Motor Vehicle Subframe With Adjustable Engine Mount Connection Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle subframes require multiple variants to accommodate different engine units, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and storage inefficiencies due to fixed engine mount positions, which cannot be adapted for varying engine types and sizes.
Innovation Solution
The subframe design includes connection parts with adjustable bearing points that allow engine mounts to be positioned variably in multiple directions, enabling installation of different engine mounts with unique geometries without altering the cast nodes, and incorporating a transverse strut and shear panel for additional stiffening and improved acoustics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of subframes or cast nodes are provided to accommodate different engine units, then different engine types and sizes can be accommodated, but manufacturing complexity increases and economies of scale are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cast node design that can accommodate multiple engine types through a standardized interface system. The connection parts with adjustable bearing points serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection, enable position adjustment, and accommodate different engine geometries. This single universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized cast node variants, maintaining adaptability while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parts are designed with adjustable bearing points that can be repositioned along the connection part's length. This dynamic adjustability allows the same cast node and connection part assembly to adapt to different engine mount positions required by various engine types, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-configuration cast node variants.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed engine mount positions are used on subframes, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different engine geometries is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing points on the connection parts are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the engine mount position to be dynamically changed to match different engine geometries while keeping the cast node and connection part manufacturing process standardized and simple. The adjustability is achieved through design features that allow repositioning along the connection part's length.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part is segmented into distinct functional zones: the bearing point region that can be adjusted, the connection region to the cast node, and the connection region to the transverse structure. This segmentation allows the bearing point to be independently positioned while maintaining the structural integrity and standardized manufacturing of the entire connection part.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapter parts are integrally formed on stiffening structures to provide additional bearing points, then more engine mount positions are available, but component size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of additional bearing points directly into the existing connection parts rather than adding separate adapter parts. The connection parts are designed to provide multiple bearing points as an integrated feature, eliminating the need for separate adapter components. This reduces overall component size and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the capability to provide multiple engine mount positions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an auxiliary frame (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising two longitudinal members (12, 14) oriented in the longitudinal direction (FL) of the vehicle, at least one transverse structure (16, 24) oriented in the transverse direction (FQ) of the vehicle, and two cast nodes (18, 20), wherein the cast nodes (18, 20) are each arranged between the longitudinal members (12, 14) and the transverse structure (16, 24), and the longitudinal members (12, 14) and the transverse structure (16, 24) are firmly connected to each other via the corresponding cast nodes (18, 20), and the two cast nodes (18, 20) each have bearing attachment points (LG1 - LG5) for fastening an engine mount.The invention is characterized in that for each of the two cast nodes (18, 20) a connecting part (26, 28) is provided, having at least one bearing connection point (LA1) for fastening a motor bearing, wherein several bearing points are formed on the connecting parts (26, 28) via which the connecting parts (26, 28) can be fastened to the transverse structure as well as to the bearing connection points (LG1 - LG5) present on the cast nodes (18, 20).