Clamshell Joint Reinforcement for Vehicle Torsional 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 requiring intricate structural features.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell reinforcement design comprising two complimentary halves with ribs, fastened together by carrier and vehicle adhesives, including an activatable epoxy composition, which is cured by heat, to reinforce vehicle body frame joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural reinforcements are designed with intricate structural features such as ribs to improve torsional rigidity and vibration mitigation, then the performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is divided into two separate halves that are molded independently and then joined together. This segmentation allows each half to be manufactured more easily without complex internal rib structures, while the joined assembly provides the necessary torsional rigidity and structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
One reinforcement half is positioned inside the other half, with ribs on the interior surface of each half creating a nested configuration. This nested structure with interlocking ribs provides enhanced torsional rigidity and vibration mitigation while keeping individual components simpler to manufacture.
2Shape
If structural reinforcements are engineered to conform to restrictive dimensional constraints to maintain vehicle profile, then the aesthetic and spatial requirements are met, but the structural performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement utilizes the third dimension by creating a multi-layered nested structure with ribs extending in different directions. This three-dimensional configuration maximizes structural strength and torsional rigidity within the constrained dimensional envelope required to maintain the vehicle profile.
3Volume of moving object
If structural reinforcements are designed with small profile to fit within limited space, then the spatial constraints are satisfied, but the manufacturing of intricate features becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compact reinforcement is segmented into two halves that can be manufactured separately with simpler tooling. The segmented approach allows for easier manufacturing of small-profile components while achieving the required structural performance through the joined assembly with interlocking ribs.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If structural reinforcements are designed to provide vibration mitigation and noise damping, then the comfort and durability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the two reinforcement halves with interlocking ribs creates a complex structural assembly that provides effective vibration mitigation and noise damping. The multiple interfaces and rib structures dissipate vibrational energy while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction.
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 enhances torsional rigidity, mitigates vibration, and dampens noise effectively, while being feasible to manufacture and fit within the vehicle's structural constraints.
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
Implementation Method 4
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 reinforcing 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.