Vehicle Rear Support Structure V-Shaped Brace Load Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle chassis designs can twist due to uneven loads, leading to a poor driving experience as they fail to efficiently redistribute forces across the chassis.
Innovation Solution
A rear support structure featuring a parcel cross-member and a brace assembly that forms a V-shaped configuration, redistributing loads across the chassis through a pair of braces and a bracket, thereby enhancing rigidity and preventing chassis twist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional support structure is used between cargo area and passenger compartment, then the structure is simple, but the chassis twists under uneven loads reducing driving experience
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple functional components: a parcel cross-member extending between side structures, multiple vertical members at different heights, and a V-shaped brace assembly with brackets. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific load-bearing functions, preventing chassis twist while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with vertical members at different heights and a V-shaped brace configuration. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates a rigid spatial framework that effectively resists uneven loads from any direction, enhancing chassis stability without excessive complexity.
2Strength
If the parcel cross-member is reinforced to prevent twist, then chassis rigidity improves, but the structure becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped brace assembly is pre-configured with brackets and multiple vertical members positioned at optimal locations before installation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that load paths are pre-established, allowing the structure to immediately redistribute uneven loads through the braces to the floor region and tunnel portion, preventing chassis twist from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary component that connects the V-shaped braces to the upper horizontal member of the parcel cross-member. This intermediary element facilitates efficient load transfer from the cross-member through the braces to the vehicle floor and tunnel portion, enhancing strength while managing structural complexity through functional specialization.
3Reliability
If braces are added to redistribute load, then chassis twist is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped brace assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it redistributes uneven loads across the chassis, prevents chassis twist, and provides structural support between the cargo area and passenger compartment. The brackets serve both as mounting elements and as load transfer components. This multi-functionality improves handling performance while limiting the need for additional separate components, thereby controlling manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear support structure for a vehicle includes a parcel cross-member and a brace assembly. The parcel cross-member extends from a first side structure to a second side structure of the vehicle and includes a first vertical member, a second vertical member, and an upper horizontal member that at least partially define an opening between the cargo area and the passenger compartment. The brace assembly includes a first brace extending across the opening and including a first end secured to the upper horizontal member adjacent a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second brace extending across the opening and including a first end secured to the upper horizontal member adjacent to the longitudinal centerline. The first brace further includes a second end secured to the first vertical member and the second brace includes a second end secured to the first vertical member.