Automobile Underbody Megacast Structure with Cuttable Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

New energy vehicles using megacasting technology face high costs and low manufacturing efficiency due to the need for separate molds for each component in the automobile underbody die-casting process.

Innovation Solution

The automobile underbody die-cast structure incorporates a megacast design with a front floor and an insert that can be separated by cutting, allowing for improved material utilization and eliminating the need for dedicated molds, thereby reducing costs and enhancing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate molds are used for each component in the automobile underbody die-casting process, then manufacturing precision and component quality are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate die-casting processes into a single integrated megacasting process. The front floor, rear floor, and cross beams are cast together as one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate molds and multiple casting operations. This integration directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining component quality through the precision of die-casting while dramatically improving productivity through a single-step manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The megacasting mold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the front floor, rear floor, cross beams, and connects them into a unified structure in one operation. This universal mold design eliminates the need for multiple specialized molds, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and improving production efficiency while maintaining the precision benefits of die-casting for all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate molds are used for each component in the automobile underbody die-casting process, then component quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple die-casting operations into a single megacasting process, eliminating the need for multiple expensive molds. The unified mold design reduces tooling costs while maintaining component quality through precise die-casting. The integrated structure also reduces assembly costs and manufacturing complexity, directly addressing the cost contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are assembled to form the automobile underbody, then adaptability and design flexibility are improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While the overall underbody is megacast as one piece, the design incorporates segmented functional zones (front floor, rear floor, cross beams) that can be independently optimized during the design phase. The megacasting process allows these segments to be integrated into a unified structure, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining design flexibility for each functional zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are assembled to form the automobile underbody, then design flexibility is improved, but productivity and manufacturing efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple components into a single megacast structure, eliminating assembly operations and significantly improving productivity. The design flexibility is preserved through the ability to optimize the internal structure and functional zones during the design phase, while the unified manufacturing process eliminates the time-consuming assembly of separate parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4656501A1Automobile underbody die-cast structure
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ZHEJIANG ZEEKR INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
  • EP4656501A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4656501A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4656501A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An automobile underbody die-cast structure (1), which is formed by integrated die casting, and comprises a front floor (2) and a nested member (5). The front floor (2) comprises a hollow area (6); the nested member (5) is arranged in the hollow area (6) of the front floor (2) and is connected to the front floor (2); and the nested member (5) can be separated from the front floor (2) by cutting. The material utilization rate of the automobile underbody die-cast structure (1) is increased, and molds of the nested member (5) are saved, thereby saving the costs and improving the efficiency.