Modular Vehicle Frame Assembly with Controlled Deformation Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle frame designs face challenges in managing load and kinetic energy inputs during off-road travel, leading to potential deformation of the passenger area and increased repair costs due to the lack of effective energy absorption and modular components.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame assembly comprising a fixed frame assembly, a removable frame assembly, and brackets that deform in a controlled manner when load or kinetic energy exceeds predetermined thresholds, allowing for absorption of energy without transferring it to the passenger area and facilitating easier repair or replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame assembly is used to withstand load and energy inputs during off-road travel, then the strength and stability of the frame is improved, but the passenger area may deform under excessive load and repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into fixed and removable portions, with specific energy-absorbing members positioned to deform under load. This segmentation allows the frame to have both strong fixed sections and controlled deformation zones that protect the passenger area.
Solution Approach 2:
Certain frame members are designed to deform in a predetermined controlled manner when load exceeds a threshold, converting the harmful excessive load into beneficial controlled deformation that absorbs energy and protects the passenger area from deformation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a non-modular frame assembly is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but repair complexity and cost increase when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is segmented into fixed and removable portions, allowing damaged removable members to be easily replaced without affecting the overall structural integrity of the fixed portions. This maintains structural integrity while significantly easing repair processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable frame members are designed to be replaceable when damaged, allowing quick removal and replacement of affected components while retaining the intact fixed frame structure, thereby reducing repair complexity and cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If energy absorption features are added to the frame assembly, then protection of the passenger area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Energy absorption is achieved through specific segmented members (tubular members, brackets) designed to deform controllably, rather than complex active systems. This provides passenger area protection while maintaining relatively simple frame assembly architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption system is passive and self-activating - when load exceeds the threshold, the tubular members and brackets automatically deform in a predetermined controlled manner to absorb energy, without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular frame assembly effectively manages load and kinetic energy inputs by absorbing and distributing forces, reducing deformation of the passenger area and lowering the cost and complexity of repairs by enabling selective removal and replacement of damaged components.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular frame member can be configured to deform in a predetermined controlled manner if a load or kinetic energy input to the tubular frame member is greater than a first predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 2
The bracket can be configured to deform in a predetermined controlled manner if a load or kinetic energy input to the bracket is greater than a second predetermined threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for a vehicle can include a fixed frame assembly, a removable frame assembly and a bracket. The fixed frame assembly can include a rear frame member extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The removable frame assembly can be selectively removed and attached to the fixed frame assembly. The removable frame assembly can include a tubular frame member extending along the rear end of the fixed frame assembly, and can be configured to deform in a predictable and predetermined controlled manner if a load or kinetic energy input to the tubular frame member is greater than a first predetermined threshold. The bracket can be connected to the tubular member and the rear frame member, and the bracket can be configured to deform in a predictable and predetermined controlled manner if a load or kinetic energy input to the bracket is greater than a second predetermined threshold.