Vehicle Subframe Weight Reduction via Channel Base and Integrated Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subframes attached to vehicle bodies for supporting lower arms face challenges in weight reduction and performance improvement, particularly in the lower arm support portion.
Innovation Solution
A subframe design featuring a channel-shaped base member with open sides and integrated brackets, where the side wall portion blocks the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the base member, forming a first lower arm support portion, which reduces weight and deformation while maintaining rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a conventional subframe design is used, then structural completeness is maintained, but weight reduction is insufficient and lower arm support performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the closing plate from the conventional subframe structure, extracting an unnecessary component that added weight without providing essential structural support. The channel-shaped base member with open sides is sufficient when combined with the first and second members that form the lower arm support portions, eliminating the need for the closing plate while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The subframe is divided into distinct functional segments: the channel-shaped base member providing the main structure, the first member forming the first lower arm support portion, and the second member forming the second lower arm support portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall weight while maintaining support performance.
2Strength
If additional structural support is added to improve lower arm support performance, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it forms the first lower arm support portion, provides the side wall portion that blocks the vehicle width direction, and connects to the base member through the top wall portion. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel-shaped base member serves multiple purposes: it provides the main structural framework, supports the first and second members, and forms the lower arm support portions when combined with the first and second members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall design.
Data Source
AI summary
A subframe (100) includes a base member (110) and a first member (121). The base member (110) is a channel-shaped member that includes a base surface portion (111) and two wall portions (112) on both sides of the base surface portion (111) in a vehicle length direction and is open on its lower side in a vehicle height direction. The first member (121) includes a bottom wall portion (121g), a top wall portion (121t), and a side wall portion (121s). The bottom wall portion (121g) and the top wall portion (121t) are disposed in the same direction as the base surface portion (111). The top wall portion (121t) is overlapped on and joined to the base surface portion (111). The wall portions (112) and the bottom wall portion (121g) form the channel shape. The side wall portion (121s) is a wall that blocks a vehicle width direction between the bottom wall portion (121g) and the top wall portion (121t). A first lower arm support portion (131) is formed by the base surface portion (111) and the bottom wall portion (121g).