Vehicle Cross-Member Electronic Housing Support Vibration Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing driver's seat cross member in motor vehicles amplifies vibrations due to the mass of the steering column and electronic box supports, which are heavy and costly to install, and contribute to increased fuel consumption and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A tubular cross member with an electronic box support featuring a receiving plate, facing lugs, and an indexing lug that securely attach to the tubular member using a self-tapping screw, allowing for easy installation and reducing the mass of the support through elastic deformability and shape cooperation, thereby attenuating vibrations and reducing installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal ECU brackets are used to support electronic control units on the tubular component, then the mounting is secure and reliable, but the mass of the crossmember increases and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable metal ECU brackets with a disposable plastic injection-molded support that is integrated into the crossmember structure. This plastic support achieves adequate mounting security for its intended service life while significantly reducing mass compared to metal alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ECU support function directly into the crossmember structure by integrating the plastic support during the injection molding process. This eliminates separate metal brackets and reduces the number of components, thereby reducing overall mass while maintaining mounting reliability.
2Reliability
If metal ECU brackets are used to support electronic control units, then the mounting is secure, but the installation process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ECU support structure with the crossmember in a single injection-molded plastic component. This integration eliminates the need for separate metal brackets and simplifies the installation process, reducing labor costs while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic and modifies the structural parameters to create an integrated support system. This allows for simpler manufacturing and installation processes while achieving adequate mounting security for electronic control units.
3Strength
If the steering column and ECU mounts are mounted on the first tube, then the structural support is adequate, but vibrations are amplified due to the cantilevered masses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ECU support from the traditional metal bracket configuration and reimagines it as an integrated plastic structure. This allows for optimization of the support geometry to reduce cantilever effects and vibration amplification while maintaining adequate structural support for the electronic control units.
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 solution effectively reduces vehicle vibrations, lowers fuel consumption, and simplifies the installation process while maintaining secure attachment of electronic units, contributing to a lighter and more cost-effective motor vehicle design.
Implementation Method 1
said cylindrical wall of said tubular component has an indexing orifice adapted to receive said indexing lug when said tabs engage astride said tubular component
Implementation Method 2
The two opposing tabs clamp onto the tubular component, while the indexing pin passes through its cylindrical wall
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cross-member of a driver's compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising a tubular body (16) having a cylindrical wall (25) designed to extend transversely inside a motor vehicle, and at least one electronic housing support (32) designed to be mounted in a fixed position on said tubular body (16). The electronic housing support (32) comprises a receiving plate (34) and two facing tabs (38, 40) extending according to a component perpendicular to said receiving plate (34), and an indexing lug (42) extending between said two tabs (38, 40); said cylindrical wall (25) of said tubular body (16) having an indexing opening (44) that can receive said indexing lug (42) when said tabs (38, 40) engage on either side of said tubular body (16).