Modular Central Underbody Tunnel for Vehicle Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional central underbody portions of motor vehicles are heavy, have limited force transmission capacity, and lack flexibility to accommodate different vehicle lengths within the same family, requiring separate designs and components for varying lengths, which is costly and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A central underbody portion with a longitudinal structural tunnel comprising a floor, an integral central profile, and end pieces that can be adapted in length to fit different vehicle configurations, allowing for connection and force absorption with separate structural portions, enabling the use of a single initial profile to be cut into different lengths for various vehicle types, and forming a hollow reinforcing body for improved strength and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the longitudinal tunnel is produced integrally of one piece to meet mechanical strength requirements, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the mass increases and the part becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the longitudinal tunnel into multiple separate components (front structural portion, central underbody portion with tunnel, rear structural portion) that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and reduces the overall mass compared to a single heavy integral structure, while maintaining the required mechanical strength through proper joint design and force distribution paths.
2Strength
If the central underbody portion is designed with fixed dimensions to ensure structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the adaptability to different vehicle lengths decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the central underbody portion to be manufactured in different length configurations (first length for two-seat vehicles, second length for four-seat vehicles) while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through separate component design that allows selection of appropriate length variants, ensuring both structural performance and versatility across different vehicle types in the same family.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate designs are produced for different vehicle lengths to accommodate family variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the central underbody portion as a universal component that can serve multiple vehicle configurations. By creating a modular system where the central portion with tunnel can be produced in standardized length variants (first and second lengths) that fit different vehicle types, the design achieves versatility without requiring completely separate designs for each vehicle configuration, thereby reducing overall complexity and manufacturing costs.
4Force
If the longitudinal tunnel is dimensioned large to transmit forces effectively, then the force transmission capacity is improved, but the volume increases and feasibility within small volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the longitudinal tunnel dimensions locally within the central underbody portion to achieve adequate force transmission capacity without excessive volume. By designing the tunnel with appropriate cross-sectional dimensions and wall thicknesses specific to its function in the central portion, the system transmits forces effectively while maintaining a compact size that fits within the constraints of the vehicle's passenger compartment space.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a central underbody portion of a structural body of a motor vehicle to delimit a bottom of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The method includes assembling a floor of the central underbody portion, attaching an integral central profile to the floor, arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and having a length dependent on a length of the central underbody portion in the longitudinal direction, and assembling at least one end piece forming an extension of the central profile. The end piece has an interface providing a connection and a function of absorbing and transmitting forces with a structural portion of the body that is separate from the central underbody portion and/or with the floor. The attaching includes adapting the length of the central profile as a function of the length of the central underbody portion in the longitudinal direction.