Extruded Cradle with Integral Elastic Wedge Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cradle structures with extruded aluminum profiles face challenges in attaching peripheral elements like exhaust lines efficiently, as they require additional supports and machining, which increase costs and weight, and are not compatible with all profile configurations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating integral chambers within the extruded profile sections to house elastic wedges, which serve as flexible fastening means, eliminating the need for separate supports and reducing part count, and allowing for direct extrusion of the cradle with integrated housing for fixing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate support structure is added to attach the exhaust line to the cradle, then the attachment function is achieved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment function into the cradle structure itself by integrating elastic wedges directly into the extruded profile. The chambers are formed within the profile to house these wedges, eliminating the need for separate support structures. This combining of functions reduces the overall weight while maintaining the attachment capability for the exhaust line.
2Reliability
If separate support structures and intermediate parts are used for attachment, then the fastening function is achieved, but the number of parts and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the cradle structure itself. The extruded profile incorporates chambers that house elastic wedges, which serve as both the mounting structure and the fastening mechanism. This eliminates intermediate supports and reduces the total number of parts required, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining reliable fastening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle structure is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, exhaust line attachment, and flexible fastening. The elastic wedges housed in the chambers provide universal attachment capability that can accommodate different exhaust line configurations without requiring additional specialized components.
3Reliability
If traditional attachment methods are used on extruded profiles, then attachment is achieved, but machining requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chambers for housing the elastic wedges are formed during the extrusion process itself, before the actual assembly takes place. This preliminary formation of attachment points eliminates the need for subsequent machining operations on the extruded profile, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring precise chamber geometry that properly accommodates the fastening means.
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 solution simplifies the attachment process, reduces material usage and costs, and enhances the precision of the cradle components, making it compatible with various profile configurations while minimizing additional machining requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A wedge made of elastic material and whose contour essentially corresponds to the internal profile of the chamber can be housed in the or at least one of the housings
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a supporting structure (102) of a motor vehicle, such as a cradle for the chassis-suspension system of the vehicle, the structure (102) comprising an extruded profile member (104). The extruded portion of the profile member comprises, on one or more segments of said profile member, a chamber (114) projecting from said portion to near said segment or segments, said chamber forming a receiving portion (112) for an attachment means (108). For this purpose, the material of the profile member (104) corresponding to said chamber (114) is removed on either side of said segment or segments. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing said structure (102) and to a vehicle provided with said structure.