Mid-Engine Chassis Aerodynamics Without Length Increase
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional truck designs with a front engine ladder frame chassis face challenges in making aerodynamic improvements without increasing the vehicle's overall length, as the radiator and engine configuration restrict airflow.
Innovation Solution
A chassis configuration where the engine is mounted between the front and rear axle assemblies, with a splayed engine cradle and tilted radiator, allowing for improved aerodynamics without lengthening the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a front engine ladder frame chassis configuration is used with radiator mounted vertically in front of the engine, then the engine and cooling system can be effectively cooled, but aerodynamic improvements cannot be made without increasing the overall vehicle length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the engine from the front of the vehicle to a mid-vehicle location between the front and rear axles. This spatial relocation in the longitudinal dimension allows the radiator to be positioned at the front bumper without increasing overall vehicle length, as the engine no longer occupies the front space. The engine cradle structure with splayed rails provides the necessary support at this new mid-vehicle position.
2Ease of operation
If the engine is positioned at the front above the front axle, then the traditional ladder frame chassis can be used, but aerodynamic streamlining is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is segmented into distinct functional components: a traditional ladder frame portion for structural support and an separate engine cradle structure for engine mounting. The engine cradle includes splayed upper rails, lower rails, and support members that couple them together. This segmentation allows the engine to be positioned independently at the mid-vehicle location while preserving the simplicity of the traditional ladder frame for the rest of the chassis.
3Ease of operation
If aerodynamic improvements are attempted with the traditional front engine configuration, then airflow is restricted by the radiator and engine positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the aerodynamic shape around a fixed front-engine configuration, the patent inverts the approach by relocating the engine to a mid-vehicle position. This inversion allows the front of the vehicle to have a clean, streamlined profile without protruding engine components, while the engine is now positioned between the axles where it does not interfere with front airflow characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis for a vehicle is suitable for mounting the engine of the vehicle between the forward and rear axle assemblies of the vehicle. A first forward rail is positioned opposite a second forward rail, and an engine cradle is positioned between the forward and rear axle assemblies. The engine cradle has first and second upper rails. A forward portion of the first upper rail is angled toward the second upper rail, and a rear portion of the first upper rail is angled toward the second upper rail. A middle portion of the first upper rail is parallel to a middle portion of the second upper rail. The engine cradle further includes first and second lower rails disposed below the first and second upper rails. A plurality of support members coupled the lower first and second lower rails to the first and second upper rails, respectively.