Vehicle Body Flange Coupling for In-Wheel System Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body designs are complex and time-consuming to assemble due to the need for accommodating various internal devices and components like wheels, suspensions, and steering units, and they lack sufficient collision impact absorption, especially with the introduction of in-wheel systems that eliminate the need for these components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body structure featuring open-side members coupled using flanges and closed surfaces, which enhances collision strength, maintains coupling strength, and simplifies the assembly process by using flange units to support and connect vehicle members, allowing for efficient integration of shock absorber housings and distributing impact across the vehicle body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional vehicle body design accommodating multiple components (wheels, suspensions, steering units) is used, then functional requirements are met, but fabrication and assembly processes become complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes traditional separate components (suspension, steering unit, drive unit) from the vehicle body structure by implementing an in-wheel system where these functions are integrated directly into the wheel assembly. This eliminates the need for complex connections and mounting structures for separate suspension and steering components, thereby simplifying fabrication and assembly processes while maintaining all necessary vehicle functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components (drive unit, steering unit, suspension elements) into a single integrated in-wheel system. By combining these functions within the wheel assembly itself, the vehicle body structure requires fewer separate mounting points and connection structures, reducing overall device complexity and simplifying manufacturing processes
2Strength
If wheel housing spaces are designed for traditional components, then component mounting is enabled, but collision strength and impact absorption are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional wheel housing structure that was designed to accommodate separate suspension and steering components. By extracting these components and integrating them into the in-wheel system, the wheel housing can be redesigned as a simpler structure focused on providing collision strength and impact absorption without the complexity of multiple mounting points and connection structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wheel assembly universal by integrating multiple functions (driving, steering, suspension) directly into the wheel. This multi-functional in-wheel system allows the wheel housing to serve primarily as a protective structure for collision strength, eliminating the need for separate housing structures for each component and simplifying the overall wheel housing design
3Device complexity
If in-wheel system is implemented to simplify structure, then component count is reduced, but new vehicle body design is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle body into modular sections with standardized mounting locations for the in-wheel systems. By dividing the vehicle body into manageable segments with predefined attachment points and structures, the design process becomes more systematic and easier to manufacture, even though new design is required for the in-wheel configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment vehicle body includes a first member extending in a shape having an internal space, the first member having an open side, and a second member coupled to the first member, the second member having an end with a closed surface, wherein the end with the closed surface is received in the internal space of the first member through the open side of the first member, and the closed surface and at least one side wall of the second member are in surface contact with the first member.