Heavy Vehicle Cross Member Layout for Cable Routing Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heavy vehicle frameworks lack versatility in cable routing and housing of electric components while maintaining cost-efficiency and load-bearing capacity, and do not facilitate easy post-production customization.
Innovation Solution
A cross member arrangement with a main piece comprising a first and second peripheral section and a mid-section, featuring transversal recesses and a detachable second transverse plate piece, allowing for efficient cable routing and component housing, with reduced need for rivets and protrusions, and enabling easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional U-shaped cross member with four tie plates is used, then the framework can withstand different forces and provide reliable load bearing capacity, but the arrangement lacks versatility in housing electric cables and components, and requires multiple rivets increasing production complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member is divided into a main piece and a detachable cover piece. The main piece contains integrated transverse and longitudinal plate sub-sections with recesses for cable housing, while the cover piece can be attached or removed to provide access for cable routing. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain load-bearing integrity while enabling versatile cable management and future modifications.
2Reliability
If multiple rivets are used to attach tie plates to the cross member, then the structural stability is ensured, but the production cost increases and cable routing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse plate sub-section and longitudinal plate sub-section are merged into a single integrated main piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate tie plates and their associated rivets. This integration maintains structural stability through the unified design while significantly reducing the number of fastening points required, thereby lowering production costs and simplifying cable routing operations.
3Productivity
If the cross member structure is simplified to reduce production costs, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but the load bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The main piece is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support for load-bearing and contains integrated recesses for cable housing. The transverse plate sub-section and longitudinal plate sub-section work together to create a versatile platform that serves both mechanical and electrical management functions, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall production complexity while maintaining strength.
4Ease of operation
If recesses are created to house cables, then cable routing efficiency improves, but the structural integrity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses for cable housing are nested within the main piece structure itself, specifically formed in the transverse plate sub-section and longitudinal plate sub-section. This nesting approach allows cables to be routed and protected within the structural framework without requiring external conduits or compromising the overall structural integrity. The cover piece further nested over these recesses provides additional protection while maintaining access.
Data Source
AI summary
A cross member arrangement for a chassis of a heavy vehicle comprising a main piece comprising a first and a second peripheral section for attachment to a first and a second beam of the chassis, respectively, and a mid-section attached to the first and second peripheral section. The mid-section comprises a first transverse plate sub-section placed in a first transverse plane, and a longitudinal plate sub-section placed in a longitudinal plane. A first side of the longitudinal plate sub-section abuts the first transverse plate sub-section. The longitudinal plate sub-section is provided with one or several transversal recesses facing away from the first transverse plate sub-section. The cross member arrangement further comprises a second transverse plate piece arranged to be attached to the longitudinal plate sub-section of the mid-section and to be placed in a second transversal plane in a mounted state.