Commercial Vehicle Support Frame Ground Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground connection methods for commercial vehicles are inefficient and costly due to the need for long cables to connect electrical components to a common reference potential, especially with high-voltage components, which increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Electrically conductively connecting cross members to longitudinal frame members using non-load-bearing connecting elements, such as cables or flexible lines, to create multiple ground connection points, reducing cable lengths and enabling direct connections at mounting points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a few ground connections are provided for assembly functions, then the number of ground connection points is reduced, but long cable runs are required to connect all electrical components to the common reference potential
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the ground connection system by providing multiple ground connection points distributed at different locations on the vehicle body, rather than relying on a single centralized ground connection. This allows electrical components to be connected to the nearest available ground point, significantly reducing cable length and improving system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point ground connection approach to a multi-dimensional distributed ground connection network. By placing ground connection points throughout the three-dimensional space of the vehicle body, the system enables shorter connection paths and reduces the need for long cable runs
2Reliability
If long connection cables are used to reach ground connections, then all assembly functions can be connected to a common reference potential, but the weight and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the ground connection system into multiple distributed points, the invention eliminates the need for long cables that would be required to connect all components to a single ground point. Each component connects to the nearest ground point, reducing total cable length and weight while maintaining reliable common reference potential connections
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of ground connection distribution from centralized to distributed. This parameter change reduces the average distance between electrical components and ground connection points, thereby reducing cable length, weight, and cost while maintaining system reliability
3Strength
If cross members are non-positively connected to longitudinal frame members, then the support frame can withstand high mechanical stress and torsion, but electrical insulation prevents conductive connection between cross members and longitudinal frame members
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces electrical conductive connecting elements as intermediaries between the cross members and longitudinal frame members. These connecting elements provide the necessary electrical conductivity while allowing the mechanical non-positive connection to maintain its torsion resistance and stress handling capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite connection systems that combine mechanical connection elements (for structural integrity and torsion resistance) with electrical conductive elements (for electrical connectivity). This composite approach allows both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity requirements to be satisfied simultaneously
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 approach reduces cable weight and cost, allows for more efficient equipotential bonding, and maintains torsion resistance, enabling reliable and cost-effective electrical connections for high-voltage components.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of cross members 3 or at least some of them are electrically conductively connected to the longitudinal frame members 2
Implementation Method 2
This coating acts as electrical insulation and prevents an electrically conductive connection between the cross members and the longitudinal frame members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing ground connections on a support frame for a commercial vehicle. The invention further relates to a support frame for a commercial vehicle and a commercial vehicle with such a support frame. The support frame (1) comprises two spaced-apart frame longitudinal members (2) connected to each other via several cross members (3), wherein the several cross members (3) are electrically connected to the frame longitudinal members (2), preferably to generate a common electrical reference potential of the support frame (1).