Vehicle Subframe Crossmember with Openings for Actuator Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing subframe designs for motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining high flexural rigidity while accommodating additional installation space for functional parts like rotary actuators, which require significant space but compromise the subframe's rigidity when arranged in a low profile configuration.
Innovation Solution
The subframe cross member features strategically designed openings and a hollow profile with angled frame wall parts to maintain rigidity and allow for a closer, spatially favorable arrangement of functional parts, such as rotary actuators and steering systems, while minimizing weight and additional structural effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the subframe cross member is designed as a flat profile to provide installation space for rotary actuators, then the available installation space increases, but the flexural rigidity of the subframe cross member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The subframe cross member transitions from a flat profile to an upright profile with openings, utilizing the vertical dimension to maintain rigidity while providing horizontal installation space through the openings for rotary actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The cross member wall is segmented by introducing openings, which divide the solid structure into sections that accommodate functional parts while maintaining overall structural integrity through strategic placement and framing
2Strength
If the subframe cross member is designed as an upright profile to maintain high flexural rigidity, then the flexural rigidity is improved, but the available installation space for rotary actuators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upright cross member wall is segmented by introducing openings, creating dedicated spaces for rotary actuators and other functional parts while preserving the overall upright profile for structural rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
Material is extracted from the cross member wall to create openings, removing unnecessary material to provide installation space while retaining the essential upright profile structure for maintaining flexural rigidity
3Volume of moving object
If openings are introduced in the cross member wall to provide installation space, then the installation space availability improves, but the weight of the subframe cross member deteriorates (increases)
Solution Approach 1:
Material is extracted to create openings in the cross member wall, removing excess weight while providing necessary installation space for functional parts like rotary actuators
Solution Approach 2:
Unnecessary material in the cross member wall is discarded through openings, reducing weight while the retained material is optimized to maintain structural functionality
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a subframe for a motor vehicle, comprising two front node elements (1) for connecting to a vehicle body, which node elements are spaced from each other in a vehicle transverse direction (y) and are connected to each other by means of a front subframe crossmember (3), and comprising at least one functional part (28), in particular a rotary actuator, which extends adjacently to the subframe crossmember (3) in a vehicle transverse direction (y), by means of which functional part a torsion can be applied to torsion springs that act on the vehicle wheel suspension. According to the invention, the subframe crossmember (3) has an opening, which provides an additional installation space, in which the functional part (28) at least partially protrudes.