Truck Sub-Frame With X-Shaped Bracing for Load Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility trucks face a challenge in designing sub-frame structures that provide sufficient strength and rigidity without excessive weight, as reinforcement to support heavy equipment like cranes limits the vehicle's utility and poses risks of damage or failure under load.
Innovation Solution
A sub-frame structure with a frame skeleton of interconnected longitudinal and transverse frame members, enclosed by top and bottom panels, and reinforced with X-shaped bracing members and support beams, allowing for lighter-weight construction while maintaining strength and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sub-frame structures are constructed with larger, heavier, thicker materials or reinforcement to carry heavy loads, then the strength and rigidity of the sub-frame structure is improved, but the weight of the sub-frame structure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-frame structure is divided into multiple longitudinal and transverse frame members that are rigidly interconnected, creating a segmented framework. This segmentation allows the structure to distribute and bear heavy loads through multiple discrete members rather than requiring a single heavy component, thereby achieving high strength with reduced overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a three-dimensional bracing system with bracing members extending vertically between top and bottom outward panels and diagonally between frame members. This adds vertical and diagonal dimensions to the load-bearing capacity, creating rigid triangular configurations that significantly enhance structural strength without increasing horizontal material usage or weight.
2Reliability
If sub-frame structures are heavily reinforced to withstand forces and loads during lifting operations, then the reliability and safety of the structure is improved, but the added weight limits the utility of the vehicle by exceeding the manufacturer's load capacity rating
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-member framework segments the load-bearing function across numerous interconnected longitudinal and transverse members, distributing heavy loads during lifting operations throughout the entire structure. This segmentation enables the sub-frame to reliably withstand extreme forces without requiring excessive weight in any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
Vertical bracing members extending between top and bottom outward panels and diagonal bracing between frame members create three-dimensional rigid configurations. These additional vertical and diagonal dimensions provide multiple load paths for forces during lifting operations, significantly enhancing reliability and safety while minimizing weight through efficient structural geometry.
3Strength
If sub-frame structures use larger, heavier materials to ensure sufficient strength, then the strength and rigidity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-frame is constructed from standardized longitudinal and transverse frame members of uniform dimensions that are rigidly interconnected. This segmentation into repeatable modular components simplifies manufacturing and assembly while achieving high strength through the collective arrangement of multiple members rather than requiring complex heavy-duty materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The addition of vertical bracing members extending between top and bottom panels and diagonal bracing between frame members creates rigid triangular configurations in three dimensions. This geometric approach to strengthening through dimensional arrangement achieves high rigidity and strength without increasing material complexity or requiring specialized heavy materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sub-frame structure for affixation to a vehicle frame as a support platform for a vehicle body comprises a frame skeleton of interconnected longitudinal and transverse frame members defining internal frame cavities therebetween. Top and bottom outward panels are connected to upper and lower sides of the frame skeleton enclosing the internal frame cavities. A plurality of bracing members are rigidly affixed within each internal frame cavity extending longitudinally and transversely between the frame members and vertically between the top and bottom outward panels to resist deformation of the frame members and the outward panels under forces and loads applied to the sub-frame structure. The bracing members include a plurality of mirror image V-shaped brace panels which form an X-shaped configuration between opposing corners within each frame cavity.