Dual Engine Catch Hook System for Collision Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a collision, the engine assembly in a motor vehicle can penetrate into the interior due to the buckling of the engine support and rotation of the engine, which is not effectively managed by existing crash structures, leading to potential harm and damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual engine catch hook system, where first and second engine catch hooks are vertically spaced apart and laterally positioned to engage the subframe and catch structure respectively, limiting engine rotation and displacement by transferring load to the support structure, and a catch structure that deforms to reduce load transfer and allow controlled movement of the engine assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single engine catch hook is used to engage the subframe during collision, then the engine assembly can be supported, but the engine may rotate about the lateral axis and penetrate into the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The single catch hook is divided into two separate catch hooks positioned at different vertical locations. The first catch hook engages the subframe while the second catch hook engages the catch structure on the bulkhead, preventing engine rotation about the lateral axis during collision
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-point engagement to a two-point engagement system with vertical spacing. By positioning catch hooks at different heights (first catch hook at lower position, second catch hook at upper position), the system adds a vertical dimension to the restraint mechanism, effectively preventing rotational movement
2Stability of the object's composition
If the engine support is made more rigid to prevent engine displacement during collision, then engine stability is improved, but the engine may still rotate and impact the bulkhead structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two separate engagement points: the subframe (first catch hook engagement) and the bulkhead catch structure (second catch hook engagement). This segmentation provides both vertical and lateral restraint, preventing engine rotation while maintaining position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The catch structure on the bulkhead acts as an intermediary element that provides upper restraint. By engaging the second catch hook with this intermediate structure, the system prevents direct engine-to-bulkhead contact while distributing collision forces across multiple points
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b
AI summary
An assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises: an engine assembly; a first engine catch hook coupled to the engine assembly, wherein the first engine catch hook comprises a hook portion configured to engage a subframe of the motor vehicle during a collision and transfer load from the engine assembly to the subframe; and a second engine catch hook coupled to the engine assembly, wherein the second engine catch hook comprises a hook portion vertically spaced apart from the hook portion of the first engine catch hook and configured to engage the catch structure during the collision and transfer load from the engine into a catch structure, wherein the catch structure is at an upper end of a bulkhead structure between an engine bay and an interior of the vehicle.