Vehicle Subframe U-Shaped Bracket Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subframe structures are prone to deformation when a load is applied to U-shaped brackets, particularly during contact with obstacles like curbs or steep slopes, which can also lead to deformation of the power plant installed in the power plant room.
Innovation Solution
A subframe structure featuring a left-right pair of extension members with U-shaped brackets made from flat plates, extending downward and inclined forward, connected to the left and right side faces of the extension members, with a sloped bottom face and engagement notches, designed to absorb impact and prevent deformation by allowing the U-shaped brackets to disengage and glide over obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the towing hook is connected to the upper face of the subframe, then the towing function is achieved, but the subframe deforms when a load is applied to the towing hook
Solution Approach 1:
The towing hook is segmented into a U-shaped bracket and a connection portion, where the connection portion is separately connected to the extension member rather than directly to the subframe. This segmentation allows the connection portion to absorb impact loads independently, preventing deformation of the main subframe structure while maintaining the towing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portion acts as an intermediary element between the U-shaped bracket and the extension member. It mediates the load transmission by providing a dedicated connection interface that can handle impact forces, thereby protecting the subframe from deformation while enabling the towing operation.
2Strength
If the subframe is made more rigid to prevent deformation, then structural strength is improved, but the U-shaped bracket cannot disengage from obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to flex and disengage from obstacles under excessive load. This dynamic design enables the U-shaped bracket to separate from obstacles when needed, while the overall subframe maintains its structural strength through the rigid extension members and subframe body.
3Ease of operation
If the towing hook is positioned lower for better engagement, then ease of towing operation is improved, but the power plant becomes vulnerable to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The towing system is segmented into the U-shaped bracket at the lower position for easy engagement and the connection portion that transmits loads to the upper extension member. This segmentation allows the engagement portion to be positioned low for operational convenience while the load path is routed through the structurally sound extension member, protecting the power plant from deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A subframe arranged below a power plant room located in a forward part of a vehicle includes: a left-right pair of extension members extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a rear member connected to rear end portions of the extension members and extending in a vehicle width direction; and U-shaped brackets respectively attached to front portions of the extension members and each extending downward and inclined forward in side view. The extension members each have left and right side faces spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Each of the U-shaped brackets is made from a flat plate and includes a left-right pair of connection portions respectively connected to the left and right side faces of the corresponding one of the extension members. Each of the U-shaped brackets has a bottom face portion having a sloped surface that rises upward as the sloped surface extends forward.