Motor Vehicle Cross-Brace Offset for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle designs face a challenge in increasing the installation space between rear longitudinal carriers without compromising the rigidity of the vehicle body.
Innovation Solution
The motor vehicle incorporates a rear cross-member with an offset in the vehicle rear direction, an upper cross-member situated above it, and additional cross-members for increased rigidity and space, with the upper cross-member being fastened to the rear longitudinal carriers at the rear axle bushes, and optionally configured as a folded metal sheet or hollow profile, to accommodate a rear axle carrier or electrified drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between rear longitudinal carriers is increased to provide more installation space, then the installation space is improved, but the rigidity of the vehicle body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by placing the upper cross-member above the rear cross-member, fastening it to the rear longitudinal carriers in the region of the rear axle bushes. This three-dimensional bracing configuration provides structural reinforcement without requiring increased horizontal spacing between carriers, thus maintaining installation space while improving rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper cross-member is configured as a folded metal sheet and the rear cross-member as a hollow profile, creating composite structural elements that provide high rigidity-to-weight ratios. These composite forms enable the structure to maintain strength while accommodating the increased spacing between longitudinal carriers.
2Strength
If cross-members are added to increase vehicle body rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: a rear cross-member for primary structural connection and an upper cross-member for enhanced rigidity at the axle bush region. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper cross-member serves multiple functions: it reinforces vehicle body rigidity, provides a mounting structure for the rear axle bushes, and contributes to the overall structural framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the upper cross-member is arranged in an inclined manner to increase installation space, then the installation space is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper cross-member is arranged in an inclined manner relative to the rear cross-member, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes the available installation space. The inclination allows the upper section to be positioned in front of the lower section, providing clearance for drive units while maintaining structural integrity through standardized fastening points at the axle bushes.
Data Source
AI summary
For improving the driving dynamics of a motor vehicle with two rear longitudinal members which are spaced apart from one another and which each have a rear axle bushing for receiving a rear axle and are connected to one another by a cross-member which is at the rear in the main travel direction of the motor vehicle, the rear cross-member has in the plane of its extent an offset in the direction of the rear of the vehicle. When considered in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, an upper cross-member is located above the rear cross-member, wherein the upper cross-member is attached to the rear longitudinal members in the region of the respective rear axle bushings.