Symmetric Support Bracket for Vehicle Cross Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support brackets for commercial vehicles, such as buses and trucks, require the production of two different multifunctional bearing blocks for attachment to either side of a cross member, leading to complex production processes and increased costs due to the need for identical but mirrored components.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket designed to be symmetrically compatible with both sides of a cross member, allowing for the use of nearly identical brackets on either side, which includes various connecting devices for mounting components like trailing arms, side members, additional cross members, and steering devices, thereby reducing manufacturing and tooling costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two different multifunctional bearing brackets are produced for left and right sides of cross member, then the support bracket can be properly attached to both sides, but the production process becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it deliberately creates symmetry where previously asymmetry was required. The support bracket is designed with a plane of symmetry such that identical brackets can be used on both sides of the cross member, eliminating the need for left-specific and right-specific bracket variations. This symmetric design resolves the contradiction by reducing device complexity (number of different bracket designs) while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed as a universal component that can be used on both sides of the cross member. By creating a single bracket design with symmetric features including symmetric connecting devices for the cross member and frame construction, the invention eliminates the need for multiple specialized bracket variants. This universality reduces both production complexity and the number of different bracket designs required.
2Ease of manufacture
If two different multifunctional bearing brackets are produced for left and right sides of cross member, then proper attachment is achieved, but manufacturing and tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket serves as a universal component for both sides of the cross member through symmetric design. This multi-functionality allows a single bracket design to replace what previously required two different designs, directly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating duplicate production lines, tooling, and inventory management for multiple bracket variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of left-side and right-side brackets into a single unified design. By combining the features and capabilities of what were previously separate bracket variants into one symmetric design, the patent reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale and simplifies the overall component portfolio.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric support bracket design is used on both sides of cross member, then cost savings and reduced inventory are achieved, but structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying symmetry deliberately - designing the bracket and its connecting devices to be symmetric with respect to a plane of symmetry. This symmetric configuration ensures that structural integrity is maintained on both sides of the cross member while enabling cost savings through standardized production and reduced inventory requirements for bracket variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket incorporates local quality features through its connecting devices that are specifically positioned and configured to handle local structural requirements. The connecting device for the cross member and the connecting device for the frame construction are arranged with specific spatial relationships that maintain structural integrity while allowing the overall bracket design to remain symmetric and interchangeable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The support (1) has a connecting devices (10-14) for connecting the cross element. The support main portion is designed on both sides of the cross element. The support main portion is arranged relative to plane of symmetry. The mounting surface is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the cross element. An independent claim is included for supporting structure.