Side chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer side frames are inflexible in accommodating wall elements of varying thicknesses and materials, leading to potential lateral movement or requiring multiple bracket designs.

Innovation Solution

A side frame design with movable covers and compensating elements on both front and rear supports, allowing wall elements of different thicknesses to be securely fixed, using stepped or wedge-shaped compensating elements with optional elastic materials, and secured by locking devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional vehicle body structure with separate side members is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the anti-rust performance and structural strength are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-rust performanceVSAvoidbody structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the side member and side sill into a single integrated side chassis component. This combination eliminates the need for separate side members, improving anti-rust performance by reducing the number of joints and potential corrosion points, while also enhancing structural strength through the unified design that allows for optimized load distribution throughout the entire side chassis assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side chassis is constructed using composite material structures, particularly in the formation of the side sill which integrates reinforcement elements with the main body. This composite construction provides enhanced strength-to-weight ratio and improved resistance to corrosion and deformation compared to conventional single-material side members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If separate side members are used in the vehicle body, then the structural design is simple, but the deformation resistance and overall strength are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation resistanceVSAvoidside chassis structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the side member and side sill into one integrated side chassis, the structure achieves continuous load paths that significantly improve deformation resistance. The unified design allows forces to be distributed across the entire side chassis rather than being concentrated at joints between separate components, thereby enhancing overall strength without requiring additional reinforcement elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While the side chassis is integrated, it incorporates segmented reinforcement structures within the side sill portion. These internal segmentation features create multiple load-bearing pathways that resist deformation from different directions, providing enhanced structural integrity while maintaining a unified external appearance that simplifies the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional body panels and separate side members are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the joints become corrosion-prone and strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint corrosion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of side member and side sill into a single side chassis component eliminates multiple joints that would otherwise exist between separate parts. This merger directly addresses corrosion resistance by removing the joints that are most susceptible to moisture and road salt infiltration, while the manufacturing process is simplified through stamping or forming the entire side chassis as one piece or as pre-assembled units requiring minimal additional joining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4021247B1Side chassis
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4021247B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4021247B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4021247B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A side panel (1) for a drawer comprises a front support (2) and a rear support (3, 3'), between which a wall element (10, 20, 30) is arranged, said wall element being held against at least one of the two supports (2, 3, 3') by a movable cover (7), wherein the cover (7) is equipped with a compensating element (11), by means of which wall elements (10, 20, 30) of different thicknesses can be fixed to the support (2, 3). In this manner, the side panel (1) can be flexibly constructed.