Vehicle Engine Support Structure with Elastic Sub-Frame Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle engine support structures face inefficiencies in absorbing impact energy during collisions due to rigid connections between the vehicle body frame and sub-frame, leading to deformation in the out-of-plane direction and reduced energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
The engine support structure features a sub-frame with elastic connections to the vehicle body frame, allowing for compression deformation and efficient energy absorption by aligning the rigid center positions to coincide with the impact direction, while also using insulators and adjustable support members to prevent insecure tightening and maintain a suitable above-ground height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connecting member is used to connect the vehicle body frame and sub-frame, then the connection strength is improved, but the energy absorption capability during collision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member changes its rigidity parameter dynamically: it maintains high rigidity during normal operation to ensure connection strength, but allows controlled deformation (changes to lower rigidity) during collision to absorb impact energy through bending and deformation of the connecting member and vehicle body frame
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the connecting member can deform under impact loads. The rigid center position alignment ensures that during dynamic collision events, the deformation occurs in the planar direction (front-to-rear) rather than out-of-plane, maximizing energy absorption
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rigid center position of the vehicle body frame and sub-frame do not coincide, then the structural stability is improved, but the bending moment during collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention intentionally creates a symmetric alignment of rigid centers between the vehicle body frame and sub-frame, which is an asymmetric design choice compared to conventional offset arrangements. This symmetric alignment ensures that impact forces are transmitted directly along the longitudinal axis, minimizing bending moments while maintaining structural stability through the connected frame structure
3Reliability
If insulator and spacer are tightly secured with a long bolt, then the connection reliability is improved, but the bolt may collapse due to excessive length
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple components: the bolt secures only the insulator to the vehicle body frame, while the spacer is retained by the sub-frame structure. This segmentation eliminates the need for an excessively long bolt, as each fastening element only needs to secure its respective component over a shorter distance, maintaining bolt strength while ensuring connection reliability
4Reliability
If a stopper is disposed below the sub-frame to prevent falling out, then the safety is improved, but the above-ground height decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the stopper function vertically below the sub-frame (which would reduce above-ground height), the invention implements retention in the horizontal plane through the spaced-apart configuration of the insulator and spacer. The insulator prevents downward displacement while the spacer prevents horizontal displacement, achieving the same safety function without compromising vehicle ground clearance
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 design enhances energy absorption during collisions by promoting compression deformation, reduces bending moments, and minimizes vibration transmission, thereby improving safety and noise performance.
Implementation Method 1
a support member (3) provided with an elastic body (6c)
Implementation Method 2
an insulator for absorbing the vibration
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An engine support structure improves energy absorbing efficiency at the vehicle body frame in relation to impact input from the vehicle front to rear direction. The support structure includes a vehicle body frame (1) having front frame side members (2) extending in the front to rear direction of the vehicle, a sub-frame (3) disposed below the vehicle body frame (1) and that supports the engine (7), and connecting members (6,8) that connect the front frame side members (2) and sub-frame (3). A suspension device for an automobile prevents insecure tightening. A support member (3,503) which connects a body vehicle side member (501) and sub-frame (502) is provided with an outer tubular member (531) connected to the sub-frame (502) and that extends in the upper to lower direction, an inner tubular member (532) mated into the upper portion of outer tubular member (531), and an insulator (533) mated into inner tubular member (532) and whose length in the upper to lower direction is shorter than outer tubular member (531).