Notched Frame Rails for Controlled Deformation in Three-Wheeled Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-wheeled vehicle designs lack effective deformation management during certain vehicle impacts, which can lead to inadequate protection for occupants and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle frame is designed with elongated frame rails and cross-members featuring equidistantly spaced notches that allow for controlled deformation upon impact, managing force distribution and absorption to protect occupants and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the vehicle frame uses a rigid structure to maintain strength, then structural integrity is improved, but deformation control during impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame rails are segmented with multiple notches along their length, dividing the continuous structure into sections that can deform independently. This segmentation allows the frame to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation at multiple discrete locations while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches create local variations in the frame rail structure, concentrating deformation at specific locations rather than distributing it uniformly. These localized weak points enable controlled deformation while the rest of the frame maintains its strength and rigidity.
2Weight of moving object
If the vehicle frame is designed for lightweight construction, then manufacturing cost and fuel efficiency are improved, but impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are pre-formed into the frame rails during manufacturing, preparing the structure in advance for potential impact events. This preliminary configuration allows the lightweight frame to automatically engage deformation control mechanisms during impact without requiring additional active systems or heavier materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches create localized changes in the frame rail's geometric parameters, such as cross-sectional area and moment of inertia, at specific locations. These parameter variations enable the lightweight frame to achieve controlled deformation characteristics that enhance impact resistance without increasing overall weight.
3Manufacturing precision
If the notches are spaced closely together, then deformation control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame rails are divided into multiple segments by the notches, with each segment capable of independent deformation. This segmentation provides precise control over deformation patterns while using standard manufacturing techniques to create the notched structure, avoiding excessive complexity.
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
This design enables controlled deformation of the vehicle frame during impacts, enhancing occupant safety and structural integrity by absorbing forces and managing deformation effectively, thereby improving crashworthiness.
Implementation Method 1
The first frame rail and the second frame rail are designed to be deformable along the notches when a force is applied along the midline
Implementation Method 2
managing force distribution and absorption to protect occupants and maintain structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle frame including a first frame rail, a second frame rail spaced cross-vehicle from the first frame rail, and a middle frame rail between the first frame rail and the second frame rail. The first frame rail and the second frame rail each have a vehicle-inboard side facing toward the middle frame rail. The vehicle-inboard sides each define a plurality of notches. The middle frame rail has a downward side facing downwardly and perpendicular to the vehicle-inboard sides. The downward side defining a plurality of notches. The vehicle frame has a rear cross-member and a front cross-member spaced vehicle-forward of the rear cross-member. The rear cross-member and the front cross-member are between the first frame rail and the second frame rail. The notches of the vehicle-inboard sides and the notches of the downward side are between the rear cross-member and the front cross-member.