T-Joint Structure for Vehicle Cross Member Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional T-shaped joint structures in vehicles lack sufficient rigidity against bending and torsional deformations, and struggle to securely mount seat rail bases due to inadequate mounting region and slanted top surfaces, which complicates the attachment of seat rail bases and affects cabin space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The T-shaped joint structure is enhanced by increasing the dimension of the vehicle width inside part of the cross member in the lateral direction while maintaining a controlled slant angle, allowing for a broader mounting region and improved rigidity by aligning the top side lines of the side sill and cross member flange, thereby reducing bending angles and enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cross member is joined to the lateral surface and top surface of the side sill to raise joint rigidity, then the rigidity of the joint part is improved, but the mounting region for seat rail base becomes insufficient and the top side line becomes slanted making attachment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member is designed with a T-shaped configuration where the vehicle width inside part extends in the lateral direction and the vehicle width outside part slopes upward. This dimensional arrangement allows the top surface flange to provide a separate mounting region on its top surface, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the conflict between joint rigidity and mounting space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross member is segmented into distinct functional parts: the vehicle width inside part for structural connection and the vehicle width outside part for mounting operations. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the inside part for rigidity and the outside part for providing mounting surface area.
2Area of stationary object
If the dimension of the vehicle width inside part is increased to broaden mounting region, then the mounting region is improved, but the slant angle increases causing larger bending angles and reduced joint rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes specific geometric parameters including the dimension of the vehicle width inside part (Wi) as a ratio of the overall width (W), the slant angle (θ) of the top side line, and the dimension of the vehicle height direction (H). By carefully controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the design achieves both adequate mounting region and sufficient joint rigidity.
3Ease of operation
If the top side line is slanted to accommodate mounting requirements, then the mounting accessibility is improved, but the bending angle increases reducing structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The slant angle (θ) of the top side line is controlled within a specific range (5° to 45°) to balance mounting accessibility with structural integrity. This parameter optimization ensures that the top surface remains accessible for seat rail base attachment while keeping the bending angle small enough to maintain joint rigidity and structural stability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention has as its object the provision of a T-shaped joint structure sufficiently securing a mounting region for another member and securing rigidity of a joint part. A first member and a second member joined with the first member and extending in a direction vertical to the longitudinal direction of the first member are provided. In a side view of first member in the longitudinal direction, the part of the first member joined with the second member, that is, a first member side joining element, is slanted from the first member toward the second member so that the first member becomes tapered. The part of the second member joined with the first member, that is, a second member side joining element, is slanted from the first member toward the second member in the same direction as the first member side joining element. The first member side joining element and second member side joining element are smoothly joined to form a joined part. The joined part is present at least at single side of the first and second member in the lateral direction.