Truck Front Structure With Breakaway Cooling Module for Cab Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front-end structures for commercial vehicles, particularly trucks, do not guarantee safe rearward displacement of the driver's cab during a frontal collision, and do not effectively manage the arrangement of radiator modules to optimize crash performance.
Innovation Solution
A front-end structure comprising lateral frame members, a cooling module supported by pivot bearings, a pendulum support with a predetermined failure point, and a mechanical locking mechanism with a second failure point, allowing controlled movement of radiator modules to enhance cab displacement during a crash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver's cab is moved back against the direction of travel to create sufficient deformation path in frontal crash, then occupant safety is improved, but the arrangement of radiator modules becomes more difficult and the front-end structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module is divided into multiple radiator modules (first radiator module, second radiator module, third radiator module) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each module to be positioned and supported separately, enabling the cab to retract while maintaining radiator functionality and simplifying the overall structural arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement capabilities to the radiator modules through pivot bearings and support structures that allow rotation and displacement. The first radiator module can rotate about a first pivot axis, the second about a second pivot axis, enabling the cooling module to adapt its configuration during crash deformation while maintaining structural manageability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support structures are used to maintain radiator module positions, then structural stability is improved, but the cab's rearward displacement capability during crash is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator modules are supported on pivot bearings that allow rotational movement. The first radiator module rotates about a first pivot axis, and the second radiator module rotates about a second pivot axis. This dynamic support system maintains stability during normal operation while enabling controlled displacement during crash events.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures for the radiator modules are designed with varying degrees of rigidity and movement capability. By changing the structural parameters of the support elements, the system allows the cooling module to achieve sufficient rearward displacement while maintaining adequate positional stability under different operational conditions.
3Volume of moving object
If the cooling module is designed with multiple radiator modules for advantageous arrangement, then space utilization is improved, but the crash-induced movement control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module is segmented into multiple independent radiator modules (first, second, and third radiator modules) that can be arranged in different spatial configurations. This segmentation allows flexible space utilization while each module's movement can be independently controlled through its own pivot bearing and support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot bearing structure serves multiple functions: it supports the radiator modules in their operational positions for efficient space utilization, and simultaneously enables controlled rotational movement during crash events. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall control mechanism while achieving both space efficiency and movement control.
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
The structure increases the rearward displacement of the cab, reducing intrusion and enhancing occupant safety by allowing a greater rotational path for the cooling module and stabilizer arm, thus increasing the retraction space for the cab.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling module (3) is supported indirectly or directly on the frame members (2) via lateral pivot bearings (6) with a common pitch axis
Implementation Method 2
The pendulum support (7) has a predetermined breaking point (8), which is designed to fail under a crash-induced force (F) during a frontal crash in order to release and/or no longer absorb a pitching movement of the cooling module (3)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a front structure for a utility vehicle, preferably for a lorry, as well as a utility vehicle comprising a front structure of this type. The front structure comprises two lateral longitudinal frame rails, a cooling module (3) arranged between the longitudinal frame rails and supported on the longitudinal frame rail via lateral pivot bearings (6) with a common pitch axis, and a pendulum support (7) secured to the cooling module (3) and supported directly or indirectly on the longitudinal frame rail for absorbing tilting movements of the cooling module. The pendulum support (7) is characterised by a target failure point (8), which is designed to fail in the event of a head-on crash with a crash-related application of force (F), in order to release a tilting movement of the cooling module (3) and/or to no longer absorb same. In this way, in the event of a head-on crash, the backward displacement of a driver cabin mounted on the front structure can be improved and the intrusion of the driver cabin can thereby be reduced and the safety of the occupant improved.