Subframe with Modular Crossbeams for Independent Suspension Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subframes for heavy duty vehicles struggle to seamlessly integrate independent wheel suspension with existing frame designs, requiring extensive structural modifications and lacking stability under high loads.
Innovation Solution
A subframe design featuring lateral holding elements with crossbeams, receiving arrangements for suspension and damping devices, and fastening rails that connect to longitudinal frame members, allowing for pre-assembly and easy adaptation to conventional frame systems, enabling both independent wheel suspension and rigid axle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent wheel suspension is integrated with existing frame designs, then vehicle performance and comfort are improved, but structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The subframe is divided into modular components including lateral holding elements, crossbeams, and receiving arrangements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows the complex independent wheel suspension system to be integrated with existing frame designs through standardized interfaces while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The subframe design incorporates universal receiving arrangements that can accommodate different suspension devices and damping devices, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple functions and be adapted to various vehicle configurations without requiring complete redesign.
2Ease of manufacture
If fastening rails are directly connected to longitudinal frame members, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but stability under high loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Supports are introduced as intermediary elements between the fastening rails and the longitudinal frame members. These supports act as mediators that distribute and transfer high loads from the suspension system through the crossbeams to the frame, preventing direct stress concentration at the rail-frame connection points while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Loss of time
If subframe is pre-assembled with suspension devices, then assembly time is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The subframe is pre-assembled with receiving arrangements and fastening rails in a controlled manufacturing environment, allowing suspension devices and damping devices to be integrated before final installation on the vehicle. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site assembly time and allows for quality control measures to ensure precision requirements are met.
Data Source
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AI summary
The sub-frame (1) has a lateral retaining unit (4) arranged at a distance to another lateral retaining unit (3), and transversal carriers (7, 8) connecting the units, which are designed as a pressing part or welding group. An accommodating arrangement (11) i.e. forging part, and an accommodating element (21) i.e. welding structure, are arranged at the units. The arrangement accommodates a suspension mechanism (15) and/or a damping device. The element accommodates suspension arms (31). Accommodating devices (9, 10) are provided at the units for accommodating a frame longitudinal support.