Vehicle Cradle Assembly Release Pathway Fastener Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cradle assemblies for vehicles fail to effectively absorb energy and separate from the underbody when a load is applied, leading to inadequate vibration and shock absorption and potential deceleration pulses in the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A cradle assembly with a flange and platform design that includes an aperture and voids, allowing a fastener to move through a release pathway and separate from the underbody when a load is applied, thereby reducing deceleration pulses and enhancing energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cradle is mounted to the underbody by a bolt that maintains connection, then the cradle remains securely attached, but the cradle cannot separate to absorb energy effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The release pathway is pre-formed in the platform during manufacturing, creating a predetermined failure path for the fastener. This preliminary preparation allows the fastener to cleanly break away along the defined pathway when load exceeds the threshold, enabling controlled separation and energy absorption without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
2Loss of energy
If the bolt shears to separate the cradle and underbody, then energy absorption occurs, but the attachment reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into distinct regions: a secure attachment region with the aperture that maintains reliable connection during normal operation, and a release region with the pre-formed pathway that enables controlled separation when needed. This segmentation allows the fastener to maintain reliability in the attachment phase while enabling energy absorption through controlled failure in the release phase.
3Loss of energy
If an intermediate bracket with an open groove is used, then the cradle can separate when load is applied, but the separation mechanism is incomplete without overlapping features
Solution Approach 1:
The platform has different local qualities: the aperture region provides secure engagement with the fastener for reliable attachment, while the adjacent region contains the pre-formed release pathway with reduced material thickness. This local differentiation enables the fastener to be securely held during normal operation but to cleanly break away along the pathway when load exceeds the threshold, providing both reliability and energy absorption.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an underbody and a cradle assembly. The assembly includes a cradle body and a flange extending to a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a platform having at least one side and defining an aperture spaced from the side. A fastener is disposed through the aperture and in engagement with the underbody when the cradle body is in a first position. The platform defines a void and has a portion of material disposed adjacent to the void to present a release pathway. The cradle body is configured to move from the first position to a second position which separates the flange of the cradle body from the underbody by moving the fastener out of the aperture, through the void and the portion of material along the release pathway, and out the side of the platform when the cradle body moves to the second position.