Vehicle Engine Compartment Support Assembly With Integrated Stiffening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for the engine compartment of vehicles face challenges in achieving optimal stability and safety while allowing for unhindered assembly and adaptation to various installation conditions, particularly in the motor area.
Innovation Solution
A support structure featuring rib-like molded reinforcement struts integrated into a shaped, flat carrying platform, allowing for adjustable assembly elements and coupling elements, with the option to use 3D printing for complex structures, and comprising segmented parts that can be connected via screws, rivets, or welding for enhanced stability and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional support structures with separate beams and fasteners are used, then assembly is straightforward, but stability and structural strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple structural elements (support platform, stiffening structures, mounting elements, and coupling elements) into a single molded support unit. This merging of components creates a unified structure that achieves superior structural strength while reducing the number of separate parts that would otherwise be assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit is manufactured as an integrally molded composite structure combining the support platform with stiffening structures and mounting/coupling elements. This composite approach allows different functional regions to be optimized within a single monolithic component, achieving high strength-to-weight ratio and structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the support structure is designed for high stability with multiple fastening points, then safety is improved, but adaptability to different installation conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is designed with multiple coupling elements and mounting elements that can serve different functions depending on installation requirements. The integrally molded structure provides universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various components (electric motors, compressors, sensors) while maintaining stable attachment through multiple integrated fastening points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support platform is designed as a modular structure with distinct functional zones - mounting elements for attaching assemblies, coupling elements for vehicle connection, and stiffening structures for reinforcement. This segmentation allows different portions to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall adaptability to various installation scenarios.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex stiffening structures are added to improve stability, then structural integrity is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening structures are integrally molded as part of the support platform rather than being separate components. This merging eliminates the need for additional assembly steps to attach stiffeners, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the structural integrity provided by the complex stiffening geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit utilizes integrally molded structures with varying wall thicknesses and rib configurations to optimize stiffness and strength. By controlling geometric parameters during the molding process, the design achieves high structural integrity through design rather than through additional material or complex assembly operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a support assembly for mounting units in the engine compartment of a vehicle, comprising a support unit (10) which includes mounting elements (20) for mounting the units as well as coupling elements (30) for connection to the vehicle, in particular in the area of the engine. The support unit (10) is provided with stiffening structures (100) and/or reinforcement bars (101).