Exhaust Support Unit With Variable Thickness Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In front engine type vehicles, the rigid coupling of the exhaust system with the drive unit via support units can cause the exhaust system to be displaced into the vehicle interior during a collision, posing a safety risk to occupants.
Innovation Solution
A support unit design featuring a first and second connecting element coupled by a coupling element with varying thickness areas, allowing for relative mobility and uncoupling during an impact, thereby reducing the risk of the exhaust system penetrating the interior space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the exhaust system is rigidly coupled with the drive unit via support units, then the exhaust system is securely supported, but the exhaust system is displaced into the vehicle interior during a collision
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit incorporates a coupling element with variable thickness that allows the connecting elements to move relative to each other during normal operation, but provides controlled uncoupling during collision. This transforms the rigid static connection into a dynamic system that adapts its rigidity based on applied forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element features variable thickness (varying material parameter) that changes the structural rigidity of the support unit. The thicker clamping area provides rigidity during normal operation, while the thinner release area allows controlled deformation and uncoupling during collision, changing the mechanical parameter of rigidity based on impact conditions.
2Strength
If the coupling element has greater thickness in the clamping area, then the connection strength is increased, but the mobility between connecting elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element has non-uniform thickness distribution with a thicker clamping area and a thinner release area. This local quality variation allows the thicker region to provide strong clamping force during normal operation while the thinner region facilitates controlled uncoupling during collision, resolving the contradiction between strength and mobility.
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 support unit effectively uncouples the exhaust system from the drive unit during a collision, reducing the risk of interior penetration and enhancing safety by allowing the exhaust system to deform and absorb energy, thus preventing interior intrusion.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one first coupling element passage opening be an elongated hole... the first longitudinal area and the second longitudinal area follow one another in longitudinal direction of the elongated hole... the coupling element clamping area having a greater thickness than the coupling element clamping release area
Data Source
AI summary
A support unit for supporting an exhaust system of a vehicle includes a first connecting element (26), a second connecting element (28) and at least one coupling element (30) coupling the first connecting element with the second connecting element. A first coupling element passage opening (38) is provided in the first connecting element and a second coupling element passage opening (40) is provided in the second connecting element. The coupling element passes through the first coupling element passage opening (38) and the second coupling element passage opening. A coupling element clamping area is provided in a first longitudinal area (L1) of at least one first coupling element passage opening and a coupling element clamping release area (44) is provided in a second longitudinal area (L2) of this first coupling element passage opening. The coupling element clamping area has a greater thickness than the coupling element clamping release area.