Cross-Member Radiator Support for Commercial Vehicle Towing Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicle chassis frames struggle to independently transmit crash and towing forces without being influenced by the shape and dimensions of the vehicle radiator, particularly due to the expansion required for meeting stricter exhaust gas standards, which creates leverage issues with cooling pipes and fins.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cross member with at least two horizontally extending and spaced plates that pass through the radiator, connected to a tow hitch and chassis side members via flanges, allowing for independent transmission of forces without disrupting the cooling system, and enabling the radiator to be designed in one piece or multiple parts with separate water tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radiator is expanded to meet stricter exhaust gas standards, then the cooling performance is improved, but large levers are created for introducing towing forces in the side members of the chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member is divided into two separate plates that pass through the radiator, allowing the towing forces to be distributed to different parts of the chassis structure rather than creating large levers on the side members. This segmentation enables independent optimization of cooling performance and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding the radiator in a way that increases lateral dimensions and creates leverage, the invention uses a cross-member structure that passes through the radiator in the transverse direction. This dimensional approach allows force transmission perpendicular to the radiator's main plane, avoiding the creation of harmful levers on the side members.
2Area of stationary object
If the radiator is expanded beyond the clear width of the two longitudinal chassis members, then the cooling surface is increased, but the tow hitch arrangement is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member with two plates serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the expanded radiator, transmits towing forces to the chassis, and creates mounting points for the tow hitch between the plates. This multi-functionality allows the radiator to be expanded while maintaining proper tow hitch positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The two plates of the cross member act as intermediaries between the expanded radiator and the chassis structure. They provide attachment points for the tow hitch and distribute forces independently of the radiator's expanded dimensions, allowing the radiator to extend beyond the chassis width without disrupting tow hitch arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bearing blocks for bumpers and tow hitch are guided past the side of the cooler, then mounting flexibility is improved, but large levers are created for introducing towing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member is segmented into two plates that are spaced apart, allowing bearing blocks and tow hitch to be positioned flexibly between them. This segmentation enables mounting flexibility while distributing towing forces to the chassis structure through the plates rather than creating large levers through the cooler.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The vehicle has undercarriage longitudinal beams (1) connected with each other by front cross beams (2), and a radiator (5) arranged transverse to a direction of travel (4). The front cross beams extend horizontally and vertically and include spaced apart plates (6), which implement the radiator in the direction of travel, and are connected with each other before the radiator over a towing jaw (7). The plates of the cross beams are formed in the form of a triangle, and the plates, the towing jaw and the radiator form a structural unit.