Clamshell Joint Reinforcement for Compact Vehicle Frame Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural reinforcements for vehicle body frames face challenges in providing torsional rigidity, vibration mitigation, and noise damping while maintaining a small profile and being easy to manufacture, often compromising on one or more of these properties.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell reinforcement design comprising two complementary halves with internal ribs, secured by carrier and vehicle adhesives, which are activated by heat, is installed at the structural joint of the body frame, enhancing torsional rigidity and damping noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If structural reinforcements are designed with a small profile to conform to restrictive dimensions, then the vehicle body profile is not interfered with, but the torsional rigidity and structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is divided into two separate halves (first half and second half) that are assembled together to form the complete reinforcement structure. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving the desired structural properties within the constrained profile dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The two halves of the reinforcement are designed to nest together within the pocket of the body frame, with each half containing internal ribs that provide structural strength. The complementary geometry of the halves allows them to fit together tightly, maximizing the use of available space while maintaining torsional rigidity
2Strength
If structural reinforcements include intricate structural features such as ribs to improve strength and vibration mitigation, then the performance is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex ribbed structure is divided between two separate halves, each containing simplified internal ribs. This segmentation reduces the manufacturing complexity of each individual half while the assembled pair provides the complete vibration mitigation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Internal ribs are strategically positioned within each half of the reinforcement to provide vibration mitigation and structural strength only where needed. The ribs are located to reinforce specific areas subject to stress and vibration while keeping the overall design simple for manufacturing
3Strength
If structural reinforcements are designed to provide improved torsional rigidity, then the frame strength is enhanced, but the profile dimensions may be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement utilizes the third dimension by incorporating internal ribs that extend vertically within the pocket space. This vertical dimensionality allows the reinforcement to achieve high torsional rigidity without increasing the horizontal profile dimensions that would interfere with the vehicle body
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
The clamshell reinforcement effectively improves torsional rigidity and damping noise while maintaining a compact profile, offering a feasible manufacturing process and robust structural support.
Implementation Method 1
fastened together by a carrier adhesive disposed in the interface of the frame half and the opposing half
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle adhesive may be dispensed on at least the external face of the reinforcement
Implementation Method 3
The activatable composition may be cured by elevated temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A structural reinforcement, utilized to reinforce a structural joint of a vehicle, and method of enforcing a structural joint of a vehicle. The structural reinforcement having a clamshell structure comprising two complimentary halves. The structural reinforcement further comprising an activatable composition.