Utility Vehicle Frame Segmentation for Assembly Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle body frames for utility vehicles, with a single steel stock extending to the full width, complicate the assembly process by requiring large jigs, increasing paint line width, and reducing assembly efficiency, especially when attaching parts to the central portion like the engine.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body frame design featuring a main frame with side frames connected using coupling members, such as bolts and nuts, where the main frame is narrower than the wheel width, allowing for easier assembly and reduced overall width, utilizing channel or square steel stocks and tubular members fixed by welding, and L-shaped brackets for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single steel stock extends to the full width of the vehicle body frame, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the assembly width increases and assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body frame is divided into a main frame and multiple detachable side frames. The side frames can be separated from the main frame during assembly, allowing the main frame to be assembled first with a reduced width, and then the side frames are attached later to achieve the full width configuration. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient assembly of the central structure while maintaining the option for full width structural strength when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the main frame extends to the full width, then the structural stability is improved, but the distance from work station to center increases making part attachment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into a main frame and detachable side frames, the assembly width can be reduced during the part attachment phase. The side frames are removed or folded away to create more workspace around the central area, making it easier to attach parts like the engine to the main frame. Once assembly is complete, the side frames are reattached to restore full structural stability.
3Strength
If a single steel stock is used for the full width, then the frame strength is improved, but the jig size for attachment must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into a main frame and detachable side frames. During assembly operations, only the main frame is required, which has a reduced width and therefore requires smaller, simpler jigs for part attachment. The detachable side frames are not needed during the assembly process, allowing for reduced jig complexity while maintaining full frame strength when the side frames are reattached after assembly.
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 design shortens the assembly width, enhances assembly efficiency, and simplifies the process by allowing for more convenient part attachment, reducing the need for extensive jigs and paint line width, while ensuring secure frame connections without bending the steel stocks.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular member which is fixed to the steel stocks by welding and used for inserting the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body frame of a utility vehicle comprises: a main frame supporting an engine; and a pair of side frames attached to the main frame by a coupling member on respective left and right sides of the vehicle.