Multi-Branch Connecting Device for Vehicle Sub-Frame Collision Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connecting devices between vehicle sub-frames and bodies often result in inadequate shock absorption during collisions, leading to potential harm as the sub-frame may move into the driver compartment due to insufficient energy absorption and stress concentration.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device with a multi-point rigid connection system, featuring a first end coupled with the vehicle sub-frame and a second end with multiple branches coupled with the vehicle body, distributing collision forces across various directions to enhance rigidity and reduce stress concentration, thereby preventing the sub-frame from invading the driver compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible bush is used to connect the sub-frame and vehicle body (one-point connection), then shockproof performance and comfort level are improved, but collision energy absorption is insufficient and the sub-frame may move into the driver compartment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshockproof performanceVSAvoidcollision energy absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into multiple branches (first branch, second branch, third branch) that connect to different locations on the vehicle body (side member, bottom floor, etc.). This segmentation allows the collision force to be distributed across multiple connection points rather than concentrated at a single point, improving collision energy absorption while maintaining shockproof performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from one-point connection to multi-point connection by adding spatial dimensions to the connection system. The branches extend in different directions and connect to various parts of the vehicle body structure, creating a three-dimensional force distribution network that enhances collision resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a one-point connection is used between sub-frame and vehicle body, then the connection structure is simple, but stress concentration occurs during assembly and collision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidstress concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The single connection point is segmented into multiple connection points through the branch structure. Each branch connects to a different location on the vehicle body, distributing the stress and avoiding concentration at any single point. This maintains reasonable structural complexity while eliminating stress concentration issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a multi-point rigid connection is used to increase connecting rigidity and reduce stress concentration, then collision force distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting rigidityVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection functions are merged into a single integrated connecting device. The first end couples with the sub-frame while the second end branches out to connect with multiple locations on the vehicle body simultaneously. This merging approach achieves multi-point rigid connection with a unified structure, balancing reliability improvement with controlled complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2819911B1Connecting device for connecting a vehicle sub-frame and a vehicle body and vehicle comprising the same
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 SHENZHEN BYD AUTO R&D
  • EP2819911B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2819911B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2819911B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A connecting device for connecting a vehicle sub-frame (10) and a vehicle body (20) and a vehicle comprising the connecting device are provided. The connecting device comprises a first end (100) adapted to couple with the vehicle sub-frame (10), and a second end (200) adapted to couple with the vehicle body (20), and the second end (200) has at least one first branch (201 ) adapted to couple with a side member (21) of the vehicle body (20) and at least one second branch (202) adapted to couple with a bottom floor (22) of the vehicle body (20).