Automotive Floor Frame Y-Joint Branch Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive vehicle floor frames have non-constant distances between longitudinal and side frame members, requiring multiple exclusive cross and outrigger members, increasing tooling costs and leading to inefficient energy load path dispersion during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A floor frame design featuring three parallel longitudinal frame members with a W-shaped center frame, multiple parallel cross members, and branch members forming Y-joints, which reduces tooling costs and creates two energy load paths for improved impact management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exclusive cross members and outriggers are used to accommodate non-constant distances between frame members, then the floor frame can be adapted to varying geometries, but the number of parts increases and tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing cross members that can be positioned at multiple locations along the longitudinal frame members. Instead of having exclusive cross members for each specific distance configuration, a single universal cross member design is used that can accommodate various distances between longitudinal frame members and side sills, thereby reducing the total number of unique parts while maintaining adaptability to different geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the floor frame into modular components including longitudinal frame members, side sills, and multiple cross members that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the distance between frame members to be adjusted by reconfiguring the modular cross members rather than requiring completely different exclusive parts for each configuration
2Area of stationary object
If the distance between longitudinal frame members is increased, then more space is available for floor panel installation, but the amount of unsupported floor increases reducing side impact performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by adding the vertical dimension to the support structure through outriggers that extend downward from the longitudinal frame members to the side sills. This creates a three-dimensional support system where cross members provide horizontal support and outriggers provide vertical support, allowing larger horizontal spacing between longitudinal frame members while maintaining side impact performance through the additional vertical support path
3Device complexity
If a single energy load path is created in each longitudinal frame member, then the structure is simpler, but energy dispersion during frontal impact is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy load path by creating multiple separate paths through the floor frame structure. During frontal impact, energy is divided and transmitted through different routes: one path through the longitudinal frame members and another path through the cross members and outriggers to the side sills. This segmentation of the load path enables more efficient energy dispersion while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A floor frame for an automotive vehicle is provided and includes a longitudinal center frame member having a W-shaped cross section, two longitudinal side frame members having C-shaped cross sections, a front cross member, a rear cross member and a first pair of central cross members, two side branch members and two center branch members all having U-shaped cross sections. Each side branch member is attached to a front frame and extends from the front frame at a downward and outward angle and connects to each side frame member. Each center branch member is attached to the front frame and extends from the front frame at a downward and inward angle and connects to a first end of the center frame thereby forming a first Y-joint. The connection of the side branch and the center branch to the front frame form a pair of second Y-joints.