Cross Beam Elastomeric Bearing Mount for Ladder-Frame Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of heavy components on a ladder frame of a motor vehicle, such as utility vehicles, often results in undesirable warping or distortions due to limited space and inadequate support, making it difficult to mount large assemblies like traction batteries effectively.
Innovation Solution
The integration of elastomeric bearings within through holes in the cross beams of the ladder frame provides elastic support and decouples sensitive components from vibrations and chassis deformations, allowing for a durable and space-saving fastening system that can accommodate heavy assemblies, enabling improved mountability and reduced distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy assemblies are mounted directly to the ladder frame, then the assembly is secure, but the ladder frame warps and bearing points distort
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric bearing is introduced as an intermediary element between the heavy assembly and the ladder frame. This bearing absorbs mounting loads and isolates the frame from warping forces, securing the assembly while preventing frame distortion and bearing point distortion.
2Strength
If cross beams are made thick to support heavy assemblies, then support strength increases, but assembly space is reduced and profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric bearing serves as a mediator that enables thin-walled cross beams to support heavy assemblies. The bearing absorbs the mechanical loads, allowing the use of low-profile cross beams with sufficient assembly space while maintaining the required support strength.
3Strength
If rigid mounting is used, then connection stiffness is high, but vibration and chassis deformations affect sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric bearing acts as a vibration-isolating intermediary between the assembly and the ladder frame. It provides sufficient connection stiffness to secure heavy assemblies while simultaneously decoupling sensitive components from harmful vibrations and chassis deformations through its elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from rigid to elastic by changing the physical state of the connection element. The elastomeric bearing's material properties provide the optimal balance between connection stiffness and vibration isolation, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic loads while protecting sensitive components.
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
This solution enhances the rigidity and durability of the assembly process, allowing for the secure and vibration-isolated mounting of heavy components, such as traction batteries, while preventing distortions and improving assembly efficiency by enabling a low-profile, high-stiffness cross beam design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastomeric bearing arranged in the at least one through hole and configured to elastically support an assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a cross beam (18) for a ladder frame (10) of a motor vehicle, preferably a utility vehicle. The cross beam (18) comprises an elongated support body (46) having an top side, a bottom side and at least one through hole (52, 54) connecting the top side and the bottom side. The cross beam (18) has at least one elastomeric bearing (48, 50) arranged in the at least one through hole (52, 54) and configured to elastically support an assembly (12), preferably comprising a traction battery, on the cross beam (18). The integration of the at least one elastomeric bearing (48, 50) into the at least one through hole (52, 54) may allow a high connection stiffness around the at least one elastomeric bearing (48, 50).