly.

[0022] It can also be specified that the reinforcement strut mount is designed as a space that can be occupied by the reinforcement strut. In other words, a free space corresponding to a reinforcement strut can be provided in the modular cross member system. This represents a particularly cost-effective option if a reinforcement strut does not normally need to be installed.

[0023] The reinforcing strut may be provided with a square, in particular substantially trapezoidal, base shape. This allows for a particularly cost-effective connection to the reinforcing strut mount.

[0024] Within the scope of the invention, a free state is understood to mean that no reinforcement strut is arranged in the reinforcement strut receptacle and / or no reinforcement strut is connected to the base support or any other component of the modular cross member system. In this free state, the modular cross member system continues to function, namely to provide a connection between the corresponding parts of the vehicle frame and to connect modules that can be attached to the cross member.

[0025] The free state differs from the reinforced state by the reinforcing strut arranged in the at least one reinforcing strut receptacle. It may be provided that, in addition to the at least one reinforcing strut receptacle, further reinforcing strut receptacles are provided. These can be designed to accommodate additional reinforcing struts.

[0026] A reinforcing strut in the context of the invention can be a spatially physical object. This can be designed to change the mechanical properties of the components connected to the reinforcing strut, in particular to increase their rigidity.

[0027] A natural frequency is understood to be a natural mode or a normal mode of a system capable of vibration. The connection of the steering column to the steering column mount, or indirectly to the modular cross member system, results in a natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column mount. This natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column mount can depend on the mechanical properties, in particular the stiffness of the steering column mount, the base support, and other components mechanically connected to these components, in particular the reinforcement strut.

[0028] Overall, the modular cross member system according to the invention offers the advantage that the natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column mount can be flexibly adjusted by connecting or not connecting the reinforcement strut, depending on the requirements of the modular cross member system or motor vehicle. If the requirements for the rigidity or natural frequency of the steering column are not particularly high, the reinforcement strut can be omitted. However, if increased rigidity or natural frequency requirements are placed on it, one or more reinforcement struts can be inserted into the reinforcement strut mount. This means that different motor vehicle models or product lines can be built with one and the same modular cross member system, which have different natural frequencies of the steering columns. This reduces the development effort for the motor vehicles as well as the costs of manufacturing the corresponding motor vehicle.

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the reinforcing strut to comprise a foam and / or an at least partially increased wall thickness and / or a reinforcing sheet. In other words, various measures can be provided for the reinforcing struts by which the stiffness of the reinforcing strut can be adjusted.

[0030] The modular cross member system can be designed to be compatible with a variety of reinforcement struts, with at least two reinforcement struts having different stiffness-enhancing measures. In particular, the stiffness-enhancing measures can be the variants mentioned (foam, increased wall thickness, reinforcement sheet).

[0031] It can be provided that the reinforcement strut, in particular a hollow space within the reinforcement strut, is filled with foam. This increases the stiffness of the reinforcement strut while simultaneously causing only a slight increase in the weight of the component. This can reduce the vehicle's costs both during production and operation.

[0032] It can also be provided that the wall thickness of the reinforcement strut is at least partially increased. This can also achieve the advantage of increasing the rigidity of the reinforcement strut itself and thus also of the steering column, resulting in a lower natural frequency. Another option for reducing the natural frequency is to provide a reinforcement plate on and / or in the reinforcement strut.

[0033] Furthermore, in a modular cross member system according to the invention, it is conceivable for the reinforcement strut to have a tunnel support surface that can be brought into contact with a tunnel support, wherein the tunnel support is connectable to the base support, and / or for the reinforcement strut to have a base support surface that can be brought into contact with the base support, and / or for the reinforcement strut to have a steering column receiving surface that can be brought into contact with the steering column receptacle. In other words, for supporting the reinforcement strut on the base support, the steering column receptacle, and / or a tunnel support surface, surfaces can be provided which rest, in particular, flat against the components arranged on the reinforcement strut. This represents a particularly simple and at the same time cost-effective way of establishing a mechanical connection between these components and simultaneously increasing the rigidity of the system.

[0034] The modular cross member system can be provided with a tunnel support, which in particular has a driver-side and / or passenger-side tunnel support. It can also be provided that the tunnel support surface of the reinforcement strut can be brought into contact with the driver-side tunnel support. This provides the advantage that a connection to the tunnel support can be achieved using a relatively small reinforcement strut (compared to a support on the passenger-side tunnel support), which nevertheless results in an improvement in the natural frequency of the steering column.

[0035] Preferably, in a modular cross member system according to the invention, at least one further reinforcement strut can be provided, in particular wherein the further reinforcement strut differs from the reinforcement strut in its geometry and / or its mechanical properties. In other words, it can be provided that further, different reinforcement struts are provided, which differ from one another in their mechanical properties such that correspondingly different natural frequencies result for the connected steering columns. The reinforcement struts can differ from one another in the measures for increasing mechanical stability. For example, the wall thicknesses of the reinforcement struts can differ from one another.This offers the advantage of allowing for flexibility in omitting or installing one or more reinforcement struts, as well as a choice of different reinforcement struts. This allows the modular cross member system to be used for a variety of vehicles, even those with different requirements regarding the natural frequency of the steering column, without the need to develop separate modular cross member systems for each vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, in a modular cross member system according to the invention, it is conceivable that the first natural frequency and / or second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column mount lies between 50 Hz and 20 Hz, in particular between 40 Hz and 25 Hz. In other words, the modular cross member system can achieve a natural frequency in the low double-digit Hertz range in both states. In these frequency ranges, the mechanical stability of the steering column is perceived as particularly pleasant by most users. It can be provided that the reinforcing strut and / or further reinforcing struts is / are designed in such a way that receiving the reinforcing strut(s) in the at least one reinforcing strut mount brings about a reduction in the natural frequency by a factor of two. This achieves a noticeable improvement in the mechanical properties of the steering column.

[0037] Furthermore, in a modular cross member system according to the invention, it is conceivable for the reinforcement strut to have a connection area designed to be connected to a body part, in particular an A-pillar of the motor vehicle. This achieves the advantage of eliminating the need for a separate connection area of ​​the base support or another component that serves solely to connect the A-pillar of the motor vehicle to the base support. This allows for further cost reduction by avoiding development costs for a corresponding component or during the manufacture of the motor vehicle.

[0038] Furthermore, in a modular cross member system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that a connecting end piece is provided at at least one end of the base support, which is designed to be connected to a body part, in particular an A-pillar of the motor vehicle. The connecting end piece can achieve the advantage that the base support can be easily connected to the A-pillar. Furthermore, the connection to the A-pillar can be made independently of the provision or non-provision of the reinforcing strut. It can be provided that a connecting end piece is provided only at the end of the base support at which no reinforcing strut is provided.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting a natural frequency of a steering column, in particular with the modular cross member system according to the invention, is provided, comprising: - providing a base support which is designed to be connected to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle at each base support end region,

[0040] - Providing a steering column holder and connecting it to the base support, wherein the steering column holder is designed to be connected to a steering column,

[0041] - Providing at least one reinforcement strut receptacle which is designed to receive a reinforcement strut which can be arranged between the base support and the steering column receptacle,

[0042] - Selecting between a free state in which the reinforcement strut holder remains free, resulting in a first natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column holder, and a reinforced state in which the reinforcement strut is received in the reinforcement strut holder, resulting in a second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column holder.

[0043] Thus, a method according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a module cross member system according to the invention.

[0044] Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that in the reinforced state, at least two reinforcing struts are selected which differ in their mechanical properties in such a way that different natural frequencies of the steering column connected to the steering column holder result.

[0045] In other words, the method can be provided for, in connection with the production of different motor vehicles, a selection between different reinforcement struts is provided, the installation of which results in different natural frequencies of the steering column. This achieves the advantage that, in addition to the installation or non-installation of one or more reinforcement struts, even with the always-planned installation of at least one reinforcement strut, there is still the freedom to achieve different natural frequencies of the steering column.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is provided, in particular comprising a modular cross member system according to the invention, comprising:

[0047] - a base support which is designed to be connected to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle at each base support end area,

[0048] - a steering column receptacle which is connected to the base support and is designed to be connected to a steering column, and - at least one reinforcing strut receptacle which is designed to receive a reinforcing strut which can be arranged between the base support and the steering column receptacle, wherein in a free state the reinforcing strut receptacle remains free, thereby resulting in a first natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle, and in a reinforced state the reinforcing strut is arranged in the reinforcing strut receptacle, thereby resulting in a second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle.

[0049] In particular, the motor vehicle has a steering column which is connected to the steering column mount.

[0050] Thus, a motor vehicle according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a modular cross member system according to the invention and / or a method according to the invention.

[0051] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically:

[0052] Figure 1: a schematic view of a module cross beam system in a free

[0053] Condition without the installation of a reinforcement strut,

[0054] Figure 2: a schematic view of a module cross member system in a reinforced

[0055] Condition in which a reinforcement strut is accommodated in the reinforcement strut holder,

[0056] Figure 3: another schematic view of a module cross member system in a reinforced state,

[0057] Figure 4: a perspective view of a modular cross member system for a motor vehicle in a reinforced state, and

[0058] Figure 5: a view of two motor vehicles according to the invention with a

[0059] Modular cross member system, where the natural frequencies of the steering columns of the motor vehicles differ. In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0060] Fig. 1 shows a modular cross member system 200 for a motor vehicle 300 (not shown in Fig. 1, see Fig. 5). The modular cross member system 200 comprises a base support 10, which is designed to be connected to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle 300 at each base support end region 11, a steering column mount 20, which is connected to the base support 10 and designed to be connected to a steering column, and at least one reinforcement strut mount 150, which is designed to receive a reinforcement strut 100, which can be arranged between the base support 10 and the steering column mount 20.

[0061] The steering column holder 20 shown comprises a steering column holder area 21 into which the steering column can be inserted and connected to the steering column holder 20.

[0062] In addition, the modular cross member system 200 in the example of Fig. 1 also has a tunnel support 30, each having a driver-side tunnel support 31 and a passenger-side tunnel support 32. A tunnel support region 33 is formed between the driver-side tunnel support 31 and the passenger-side tunnel support 32. The tunnel support 30 is connected to the base support 10 and arranged between the base support end regions 11. Also provided on the base support end regions 11 are receiving recesses 12, into which screws or similar fastening means can be inserted in order to connect the A-pillar to the base support 10. Furthermore, in the example of Fig. 1, the base support end regions 11 each have a tab 50, to which further components of the motor vehicle 300 can be fastened and also increase the mechanical stability of the modular cross member system 200.

[0063] In Fig. 1, the module cross member system 200 is shown in a free state I, wherein in the free state I the reinforcement strut holder 150 remains free, resulting in a first natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column holder 20.

[0064] Overall, the modular cross member system 200 according to the invention offers the advantage that the natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column mount 20 can be flexibly adjusted by connecting or not connecting the reinforcement strut 100 depending on the requirements of the modular cross member system 200 or motor vehicle 300. If the requirements for the rigidity or natural frequency of the steering column are not particularly high, the reinforcement strut 100 can be omitted. However, if increased requirements for the rigidity or natural frequency are placed, one or more reinforcement struts 100 can be inserted into the reinforcement strut mount 150. Thus, with one and the same modular cross member system 200, different motor vehicle models or product lines can be constructed which have different natural frequencies of the steering column.This reduces the development effort for the motor vehicles 300 as well as the costs of manufacturing the corresponding motor vehicle 300.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows a module cross member system 200 in a reinforced state II, wherein in the reinforced state II the reinforcing strut 100 is received in the reinforcing strut receptacle 150, resulting in a second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle 20.

[0066] Several different variants of the reinforcing strut 100 can be provided. For example, the reinforcing strut 100 can comprise a foam and / or an at least partially increased wall thickness and / or a reinforcing sheet. As can also be seen from Fig. 2, at least one further reinforcing strut 160 can be provided, in particular wherein the further reinforcing strut 160 differs in its geometry from the reinforcing strut 100. However, it can also be provided that the further reinforcing strut 160 is identical to the reinforcing strut 100 or is mirror-symmetrical to it. This increases the number of identical parts, which allows for further cost savings.

[0067] In Fig. 2, the reinforcement strut 100 also has a connection area 110, which is designed to be connected to a body part, in particular an A-pillar of the motor vehicle 300. The connection area can have a connection recess 111 in which screws or similar connecting elements can be arranged, establishing a connection to the A-pillar of the motor vehicle 300.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the modular cross member system 200. As in Fig. 2, this is in a reinforced state II. However, it differs from the example in Fig. 2 in the way in which a connection to the A-pillar is enabled.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 3, a connecting end piece 40 can be provided at at least one end of the base support 10, which is designed to be connected to a body part, in particular an A-pillar of the motor vehicle 300. Such a connecting end piece 40 can have a connecting recess 41 in which screws or similar connecting elements can connect the connecting end piece 40 to the A-pillar. Furthermore, a connecting tab 42 can be provided on the connecting end piece 40, to which additional components can be attached.

[0070] Fig. 4 shows the module cross member system 200 in a perspective view, also in a reinforced state II. In this Fig. 4 it can also be seen that the steering column holder 20 can further have a front wall support 22, which is designed to support the steering column holder 20 on the front wall of the motor vehicle 300 in order to obtain increased mechanical stability of the steering column holder 20 and the steering column.

[0071] As can be seen in Fig. 4, it can further be provided that the reinforcing strut 100 has a tunnel support surface 120 which can be brought into contact with a tunnel support 30, wherein the tunnel support 30 can be connected to the base support 10, and / or that the reinforcing strut 100 has a base support surface 130 which can be brought into contact with the base support 10, and / or that the reinforcing strut 100 has a steering column receiving surface 140 which can be brought into contact with the steering column receptacle 20.

[0072] Finally, Fig. 5 shows two motor vehicles 300, each having a modular cross member system 200. The different states I and II result in different natural frequencies of the steering columns installed in the motor vehicles 300, even though they are constructed with the same cross member system.

[0073] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] List of reference symbols

[0075] Base carrier

[0076] Base support end area

[0077] Recess

[0078] Steering column mount

[0079] Steering column mounting area

[0080] Front wall support

[0081] Tunnel support

[0082] Tunnel support driver's side

[0083] Tunnel support passenger side

[0084] Tunnel support area

[0085] Connection end piece

[0086] Connection recess

[0087] Connection tab

[0088] tab

[0089] Reinforcing strut

[0090] Connection area

[0091] Connection recess

[0092] Tunnel support surface

[0093] Base support surface

[0094] Steering column mounting surface

[0095] Reinforcement strut holder additional reinforcement strut

[0096] Modular cross member system

[0097] Motor vehicle free condition reinforced condition

Claims

Claims Modular cross member system (200) for a motor vehicle (300), comprising: - a base support (10) which is designed to be connected to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle (300) at each base support end region (11), - a steering column holder (20) which is connected to the base support (10) and is designed to be connected to a steering column, and - at least one reinforcement strut receptacle (150) designed to receive a reinforcement strut (100) that can be arranged between the base support (10) and the steering column receptacle (20), wherein in a free state (I), the reinforcement strut receptacle (150) remains free, resulting in a first natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle (20), and in a reinforced state (II), the reinforcement strut (100) is received in the reinforcement strut receptacle (150), resulting in a second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle (20). The modular cross member system (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcement strut (100) comprises a foam and / or an at least partially increased wall thickness and / or a reinforcement sheet.The modular cross member system (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reinforcing strut (100) has a tunnel support surface (120) that can be brought into contact with a tunnel support (30), wherein the tunnel support (30) is connectable to the base support (10), and / or that the reinforcing strut (100) has a base support surface (130) that can be brought into contact with the base support (10), and / or that the reinforcing strut (100) has a steering column receiving surface (140) that can be brought into contact with the steering column receiving means (20). The modular cross member system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further reinforcing strut (160) is provided, in particular wherein the further reinforcing strut (160) differs in its geometry from the reinforcing strut (100). Modular cross member system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first natural frequency and / or second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column mount (20) is between 50 Hz and 20 Hz, in particular between 40 Hz and 25 Hz. Modular cross member system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing strut (100) has a connection region (110) designed to be connected to a body part, in particular an A-pillar of the motor vehicle (300). Modular cross member system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection end piece (40) is provided on at least one end of the base support (10), which connection end piece is designed to be connected to a body part, in particular an A-pillar of the motor vehicle (300).Method for adjusting a natural frequency of a steering column, in particular with the module cross member system (200) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:. - Providing a base support (10) which is designed to be connected to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle (300) at each base support end region (11), - Providing a steering column holder (20) and connecting it to the base support (10), wherein the steering column holder (20) is designed to be connected to a steering column, - Providing at least one reinforcement strut receptacle (160) which is designed to receive a reinforcement strut (100) which can be arranged between the base support (10) and the steering column receptacle (20), - Selecting between a free state (I), in which the reinforcement strut holder (160) remains free, resulting in a first natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column holder (20), and a reinforced state (II), in which the reinforcement strut (100) is received in the reinforcement strut holder (150), resulting in a second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column holder (20). Method according to claim 8, characterized in that in the reinforced state (II), at least two reinforcement struts (100) are further selected, which differ in their mechanical properties such that different natural frequencies of the steering column connected to the steering column mount (20) result. A motor vehicle (300) comprising a modular cross member system (200), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - a base support (10) which is designed to be connected to an A-pillar of the motor vehicle (300) at each base support end region (11), - a steering column holder (20) which is connected to the base support (10) and is designed to be connected to a steering column, and - at least one reinforcing strut receptacle (150) which is designed to receive a reinforcing strut (100) which can be arranged between the base support (10) and the steering column receptacle (20), wherein in a free state (I) the reinforcing strut receptacle (150) remains free, resulting in a first natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle (20), and in a reinforced state (II) the reinforcing strut (100) is arranged in the reinforcing strut receptacle (150), resulting in a second natural frequency of the steering column connected to the steering column receptacle (20).

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