Pivoting Crossmember Chassis for Off-Road Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road commercial vehicles with torsionally rigid bodies experience high stresses due to chassis twisting, which can be exacerbated by torsionally rigid bodies restricting this twisting, leading to excessive mechanical stress on the chassis frame and body.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design featuring a pivoting cross member and rocker arms that allow the pendulum crossbeam to rotate around an instantaneous center of rotation positioned below the chassis frame, preventing excessive stress on the superstructure and chassis by allowing the chassis to twist without direct mounting to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional chassis design with separate frame members is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate frame members into a single integrated chassis component. The chassis comprises a unitary structure that combines the functions of multiple frame members, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining structural strength. This is achieved through a monolithic design that integrates the longitudinal members, cross members, and support structures into one continuous component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate frame members are used in the chassis, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is designed as a single integrated component that combines multiple frame members into one unitary structure. This merging reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations required, while the internal geometry of the integrated chassis maintains the structural integrity that would otherwise require multiple separate members.
Solution Approach 2:
While the chassis is integrated, the design incorporates segmented functional zones within the single component. The chassis includes distinct regions for engine mounting, cargo bed support, and suspension attachment, allowing each functional area to be optimized independently within the unified structure.
3Force
If traditional chassis designs are used, then the load-bearing capacity is adequate, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis employs local quality optimization by varying the cross-sectional geometry and material distribution at different locations along the chassis length. High-strength regions are concentrated at load-bearing points such as engine mounts and cargo bed attachments, while lighter sections are used in non-critical areas, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis utilizes composite material construction, combining materials with different mechanical properties to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The integrated chassis may incorporate high-strength steel alloys or composite materials that provide enhanced load-bearing capacity with reduced weight compared to traditional homogeneous chassis designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Chassis (2) for a utility vehicle (1), in particular for a military utility vehicle, comprising: a chassis frame (3) which extends along a longitudinal direction (L) of the chassis (2); a crossmember (11) fixedly connected to the chassis frame (3) and intended for supporting an interchangeable body (8) which can be placed on the chassis (2); and a pendulum crossmember (12, 12') which is pivotably mounted on the chassis frame (3) and intended for supporting the body (8).