Segmented Engine Support Device for Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine supports in motor vehicles have a restricted installation space due to their constant rectangular cross-sectional profile, which limits the width available for the radiator package and results in inadequate energy dissipation during crash loads, leading to problematic crash behavior, especially at low speeds.
Innovation Solution
The engine support device features a first and second half-shell with a middle section and second side cheek section that has an offset, increasing the space width between the engine supports and allowing the second side cheek section to rest against the first side cheek section, thereby expanding the installation space and improving crash energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If engine supports have a constant rectangular cross-sectional profile, then manufacturing is simple and structural integrity is maintained, but installation space width is restricted and crash energy dissipation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The engine support is divided into multiple longitudinal sections (first, second, third, fourth end sections) with different cross-sectional profiles. Each section is optimized for its specific function: the first end section has a larger cross-section for crash energy absorption, while other sections have smaller cross-sections to maximize installation space width. This segmentation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve compact overall dimensions and sufficient crash performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cross-sectional profiles are applied at different locations along the engine support. The first end section features a larger cross-sectional area optimized for absorbing crash loads, while the second, third, and fourth end sections have smaller cross-sectional areas optimized for maximizing installation space. This local differentiation ensures that material is concentrated where structurally necessary while minimizing space occupation elsewhere.
2Stability of the object's composition
If engine supports have a constant rectangular cross-sectional profile, then structural integrity is maintained, but crash energy dissipation is inadequate especially at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The engine support is segmented into different longitudinal sections with varying cross-sectional properties. The first end section is designed with a larger cross-sectional area specifically to absorb crash energy through controlled deformation, while maintaining the structural integrity of the entire support through the continuous profiled structure. This segmentation allows energy dissipation to occur primarily in the first end section during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area parameter of the engine support is varied along its longitudinal axis. The first end section has a larger cross-sectional area optimized for energy absorption during crash loads, while other sections have smaller cross-sectional areas. This parameter change enables the structure to dissipate crash energy effectively while maintaining overall structural integrity through the continuous profiled design.
3Area of stationary object
If engine supports are positioned close together to maximize installation space, then space utilization is improved, but radiator package width is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The engine support employs segmented cross-sectional profiles where the first end section has a larger cross-section for structural functions and the subsequent sections (second, third, fourth end sections) have smaller cross-sections. This segmentation creates additional transverse space between the engine supports, thereby increasing the available width for the radiator package while maintaining the structural integrity of the support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine support features local quality variations in its cross-sectional dimensions. By concentrating the larger cross-sectional area in the first end section where structural strength is most needed, the design minimizes the cross-sectional area in the middle and rear sections. This local optimization increases the gap between opposing engine supports, thereby expanding the radiator package installation space.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine support device, which is provided for supporting an engine arranged in a front-end vehicle structure of a motor vehicle, includes a first half-shell with a first end section, a second end section opposite same and a first lateral cheek section, and a second half-shell with a third end section, a fourth end section opposite same, a middle section arranged between the third and the fourth end section and a second lateral cheek section. The first half-shell as an outer shell and the second half-shell as an inner shell can be provided in a state of the engine support device installed into a motor vehicle. The first lateral cheek section has substantially straight edges in a continuous manner from the first end section thereof to the second end section thereof. The second lateral cheek section has substantially straight edges in a continuous manner from the third end section thereof to the middle section thereof and has a first offset in the direction of the first lateral cheek section between the middle section and the fourth end section and converges on the first lateral cheek section in a first longitudinal section containing the offset by a difference in distance which corresponds to the first offset. The second lateral cheek section is arranged on the first lateral cheek section at least in the fourth and the second end sections, respectively.