Truck Cab Box Structure Direct Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for joining box-type structures in vehicle bodies, such as truck cabs, are complex and result in suboptimal flexural strength and torsional resistance due to the need for multiple welding operations and the use of projecting flaps that are prone to stress, requiring numerous holes for spot welding equipment access.

Innovation Solution

A box-type system where parts are joined directly on their junction plane using methods like spot welding, brazing, or gluing, without external flaps, and longitudinal walls are overlapped and joined along their edges, simplifying the assembly and reducing stress exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If spot welding is performed on projecting flaps to join box-type structures, then the joint between box-type structures and metal plates is achieved, but the welded joint is exposed to considerable torsional stress and bending force, reducing structural strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidtorsional stress
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the projecting flaps from the box-type structure design. Instead of having flaps extend outward for welding, the metal plates are joined directly to the box-type structures at their intersection points, eliminating the problematic arm structure that exposed joints to torsional stress and bending forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the welding approach from joining flaps that extend in one dimension (perpendicular to the box structure) to joining metal plates directly at the intersection plane of the box-type structures, distributing the connection across multiple dimensions and reducing stress concentration.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple holes are made in side walls for spot welding equipment access, then welding operations can be performed, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding accessibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the need for multiple access holes in the side walls by removing the projecting flaps design. The welding operations can be performed directly on the external surfaces where metal plates join the box-type structures, simplifying the assembly process and eliminating the steps required to create and later reclose access holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multiple welding operations are performed to join box-type structures at knots, then the joint between structures is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes very complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple separate welding operations into a simplified process. By eliminating projecting flaps and intermediate joining elements, the design allows metal plates to be joined directly to box-type structures at their intersections, reducing the number of discrete welding steps required while maintaining joint reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the box-type structure into modular components (box-type structures and metal plates) that can be joined directly at their interfaces. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex intermediate joining elements and allows for simpler, more straightforward welding operations at the connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If projecting flaps are used to join box-type structures, then the joint between structures and metal plates is achieved, but the flexural strength and resistance to torsional stress are not ideal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexural strengthVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the projecting flaps from the design, eliminating the structural complexity associated with these elements. The direct joining of metal plates to box-type structures at their intersections provides adequate strength without the need for additional flap components, thereby improving flexural strength and torsional resistance while reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances mechanical strength by eliminating external flaps and diaphragms, allowing for simpler, faster assembly with fewer holes, and significantly improves bending and torsional stress resistance.

Implementation Method 1

The various parts are preferably joined together by means of welding which is always performed on the junction plane of said parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

such as welding, preferably spot welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpot welding: Welding

Implementation Method 3

brazing, braze welding or glueing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBrazing: Brazing

Data Source

PatentEP1911663B1Box-type structure for the cab of a truck and method of production
Publication Date: 2011.10.26 IVECO SPA
  • EP1911663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1911663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1911663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Box-type structure for the cab of a truck characterized in that it comprises: a first box-type member (1) comprising two longitudinal walls (4, 5, 21, 22) having a cross-section that forms a bend or a curve; a second box-type member (2, 3, 23, 24) joined to each of said walls by means of the partial overlapping of an end portion thereof (8, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24) and one end of said wall. Method of producing said box-type structure by welding the parts of subassemblies along the junction plane without the need for folded flaps.