Concave Barrier Deflects Rear-Mounted Spare Tire

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicles with rear-mounted spare tires, there is a risk of damage to powertrain components during rear impacts, as the spare tire can be propelled forward and potentially harm electrical and mechanical components, which is particularly concerning in electric vehicles with rear powertrain components.

Innovation Solution

A barrier is strategically placed between the skid plate and the cross member, featuring a concave curvature that deflects the spare tire downward during a rear impact, thereby protecting the powertrain components from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spare tire is mounted on the rear frame, then vehicle utility is improved, but the risk of damage to powertrain components during rear impacts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle utilityVSAvoidrisk of damage to powertrain components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A barrier component is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the spare tire and the powertrain components. This barrier serves as a mediator that intercepts and redirects the force generated during rear impacts, preventing direct contact between the spare tire and vulnerable powertrain components while allowing the spare tire to remain mounted for utility purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The space between the spare tire and powertrain components is segmented by introducing a barrier structure. This segmentation creates distinct zones: a first portion containing the spare tire and a second portion containing the powertrain components, with the barrier forming a boundary that manages force transmission during impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the barrier surface is flat, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to deflect the spare tire downward during impact is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidspare tire deflection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier surface is designed with a curved configuration rather than a flat surface. This curvature is specifically oriented to deflect the spare tire downward during rear impacts, leveraging the geometric property of curved surfaces to redirect force vectors and improve the reliability of spare tire management during collision events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If no barrier is installed, then device complexity is reduced, but powertrain components are vulnerable to spare tire damage during rear impacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier installation complexityVSAvoidpowertrain component vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier is pre-installed in position before any impact event occurs, creating a protective arrangement in advance. This prior positioning ensures that when a rear impact does occur, the barrier is already in place to manage the force transmission and protect powertrain components, rather than requiring reactive measures after damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 barrier effectively reduces the likelihood of spare tire damage to powertrain components, ensuring the integrity of electrical and mechanical systems, including electric motors and batteries, during rear impacts, thereby enhancing crash safety and reducing repair costs.

Implementation Method 1

the barrier including a first surface having a first curvature, the first curvature concave relative to a rear of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCurvature: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS11498629B2Barriers for rear frame mounted spare tires

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Barriers for rear frame mounted spare tires are disclosed. An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a frame including a cross member, a spare tire, a skid plate, and a barrier extending between the skid plate and the cross member, the barrier abutting the spare tire, the barrier including a first surface having a first curvature, the first curvature concave relative to a rear of the vehicle.