Commercial Vehicle Frame Bracket Deformation for Crash Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid connections between add-on elements and commercial vehicle frames lead to strong intrusions in the vehicle interior during frontal impacts, particularly in light commercial vehicles, as they do not effectively absorb and dissipate forces, resulting in potential damage to the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A two-part support element with a first and second console is used, where the first console can move relative to the second in the event of a frontal impact, creating a deformation area that absorbs forces and reduces intrusions by allowing relative movement between the add-on element and the longitudinal frame members, with features like air gaps and shearable fastening elements to facilitate this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between the mounting plate and the frame's longitudinal members, then the mounting plate is permanently attached and structurally stable, but strong intrusions into the vehicle interior occur during frontal collisions due to inability to absorb forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into two separate brackets (first bracket and second bracket) instead of being a single rigid component. This segmentation allows the brackets to move relative to each other during impact, creating a deformation mechanism that absorbs collision forces while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the first bracket and the frame longitudinal member is designed to be releasable rather than permanently fixed. During normal operation, the connection provides structural stability, but during frontal impact, the connection can release or deform, allowing the first bracket to move relative to the second bracket and absorb impact forces through controlled deformation
2Reliability
If a rigid connection is used to ensure reliable attachment, then the attachment element is securely fixed, but forces during crash cannot be absorbed and dissipated, causing significant damage to the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates a predetermined deformation mechanism in the form of the releasable connection between the first bracket and the frame longitudinal member. This mechanism is designed in advance to fail or deform in a controlled manner during frontal impact, absorbing impact forces before they can be transmitted to the passenger compartment, thereby providing beforehand cushioning against crash forces
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 solution enhances vehicle safety by reducing intrusions in the vehicle interior during crashes, particularly in light commercial vehicles, by effectively absorbing and dissipating forces through controlled deformation, thereby protecting the driver and passengers.
Implementation Method 1
in the event of a frontal impact in the area of the attachment element a deformation zone is provided in the front section of the frame longitudinal members, through which the forces introduced during the accident can be dissipated
Implementation Method 2
Through a relative movement or deformation occurring in the front section of the frame longitudinal members, the forces introduced into the frame longitudinal members due to the accident are reduced
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to the connection of an attachment element (1) to a commercial vehicle frame, which is arranged in the direction of travel in front of a front end of the commercial vehicle frame, by means of a support element (3) via which the attachment element (1) is connected to frame longitudinal members (2) of the commercial vehicle frame. The described technical solution is characterized in that each frame longitudinal member (2) has, in its front area, a first (4) and a second (5) bracket as a support element (3), which are attached to the frame longitudinal members (2) in such a way that, in the event of a frontal impact in the area of the attachment element (1), the first bracket (4) is movable relative to the second bracket (5).