Vehicle Suspension Frame Hollow Structure Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension frame structures require thick plates for rigidity, leading to increased weight and cost due to their arched front edge configuration, which affects the vehicle's weight and expense.
Innovation Solution
A suspension frame structure with a member body formed by overlapping an upper and lower plate, where the front edge of the member body is positioned in front of the line connecting the arm mounting portions, allowing the lower plate to be formed as a flat plate and the upper plate to have a U-shaped cross-section, with the upper plate's front edge located rearward of the lower plate's, creating a hollow portion and securing rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the front edge of the member body is formed in an arched shape (offset to the rear of the straight line connecting the arm mounting portions), then rigidity is secured, but the suspension frame structure becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional design by positioning the front edge of the member body in front of the line connecting the arm mounting portions, rather than offsetting it to the rear. This inversion allows the use of thinner plates while maintaining rigidity through the hollow cross-sectional structure formed by overlapping the upper and lower plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by overlapping the upper plate and lower plate to form a hollow cross-sectional structure. This dimensional change enhances rigidity without increasing plate thickness, as the hollow structure provides structural strength while allowing weight reduction.
2Strength
If thick plate material is used to secure rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vertical dimension by overlapping upper and lower plates to create a hollow structure. This approach achieves the required rigidity without needing thick plates, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing expenses associated with thick plate processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameter from plate thickness to cross-sectional geometry. By forming a hollow cross-section through overlapping plates, the design achieves equivalent or superior rigidity with thinner plates, reducing both material cost and manufacturing complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the front edge of the member body is offset to the rear, then engine space is secured, but plate thickness must be increased for rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional offset design by positioning the front edge in front of the arm mounting portion line. This allows engine space to be secured through the hollow cross-sectional structure rather than through rearward offset, enabling weight reduction while maintaining both space and rigidity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by overlapping plates to create a hollow structure that provides both engine space and structural rigidity. This eliminates the need for rearward offsetting that would compromise rigidity, allowing thin-plate construction that reduces weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a suspension frame structure for a vehicle including: a member body formed by joining at least an upper plate and a lower plate together; and front-side arm mounting portions, which are respectively provided on left and right of a front side of the member body and to which a pair of left and right lower arms, respectively, is to be mounted. The suspension frame structure is characterized by having a configuration in which a front edge of the member body is located in front of a line connecting the front-side arm mounting portions.