Underbelly Panel Rib Structure for Chassis Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle underbelly structures lack effective protection against environmental factors, debris, and air pressure, particularly for components like water lines and tanks in recreational vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A protective panel apparatus designed for vehicle chassis frames, featuring a panel with a longitudinal rib and a peripheral wall portion, configured to fit across the chassis frame between side beams, providing enhanced protection and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a simple panel structure is used for the underbelly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the protection against environmental factors and air pressure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into multiple functional sections: a flat major portion for coverage, a peripheral wall portion for attachment and sealing, and longitudinal ribs for structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional structure by adding the peripheral wall portion that projects upward and the longitudinal ribs that extend vertically. This dimensional enhancement provides both protective coverage and structural integrity against air pressure and debris.
2Reliability
If a panel with enhanced protective features is used, then the protection against environmental factors is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel's physical parameters are optimized: the peripheral wall portion has a specific height and projection direction designed for secure attachment to the chassis, while the longitudinal ribs are positioned and dimensioned to provide maximum structural strength with minimal material usage, balancing protection effectiveness with manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel integrates multiple functional elements (flat coverage area, vertical wall portion, reinforcing ribs) into a single composite structure that combines protective, structural, and attachment functions, achieving high reliability through integrated design rather than separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the panel length is predetermined to reach across the chassis frame, then the installation ease is improved, but the adaptability to different chassis sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The underbelly protection system is divided into multiple panels of predetermined lengths that can be selected and combined based on the specific chassis size. Each panel is optimized for a specific span between side beams, allowing easy installation while providing options for different vehicle configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel has a first edge portion defining a first end of the panel, and a second edge portion defining a second end of the panel. The length of the panel is predetermined for the panel to reach across a vehicle chassis frame in an installed position in which the first edge portion rests on a side beam and the second edge portion rests on an opposite side beam. The panel further has a longitudinal rib. A first end of the rib is located adjacent to, and inboard of, the first edge portion. A second end of the rib is located adjacent to, and inboard of, the second edge portion.