Adjustable Sub-Frame with Slotted Girder Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sub-frame systems for transportation vehicles require a large number of specific parts to fit different vehicle models, leading to high costs due to inflexibility and the need for multiple configurations, which can be time-consuming to adjust.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable sub-frame system with longitudinal and transversal members that can be adjusted in both longitudinal and transversal directions, using openings and oblong slots for attachment, allowing the same members to fit various vehicle models without the need for multiple specific parts, and incorporating longitudinal extension members for varying lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fixed-size sub-frames with specific girders are manufactured for each vehicle model, then the sub-frame structure precisely fits the body frame attachment points, but the number of parts becomes very large and manufacturing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit precision to body frameVSAvoidnumber of different girders and parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single type of longitudinal girder and a single type of transversal girder that can serve multiple vehicle models. The girders incorporate adjustable features (longitudinal slots in transversal girders, transversal slots in longitudinal girders) that allow the same girder design to accommodate different attachment point positions across various vehicle models, eliminating the need for multiple specific girder types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the girder connection points adjustable rather than fixed. The transversal girders can slide longitudinally within slots on longitudinal girders, and longitudinal girders can slide transversally within slots on transversal girders, allowing the sub-frame structure to dynamically adapt to different body frame configurations for various vehicle models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sub-frame is made larger to accommodate different vehicle models, then more vehicle models can be fitted, but load bearing beams require readjustment which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different vehicle modelsVSAvoidtime for readjusting load bearing beams
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by designing the sub-frame with adjustable connection points that can be easily repositioned. The longitudinal and transversal girders incorporate slots that allow for quick adjustment of beam positions without requiring time-consuming readjustment or reconfiguration, enabling the same sub-frame to adapt to different vehicle models efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sub-frame into modular longitudinal and transversal girders that can be independently adjusted. This modular design with standardized connection interfaces allows for quick reconfiguration of beam positions without affecting the entire structure, reducing the time required to adapt to different vehicle models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple specific longitudinal and transversal members are manufactured for each vehicle model requirement, then precise fit to attachment points is achieved, but manufacturing costs become very high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment location precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing standardized longitudinal and transversal girders with adjustable features that can be used across multiple vehicle models. This universal design maintains precise attachment location fitting while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by producing fewer unique part types compared to model-specific girder designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating adjustable parameters into the girder designs (slot positions, connection point locations) that allow the same physical components to achieve precise fitting for different vehicle models. This enables maintaining manufacturing precision while using a limited set of standardized parts with variable configuration parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2399804B1Transportation body sub-frame
Publication Date: 2015.05.27 AUTOKAROSS I FLOBY
  • EP2399804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2399804B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2399804B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sub-frame system for forming a sub-frame for a transportation body for a transportation vehicle, wherein said system comprises a longitudinal member of a first longitudinal length, adapted to extend in a longitudinal direction of a sub-frame, and a first transversal member adapted to extend in a transversal direction of a sub-frame, and adapted to be attached to the longitudinal member at an attachment location. The longitudinal member and the first transversal member are arranged such that the attachment location between the longitudinal member and the first transversal member is adjustable in both the longitudinal direction and the transversal direction of the sub-frame.