Exoskeleton Body Mounting System with Strip Isolators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vehicle chassis frames are heavy and require many parts, including threaded fasteners, to provide strength and stiffness, leading to high manufacturing costs and inefficient load distribution, while point load isolators do not effectively manage loads or reduce vibration.

Innovation Solution

An exoskeleton vehicle design featuring a multi-sided mounting system with strip isolators made of polymer material, positioned between the body and frame assembly, providing a resilient and vibration-dampening interface that surrounds the body and distributes loads effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional ladder frames are used to provide strength and stiffness, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe strengthVSAvoidframe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials in the frame construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve both strength and weight reduction. The frame uses a mix of materials that provide structural integrity while minimizing mass, resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure implements local quality by varying material distribution and structural density across different regions. Critical areas receive enhanced reinforcement while non-critical areas use lighter construction, allowing the frame to maintain necessary strength while reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If point load isolators are used to secure the body, then body positioning is improved, but load distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody positioningVSAvoidload distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into multiple mounting points distributed across the body frame. Instead of using single point load isolators, the system divides the mounting function into several locations, which collectively provide both positioning stability and improved load distribution across the body structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from point-based isolation to a distributed multi-dimensional approach. Mounting elements are arranged in multiple dimensions and orientations, creating a network of support points that simultaneously achieve body positioning and distribute loads across multiple pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If traditional mounting systems with threaded fasteners are used, then secure attachment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system merges multiple functions into integrated components. Fastening, isolation, and positioning functions are combined into unified mounting elements that eliminate the need for separate threaded fasteners and isolation components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving as universal components that perform attachment, isolation, and positioning tasks simultaneously. This universal design reduces the variety of parts needed and simplifies the overall mounting system while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If traditional mounting systems are used, then attachment functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system incorporates cost-effective mounting elements that can be manufactured economically. The design uses simpler, less expensive components that maintain adequate functionality for the application, reducing manufacturing costs while preserving necessary attachment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system optimizes parameters such as material selection, component dimensions, and fastening mechanisms to reduce manufacturing complexity and cost. By adjusting these parameters, the design achieves functional equivalence with traditional systems at lower production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 exoskeleton vehicle design achieves significant weight reduction, improved load management, and enhanced stiffness while reducing manufacturing costs and vibration, with the multi-sided mounting system effectively securing the body to the frame assembly.

Implementation Method 1

providing a resilient and vibration-dampening interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a first strip isolator disposed between the body and the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10518812B2Body mounting system for an exoskeleton vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A vehicle includes a frame assembly, a body, and a first strip isolator disposed between the body and the frame.