Trailer Chassis Beam Reinforcement via Segmented Gussets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The web and flange regions of beams interacting with torsion boxes in large transport vehicles are prone to stress concentration and failure due to high torsional forces, and existing stiffening methods, such as gussets, interfere with other structural elements and complicate painting processes.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design featuring elongate structural support beams with torsion boxes reinforced by wing gussets and a reinforcing means with upright web attachment portions that extend less than the full height of the beam, allowing for additional structural components and easier access for finishing treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stiffening gussets are used to reinforce the web portion adjacent to the torsion box, then the structural strength is improved, but the access for other structural elements and painting processes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening feature is divided into a first portion attached to the inner surface and a second portion attached to the outer surface, with a gap between them. This segmentation allows structural elements to pass through the gap while maintaining reinforcement strength, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening feature extends in the transverse direction beyond the width of the web portion, creating a three-dimensional structure with overhanging portions. This dimensional extension provides pathways for structural elements to access the inner surface while the stiffening feature maintains its reinforcement function, simultaneously achieving strength and accessibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If full-height stiffening gussets are used to maximize reinforcement, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to accommodate other structural components is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening feature is segmented into inner and outer portions with a gap between them, allowing other structural components to be positioned within this gap region. This segmentation maintains the reinforcement function while creating space for additional components, resolving the contradiction between integrity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening feature is configured with overhanging portions that extend beyond the web width, creating a nested configuration where other structural components can be positioned within the space defined by the stiffening feature's geometry. This allows multiple structural elements to coexist while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If reduced-height stiffening members are used to improve access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural reinforcement capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening feature extends in the transverse direction beyond the web width, creating overhanging portions that provide access pathways. This dimensional extension compensates for the reduced height, maintaining reinforcement capability while improving accessibility, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A chassis (1) for a trailer comprising two spaced apart elongate structural support beams (2) spanning all or a substantial part of the length of the trailer. The two elongate structural support beams (2) being mechanically coupled by spaced apart torsion boxes (3) spanning between the elongate structural support beams (2) along the length of the elongate structural support beams (2). The chassis (1) further comprising a reinforcing member (6) configured to reinforce the web (4) of the elongate structural support beams (2) of the chassis (1) of the trailer, the reinforcing member (6) being located on a mutually opposing portion of the web (4) of the elongate structural support beams (2) in engagement with the torsion boxes (3). The reinforcing member (6) extends less than the full height wise distance between the bottom and the top of the elongate structural support beam (2).