Vehicle Bottom Cross Member Layout for Rigidity Without Added Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle bottom structures face a challenge in achieving sufficient flexural rigidity of cross members without increasing their vertical dimension, which would reduce cabin space or require additional space for wiring and conduits.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle bottom structure with cross members enhanced by column members protruding downward and connected by a brace, which maintains flexural rigidity while allowing wiring and conduits to pass through a dedicated passage channel, reducing the overall vertical dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the height of the cross member is increased to enhance flexural rigidity, then the flexural rigidity is improved, but the vertical space for cabin and conduit installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from increasing height (vertical dimension) to increasing width (horizontal dimension) by adding column members and braces. The cross member maintains its original height but gains flexural rigidity through a wider structural footprint formed by column members extending laterally and connecting braces, effectively solving the contradiction by operating in a different dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross member is segmented into a main body portion and multiple column members that protrude downward. This segmentation allows the structure to distribute loads across multiple elements rather than relying solely on the height of a single monolithic beam, thereby achieving enhanced rigidity without increasing vertical dimension.
2Strength
If the height of the cross member is increased to enhance flexural rigidity, then the flexural rigidity is improved, but the cabin space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing vertical height that would encroach on cabin space, the invention uses lateral extensions (column members protruding downward and connecting braces) to achieve rigidity enhancement. This dimensional shift ensures that cabin volume is preserved while still achieving the desired structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the cross member into a main body and downward-protruding column members, the invention isolates the rigidity-enhancing elements from the cabin space. The column members extend into the vertical space already occupied by the vehicle undercarriage, not into the cabin, thereby preserving passenger space while achieving structural goals.
3Strength
If column members are added to enhance rigidity, then the flexural rigidity is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The column members serve multiple functions: they act as structural elements to enhance flexural rigidity, provide attachment points for braces, and create passage channels for conduits and wiring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the structural reinforcement function with the conduit routing function by integrating passage channels into the space between column members. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate conduit protection structures, offsetting the complexity added by the column members themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle bottom structure includes a cross member disposed on a bottom of a vehicle and elongated along a vehicle width, a plurality of column members disposed at intervals along the vehicle width, each protruding downward from a bottom face of the cross member, and a brace extending to connect the plurality of column members.