Flexible Vehicle Frame Connection for Torsional Stress Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle designs with rigidly connected bodies to frames experience significant stress and wear due to torsional forces when driving over uneven ground, leading to reduced durability at connection points.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating flexible connecting elements that allow the body to move vertically relative to the vehicle frame, particularly in the front region, to compensate for torsional movements, thereby reducing stress on connection points and enhancing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the body is rigidly connected to the vehicle frame, then the connection is stable and strong, but the connection points experience increased stress and wear during torsional movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddurability of connection points
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a rigid, fixed connection to a dynamic, movable connection. The body is connected to the vehicle frame via movable connection points that allow relative movement between the body and frame during torsional movements. This dynamic connection absorbs torsional forces through movement rather than transmitting them to the connection points, thereby maintaining connection strength while improving durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the body is firmly bolted to the vehicle frame, then structural stability is maintained, but torsional forces create considerable stress on bolted connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstress on bolted connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the body to move relative to the vehicle frame through movable connection points. This movement capability enables the structure to absorb torsional forces dynamically rather than resisting them rigidly, thereby maintaining structural stability while significantly reducing stress on bolted connections during torsional movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the body is rigidly connected to the vehicle frame, then the system is simple and robust, but the connection points are exposed to increased forces reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection system complexityVSAvoiddurability of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing movable connection points that enable relative movement between the body and vehicle frame. This dynamic connection system, while slightly more complex than rigid bolting, dramatically improves durability by allowing the connection points to accommodate torsional movements without experiencing excessive forces, thus enhancing overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible connection system reduces stress on screw connections and increases the durability of the connection between the vehicle frame and body by allowing the structure to move upward during torsional movements, ensuring stable support downwards.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible connecting element is designed to ensure movement of the superstructure in a vertical direction away from the vehicle frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The vehicle frame and the body are therefore coupled with the flexible connecting element in such a way that a force transfer can take place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4400394A1Vehicle with a movably mounted structure
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 STREETSCOOTER GMBH
  • EP4400394A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400394A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4400394A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising a vehicle frame (2) and a superstructure (3) arranged on the vehicle frame (2), wherein the superstructure (3) is connected to the vehicle frame (2) in a front region (4) of the vehicle frame (2) by means of at least one flexible connecting element (5), and the flexible connecting element (5) is configured to allow movement of the superstructure (3) away from the vehicle frame (2) in a vertical direction. In this way, a connecting element (5) is provided that enables movement of the superstructure (3) relative to the vehicle frame (2) in order to compensate for torsional forces.