Linking Cross-Members for Vehicle Framework Bending Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle framework structures are inadequate in reducing bending deformation of cross-members during a side impact, as the reinforcing members are often positioned distant from the neutral axis of bending, leading to insufficient dispersion of impact loads and potential damage to electric power supply components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle framework structure featuring a pair of rockers extending along the vehicle's width direction, with cross-members spanning between them, and linking cross-members that connect adjacent cross-members closer to their neutral axes, forming multiple load transmission paths and chamber structures with the floor panel to enhance load dispersion and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the reinforcing member is disposed at the vehicle lower side of the cross-members (distant from neutral axis), then the structure is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the bending deformation of cross-members during side impact is not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single reinforcing member at the lower side to multiple linking cross-members positioned at different heights (including upper side positions) of the cross-members. This spatial redistribution across multiple dimensions optimizes the braking effect on bending deformation while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized connection interfaces.
2Device complexity
If a single reinforcing member is used at the vehicle lower side, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dispersion of impact load is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single reinforcing member into multiple linking cross-members positioned at different locations (upper side, lower side, and intermediate positions) of the cross-members. This segmentation creates multiple load transmission paths that effectively disperse impact loads across the vehicle body structure, reducing concentrated stresses while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If the reinforcing member is positioned distant from the neutral axis, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the deformation of vehicle body during side impact is not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different positioning strategies for different linking cross-members: some are positioned at the upper side, others at the lower side, and some at intermediate positions relative to the neutral axis of the cross-members. This localized optimization of member positions maximizes the reduction of vehicle body deformation in specific impact zones while maintaining overall structural simplicity through consistent connection methodologies.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle framework structure includes: a pair of rockers extending in a front-rear direction along outer periphery edge portions of a floor portion; plural cross-members that extend in a width direction and span between the rockers, width direction outer end portions of the cross-members being joined to the respective rockers; and a linking cross-member that spans between a first side wall portion of one cross-member and a second side wall portion of another cross-member, the one cross-member and the another cross-member being adjacent in the front-rear direction, the second side wall portion opposing the first side wall portion in the front-rear direction, an end portion at one side in the front-rear direction of the linking cross-member being joined to the first side wall portion, and an end portion at the other side in the front-rear direction of the linking cross-member being joined to the second side wall portion.