Acute-Angled Node Element for Space Frame Vehicle Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and inefficiency of producing numerous different node elements for various positions and vehicle types in space frame vehicle body construction, due to the need for customized geometries and profiles, lead to expensive small-series production.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body design that utilizes a node element with acute-angled main surfaces, allowing multiple profiles to be attached at different angles and positions, enabling the same node element to perform different functions across various vehicle types and positions, and incorporating features like flange surfaces and ribbing for enhanced attachment and reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different node elements are produced for different positions and vehicle types, then the vehicle body can be customized for specific geometries, but the production cost increases due to small-series production of many different components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single node element type that can serve multiple functions and positions in different vehicle configurations. The node element is designed with geometric features that allow it to be used in various orientations and combinations, enabling one component type to replace multiple specialized node elements, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability for different vehicle geometries
2Adaptability or versatility
If a node element with acute-angled main surfaces is used, then the same node element can be used in different ways for connections with different angles, but the geometric unfavorability for accommodating components to be connected must be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the geometric unfavorability by utilizing the third dimension (depth/height) of the node element. The acute-angled main surfaces are designed with specific depth characteristics that allow connection components to be accommodated from different spatial directions. This dimensional approach transforms the two-dimensional geometric constraint into a three-dimensional solution, enabling versatile connectivity despite the acute angles
3Adaptability or versatility
If profiles are attached to inner sides of acute angles, then height offsets between connected profiles can be realized, but the attachment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing specific local features on the node element at the acute-angled regions. These local features include specifically shaped attachment surfaces and reinforcement elements that are optimized for the acute-angle geometry. This localized design approach enables height offset capability while managing attachment complexity through purpose-built local geometries rather than requiring complex overall node element designs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A vehicle body comprising a node element (1) and a first and second profile (2, 3), wherein the node element (1) comprises a first main surface (4) and a second main surface (5), wherein the two main surfaces (4, 5) are connected to each other along a contact line (6) and are arranged at an acute angle (7) to each other starting from the contact line (6), wherein the first and second profile (2, 3) are attached to the node element (1), wherein the first profile (2) and/or the second profile (3) is attached to the node element (1) at at least one of the two inner surfaces of the two main surfaces (4, 5) lying within the acute angle (7).