Rigid Cross Chassis Structure for Impact Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing chassis structures for both thermal and electric motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and absorbing impact forces effectively, particularly when the battery and fuel tank are positioned between different crossmembers, leading to potential shearing and structural weaknesses, especially in vehicles of varying lengths or propulsion types.
Innovation Solution
A metal chassis structure featuring two longerons connected by crosspieces with a rigid metal cross, comprising two crossed rectilinear branches with four free ends, where two ends are fixed to one crosspiece and the other two to an adjacent crosspiece, allowing for improved force distribution and reduced shearing risks, and optionally incorporating a stiffening plate for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same chassis structure is used for both thermal and electric vehicles with vacant spaces between crosspieces, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but structural integrity and impact resistance deteriorate due to shearing risks and weakness in vacant zones
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid cross is segmented into two rectilinear branches that connect to adjacent crosspieces separately, allowing each branch to independently manage force transmission paths and distribute impact loads more effectively across the chassis structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid cross introduces a new spatial dimension by connecting adjacent crosspieces through a perpendicular rigid structure, creating additional force distribution pathways in the transverse direction that prevent shearing in the longitudinal direction
2Strength
If a rigid cross connecting adjacent crosspieces is added to improve impact resistance, then structural integrity and force distribution are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid cross is strategically positioned only at critical locations where adjacent crosspieces require enhanced connection for impact resistance, rather than uniformly across the entire chassis, allowing local reinforcement without global complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid cross combines two rectilinear branches made of rigid material (metal, polymer, or composite) to create a composite structural element that integrates multiple force transmission functions into a single component
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a chassis structure (10) of a motor vehicle (1) made of metal, including two side members (11, 12) connected by cross-members (14, 15), characterized in that said structure includes a rigid metal cross (20) connecting two adjacent cross-members (14, 15), said rigid cross comprising two crossed straight arms (21, 22) and four free ends, two of the free ends being rigidly attached to one (14) of said adjacent cross-members, the other two free ends (23c, 23d) being rigidly attached to the other (15) of said adjacent cross-members.