Bus Side Structure Load Distribution via Inclined Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-low floor buses face challenges with increased weight due to the mounting of CNG tanks on the roof, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and higher costs, necessitating a weight reduction to improve fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A side structure for buses is designed with a skirt rail, waist rail, and window fillers that effectively distribute vertical loads and twist, featuring inclined and interconnected members to support the vehicle body, thereby dispersing loads and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the floor bottom height is lowered and CNG tank is mounted on the roof to create an ultra-low floor bus, then convenient use by vulnerable people is improved, but the vehicle weight increases by about two tons
Solution Approach 1:
The side structure is divided into multiple functional components: skirt rail at the lower part, waist rail at the upper part, and window fillers connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively supporting the vehicle body, enabling weight reduction without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The side structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with members extending in multiple directions (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal). The inclined members and cross-shaped configurations create a spatial framework that efficiently distributes loads throughout the structure, reducing the need for excessive material
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle weight is increased to reinforce the roof structure and raised mass center, then structural stability is improved, but fuel consumption decreases by about 23%
Solution Approach 1:
The side structure employs composite construction combining multiple members (skirt rail, waist rail, window fillers, and connecting members) that work together to provide enhanced structural stability. This composite approach distributes mechanical loads across multiple components, maintaining stiffness and strength while using less total material weight
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined members and cross-shaped configurations create optimized load paths that efficiently transmit forces through the structure. The geometric arrangement of members at various angles provides structural stability equivalent to heavier straight-member designs while reducing material usage
3Strength
If more members are added to the side structure to support vertical loads and twist, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each member in the side structure serves multiple functions: the window fillers both connect the skirt and waist rails and provide mounting points for windows; the inclined members simultaneously resist vertical loads and prevent twisting; the cross-shaped members in the third region both support vertical loads and disperse forward/backward forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The structure merges the functions of support and stabilization into integrated components. The connecting members between skirt rail and waist rail simultaneously provide vertical support and torsional resistance through their inclined geometry and cross-shaped configurations, eliminating the need for separate bracing elements
Data Source
AI summary
A side structure of a bus includes a skirt rail. Window fillers are connected to the skirt rail at lower ends, extend in an upper side, and are arranged from a front to a rear with a predetermined interval. A waist rail extends from the front to the rear with a predetermined distance in the upper side of the skirt rail and is engaged with each of the window fillers. A first region includes a first member connecting the waist rail and the skirt rail and a second member connecting the upper part of the first member and the lower end of the window filler. A second region includes a third member connecting the waist rail and the skirt rail and a fourth member connecting the upper of the third member and the lower part of the window filler.