Front Subframe Slotted Mounts for Impact Loadpath Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle frames fail to effectively absorb and redirect front impact energy, leading to potential deformation of powertrain, suspension, and passenger compartment components during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A front vehicle subframe with impact can structures, open-ended slotted body mounts, and deformable/releasable mounts that absorb and redirect impact energy, allowing the frame body to deform independently of the subframe, preventing energy transmission to critical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame body and subframe are rigidly connected, then structural strength is improved, but impact energy is transmitted to powertrain and suspension components causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into multiple independent mounts, each capable of mechanical failure independently. This segmentation allows the frame body to deform separately from the subframe, preventing impact energy transmission to critical components while maintaining overall structural integrity during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounts are designed with predetermined mechanical failure points that activate before impact energy reaches critical components. This prior cushioning mechanism absorbs and redirects impact energy through controlled deformation, protecting the powertrain and suspension components from damage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the subframe is designed to absorb impact energy, then protection of critical components is improved, but the frame body cannot deform independently to manage impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where mounts can mechanically fail and release. This allows the frame body to deform independently during impact events while the subframe absorbs impact energy, providing adaptability for different impact scenarios
3Manufacturing precision
If deformation-initiating features are added to mounts, then controlled deformation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Deformation-initiating features are added only to specific localized areas of the mount structure where controlled deformation is needed, rather than redesigning the entire mount. This approach achieves controlled deformation while minimizing manufacturing complexity by modifying only critical regions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The subframe design effectively absorbs and redirects impact energy, minimizing deformation of powertrain, suspension, and passenger compartment components, ensuring their integrity during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the various components of the subframe are configured to direct a load received from a front impact such that a frame body can deform independent of the subframe
Implementation Method 2
open-ended slotted body mounts that release components when a threshold impact force is translated through the impact cans of the front subframe to the open-ended slotted body mounts
Data Source
AI summary
A subframe mount of a front subframe comprising a vehicle frame. The subframe mount comprises a main body configured to receive a securing feature of a frame body of the vehicle frame. The subframe mount also comprises an open-ended slot configured to enable translation of the securing feature independent of the subframe mount in response to an impact event.