Aluminum Towing Pipe Connection Structure for Simpler Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of different materials for the towing pipe and connecting parts in vehicles leads to a complex structure, increased cost, and weight, which is not optimal for fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A towing pipe connection structure using aluminum materials for the vehicle body rear member, towing pipe, and connection bracket, with specific thicknesses and welding methods to ensure uniform load transmission and reduced part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If steel material is used for the connection part connecting the towing pipe and the rear member of the vehicle body, then cost is reduced, but the structure becomes complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the connection bracket entirely from aluminum material, matching the material of the vehicle body rear member and towing pipe. This eliminates the need for complex multi-material joining processes and reduces structural complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness through simplified manufacturing.
2Ease of manufacture
If steel material is used for the connection part connecting the towing pipe and the rear member of the vehicle body, then cost is reduced, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bracket is made from aluminum material to match the vehicle body rear member and towing pipe, reducing overall weight while maintaining cost-effectiveness through simplified single-material manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameters of different plates in the connection bracket (bumper back beam plate: 3-6mm, engage plate: 2-5mm, connection plate: 2-4mm) to achieve the desired strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring adequate load-bearing capacity while minimizing weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If different materials are used for the rear member of the vehicle body and the connection part, then cost is reduced, but connectivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bracket is made from the same aluminum material as the vehicle body rear member and towing pipe, ensuring material compatibility and excellent connectivity. This homogeneous material selection simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable structural connection.
4Weight of moving object
If the towing pipe is entirely made of aluminum material, then weight is reduced, but welding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entire towing pipe is made from aluminum material, matching the connection bracket and vehicle body rear member. This homogeneity simplifies the welding process by eliminating the need for dissimilar metal welding techniques, reducing welding complexity despite the weight benefit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves connectivity and reduces the number of parts while maintaining structural integrity and fuel efficiency by using aluminum materials and optimized welding techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the towing pipe may be welded around the insertion hole and around the engage hole
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a towing pipe connection structure includes a vehicle body rear member including an aluminum material, a towing pipe at least partially including an aluminum material and a connection bracket including a bumper back beam plate in contact with a back panel of a vehicle body and including an insertion hole into which the towing pipe is inserted, an engage plate having an engage hole to which the towing pipe is connected and a connection plate connecting the bumper back beam plate and the engage plate, wherein the connection bracket is connected to a rear member of the vehicle body, and wherein the connection bracket includes an aluminum material.