Motor Vehicle Rear End Vertical Through-Opening Frame

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rear structure of motor vehicles limits the placement and protection of fuel tanks and energy storage components, particularly in the area above the rear axle, which restricts the implementation of various drive concepts and increases the risk of damage during collisions.

Innovation Solution

A rear end design featuring a vertical through-opening in the vehicle body, framed by longitudinal and transverse beams, allows for the secure placement and protection of sensitive components like fuel tanks, high-voltage batteries, and catalytic reducing agents, enabling flexible arrangement and reduced risk of damage in collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the area above the rear axle is used for storing fuel tanks or energy storage components, then the driving range is extended, but the risk of damage during rear-end collisions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving rangeVSAvoidcollision damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical space above the rear axle (third dimension) for component placement rather than only horizontal space. By positioning fuel tanks and energy storage devices in the vertical cavity above the rear axle, the design extends driving range without compromising horizontal safety zones, effectively using dimensional space to resolve the contradiction between range extension and collision risk.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single body shell design is used for multiple drive concepts, then manufacturing flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the complexity of accommodating different component configurations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive concept flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the rear end structure into distinct functional zones: a protected frame structure formed by longitudinal and transverse beams, a vertical through-opening cavity for component placement, and sealed access openings. This segmentation allows different drive components (fuel tanks, batteries, reducing agents) to be independently positioned and secured within the modular framework, simplifying the accommodation of various drive concepts while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure with longitudinal and transverse beams serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the through-opening cavity, offers mounting positions for various components, and enables sealed access. This multi-functional design allows the same body shell to accommodate different drive concepts (combustion engine, electric, hybrid) without requiring significant structural modifications, thereby reducing complexity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the passage opening above the rear axle is left open for component access, then ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but protection of sensitive components from damage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent assembly easeVSAvoidcomponent protection from damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sealed openings (passage openings) that are pre-formed as integral parts of the longitudinal and transverse beams during body manufacturing. These openings are designed and sealed in advance, allowing components to be accessed and installed later without compromising the protective enclosure. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of future assembly and immediate component protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2428382B1Body rear end of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2428382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2428382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2428382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The rear structure has a cavity formed in the body of a motor vehicle over a rear axis, where the cavity is formed through a vertical through hole (2). The front and back sides of the through hole are bordered by a cross beam (3,4), while the lateral side is bordered by a longitudinal beam (5,6) of the vehicle body. A frame (7) is formed by the beams and closed over the periphery of the through hole.