Vehicle Subframe Support Stiffness via Segmented Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle subframes face challenges in configuring support portions for suspension arms without being affected by attaching positions and numbers of vehicle body members, while also requiring energy-saving and productivity improvements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle subframe design featuring a pair of side members with coupling portions, cross members, and support members that are strategically welded and configured to enhance mounting stiffness and productivity, including tubular members with crushed portions for improved mounting reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If upper and lower support portions are integrally formed on a member in vehicle width direction, then strength and stiffness are improved, but adaptability to different vehicle types and attaching positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is divided into upper and lower separate members instead of being integrally formed. The upper support member and lower support member can be independently configured and positioned, allowing adaptation to different vehicle types and attaching positions while maintaining strength through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration allows the upper and lower support members to be positioned flexibly according to different vehicle specifications and attaching positions. This dynamic adaptability enables the same basic structure to serve multiple vehicle types without requiring integral formation that would limit positioning options.
2Reliability
If integral formation of support portions is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support portion into separate upper and lower members, the manufacturing process becomes simpler and more reliable. Each member can be manufactured independently using standard processes, avoiding the complexity of integral formation while maintaining reliability through proper connection and welding design.
Solution Approach 2:
This principle does not apply to this patent as there are no color or optical property changes involved in the support portion configuration.
3Strength
If integral formation is used, then strength is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the support portion into separate manufacturable components enables independent production and assembly, significantly improving productivity. The upper and lower members can be manufactured simultaneously in different locations and then assembled, avoiding the long production cycle of integral formation while maintaining strength through proper connection design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If support portions are configured to accommodate different attaching positions, then adaptability is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower support members are designed with universal characteristics that allow them to accommodate different attaching positions and vehicle types. By making the support portion configurable rather than fixed, the same basic structure serves multiple functions and positions without requiring complex specialized designs for each application.
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 design allows for a simple configuration of support portions for suspension arms, enhancing stiffness and mounting reliability while ensuring productivity and weight savings across various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
a lower part of the pair of support members is welded respectively to upper walls of the pair of coupling members and vertical walls of the one of the cross members
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of side members extends in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle in a width direction and have a plurality of coupling portions coupling with a vehicle body member of a vehicle. A pair of cross members extends in the width direction to face each other in the longitudinal direction and couple the pair of side members. A pair of coupling members is provided in the side members to couple a corresponding one of the plurality of coupling portions with the vehicle body member. A pair of support members is provided in the cross members to support correspondingly a pair of suspension arms provided in the vehicle and facing each other in the width direction. The lower parts of the support members are welded to upper walls of the coupling members and vertical walls of one of the cross members straddling the upper walls and the vertical walls.