Modular Front Cradle Interfaces for Collision Repairability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front cradles for motor vehicles are costly to replace after a collision and require specific sizing for each vehicle model and variant, limiting modularity and repairability.
Innovation Solution
A modular front cradle design with laterally attached interfaces for suspension triangles and upper structural profiles, featuring adaptable front and rear adapter parts made of forged metal, allowing for easy configuration and replacement of components without necessitating the entire cradle's replacement, and incorporating a U-shaped reinforcement for force recovery during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cradle is constructed as a one-piece welded assembly, then the rigidity/weight ratio is efficient, but the cradle requires complete replacement after collision and cannot be adapted to different vehicle variants
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is divided into a main body and separate attached interfaces (front adaptation part, rear adaptation part, lower profile adaptation part). These segments can be independently replaced after collision, eliminating the need to replace the entire one-piece cradle while maintaining the rigid main body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle transitions from a static one-piece structure to a dynamic modular structure where interfaces can be attached and detached. This allows the cradle to adapt to different collision scenarios and vehicle variants by swapping interface components rather than replacing the entire assembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cradle is designed as a one-piece structure, then structural integrity is maintained, but the cradle requires specific sizing for each vehicle model and variant
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is segmented into a standardized main body and variable interfaces. The main body maintains consistent structural integrity across all vehicle models, while the detachable interfaces (front adaptation part, rear adaptation part, lower profile adaptation part) are customized for different vehicle variants, enabling both structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body of the cradle is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple vehicle models and variants. By attaching different interface configurations to the same main body, the cradle system achieves multi-functionality and compatibility across various vehicle types without compromising structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the interfaces are formed integrally with the main body, then manufacturing is simplified, but the entire cradle must be replaced when interfaces are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The interfaces are manufactured separately as detachable components (front adaptation part, rear adaptation part, lower profile adaptation part) rather than being integrally formed with the main body. This segmentation allows the interfaces to be replaced independently when damaged, significantly improving repairability while the main body can be reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable interfaces are designed as replaceable components that can be economically manufactured and replaced after collision damage. Instead of replacing the entire expensive cradle assembly, only the damaged interface parts need replacement, making the repair process more cost-effective.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a front cradle (4) for a motor vehicle, comprising a main body (18) intended to be rigidly attached to the structure (4) of the vehicle; and interfaces (20) for attaching wishbone suspensions of the front axle of the vehicle, the interfaces being arranged on the main body (18), laterally on either side of the main body. The interfaces (20) for attaching wishbone suspensions are mounted on the main body (18). The invention also relates to a front structure (2) of the motor vehicle comprising the front cradle (4).