Auxiliary Frame with Arch Rear Beam for Suspension Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary frames for motor-vehicle front suspension are not simple, lightweight, or inexpensive to manufacture, and they fail to effectively absorb loads, particularly in impacts.
Innovation Solution
The auxiliary frame features a straight front beam perpendicular to the vertical median plane, an arch-like rear beam, and lateral longitudinal arms connecting them, with a quadrangular cross-section longitudinal beam element for added strength and connection to the powertrain, allowing effective load absorption while maintaining a lightweight and inexpensive structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the auxiliary frame uses a complex structure to absorb loads effectively, then the load absorption capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary frame is divided into distinct functional segments: end supports for suspension element mounting, a connecting structure with front and rear beams, and lateral longitudinal arms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and load absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear beam is designed with an arch-like curved configuration instead of a straight line. This curvature provides structural strength and load distribution capabilities, allowing the frame to absorb impacts and loads effectively while using a relatively simple single-piece construction.
2Reliability
If the auxiliary frame uses more material to increase robustness for impacts, then the impact resistance is improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the auxiliary frame have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions: the rear beam has an arch-like configuration for impact absorption, the lateral longitudinal arms are straight and parallel for structural stability, and the front beam is perpendicular to the median plane for proper geometric alignment. This local optimization provides robustness where needed without uniformly increasing weight throughout the entire structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the auxiliary frame uses a simple structure to reduce manufacturing cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the load absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure integrates the front beam, rear beam, and lateral longitudinal arms into a unified configuration that provides both structural simplicity for manufacturing and adequate load absorption capability. The arch-like rear beam and straight lateral arms work together to create a structurally efficient design that can be manufactured cost-effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary frame for supporting elements of a front suspension of a motor-vehicle includes two end supports for connection thereto of suspension elements and a structure which connects the end supports to each other. The connecting structure has a front beam and a rear beam which connect the end supports to each other. The rear beam has an arch-like configuration which extends substantially in a horizontal plane, with a central portion arranged in a forwardly spaced position. The front beam of the connecting structure has a configuration which is substantially straight and perpendicular to a vertical median plane of the auxiliary frame. The front beam and the rear beam are longitudinally spaced from each other and connected to each other by at least two lateral longitudinal arms spaced from each other and which have a configuration substantially straight and parallel to the vertical median plane of the auxiliary frame.