Adaptable Vehicle Frame Assembly for Dual Suspension Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle frame assemblies are not adaptable to accommodate both solid axle and independent rear suspension systems without significant modifications, leading to increased weight, cost, and reduced dynamic performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle frame assembly with multiple mounting locations configured to accommodate different suspension system configurations, allowing for the use of either a 3-link or 5-link suspension system without requiring substantial modifications to the frame, thereby enabling the production of multiple vehicle models with reduced weight and cost penalties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle frame is designed to accommodate a solid axle rear suspension system, then it cannot accommodate an independent rear suspension system without significant modifications, but manufacturing separate frames for each suspension type increases weight, cost, and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle frame assembly is designed with multiple mounting locations that can accommodate different suspension system configurations (solid axle or independent suspension). The frame includes a main frame assembly and a frame assembly with multiple mounting locations, allowing a single frame design to serve multiple suspension system types without significant modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is divided into a main frame assembly and a frame assembly with multiple mounting locations. This segmentation allows the mounting locations to be selectively configured for different suspension systems while maintaining the integrity of the main frame structure, enabling flexibility without redesigning the entire frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If significant modifications are made to the vehicle frame to accommodate different suspension systems, then suspension adaptability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly incorporates multiple mounting locations that can be used with different suspension system configurations. This universal design allows the same frame to accommodate both solid axle and independent suspension systems without requiring significant modifications, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving suspension adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting locations are designed to be selectively usable, allowing the frame configuration to adapt dynamically to different suspension requirements. This selective usability enables the frame to maintain a standardized manufacturing process while accommodating varying suspension system needs through configuration selection rather than physical modification.
3Reliability
If separate vehicle frames are manufactured for different suspension systems, then each frame is optimized for its specific suspension type, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single frame assembly design with multiple mounting locations can support both solid axle and independent suspension systems. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate frames for different suspension types, reducing overall vehicle weight and manufacturing cost while maintaining the reliability and performance optimization for each suspension configuration through selective mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle frame assembly configured to accommodate different first and second suspension system configurations via mounting fixtures. The vehicle frame assembly can include a main frame assembly, and a frame assembly connected to and extending away from the main frame assembly. Multiple mounting locations can be provided on at least one of the main frame assembly and the frame assembly, each of the mounting locations being configured to accommodate one of the mounting fixtures. The mounting locations can include a first set configured for use with the first suspension system configuration, and a second set configured for use with the second suspension system configuration.