Third Longitudinal Support for Truck Frame Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frame support structures for commercial vehicles, such as tractor units, experience unfavorable force flow and high bending stress due to the introduction of steering forces, which are not effectively managed by existing designs.

Innovation Solution

A frame support structure featuring a third longitudinal support made from hollow or profile elements, connected to steering elements and wheel suspensions, which absorbs horizontal forces and supports tank and engine devices, forming a three-dimensional structure that redistributes and absorbs forces more efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If steering forces are introduced via bracket-shaped offset parts in conventional frame support structures, then the forces can be transmitted to the longitudinal supports, but this results in unfavorable force flow and high bending stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering force transmissionVSAvoidbending stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a third longitudinal support structure positioned between the first and second longitudinal supports, creating a three-dimensional force distribution system. This additional dimension allows steering forces to be distributed across multiple support paths rather than concentrated on single bracket connections, thereby reducing bending stress while maintaining effective force transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame support structure is segmented into three separate longitudinal support structures (first, second, and third supports). This segmentation divides the force transmission task among multiple independent elements, allowing each support to carry a portion of the steering forces and reducing the bending stress on any single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a third longitudinal support structure is added to reduce bending stress and improve force distribution, then structural integrity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The third longitudinal support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a force transmission element for steering forces, provides additional structural reinforcement, and creates a three-dimensional support framework. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2684776B1Frame support structure with a third longitudinal supporting structure
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2684776B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2684776B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2684776B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a frame support structure (1) for a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, preferably a semi-trailer truck. The frame support structure (1) comprises a first longitudinal support structure (10) and a second longitudinal support structure (20), which are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction (QR) of the frame support structure (1). The frame support structure (1) further comprises wheel suspensions (RA) for front wheels (Rv) of the commercial vehicle and, in particular, a tank system (T) for fluid storage, e.g., a fuel tank system and/or an air tank system. The frame support structure (1) also comprises a third longitudinal support structure (30).