Longitudinal Force Transfer Assembly for Misaligned Underbody Side Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to effectively transfer longitudinal forces from a motor vehicle underbody, particularly in electric or hybrid vehicles where the side members of the central underbody are farther apart to accommodate battery packs, while maintaining compatibility with different vehicle models.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal force transfer assembly comprising a transverse profile with a U-shaped section and a longitudinal connecting profile with U-shaped sections, along with internal spacers, allows for the efficient transfer of forces between non-aligned front and central side members of the underbody.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the side members of the central underbody are spaced farther apart to accommodate battery packs, then the space for battery packs is improved, but the alignment with front side members deteriorates, making force transmission difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The force transfer assembly introduces a vertical dimension to solve the horizontal misalignment problem. The L-shaped configuration uses a vertical segment to bridge the gap between the horizontally misaligned front and central side members, enabling force transmission despite lateral spacing differences caused by battery pack accommodation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The force transfer assembly acts as an intermediary element between the front and central side members. It includes a first element connected to the front side member, a second element connected to the central side member, and a connecting element joining these two elements, thereby mediating the force transmission across the misaligned connection points
2Ease of manufacture
If a common front underbody part is used across different vehicle models, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adapting to different central side member spacings becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The force transfer assembly incorporates adjustable elements that allow it to adapt to different spacing requirements. The connecting element can be positioned at different locations along the second element, enabling the same assembly design to accommodate various central side member spacings across different vehicle models while maintaining a common front underbody part
Solution Approach 2:
The force transfer assembly is designed with universal characteristics that enable it to serve multiple vehicle models with different underbody configurations. By incorporating adjustable and reconfigurable elements, a single assembly design can adapt to various spacing requirements, making the front underbody part truly common across different vehicle platforms
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (10) for transferring longitudinal forces of a motor vehicle underbody, comprising: - a transverse profile (12) of hollow shape with a U-shaped section provided with edges, - a longitudinal connecting profile (14) of hollow shape with a U-shaped section provided with edges, the opening of which is oriented in the same direction as the opening of the hollow shape of the transverse profile, the rear end of the connecting profile being secured to the transverse profile vertically and longitudinally; - at least three longitudinal spacers (16-18) arranged inside the transverse profile (12) and integral with the latter, and arranged opposite longitudinal side walls (140, 141) of the connecting profile (14), a third spacer (18) being arranged in another position intended to be located opposite a longitudinal side wall (300) of a side member (3) to which the assembly is to be fixed.