Vehicle Frame Assembly with Inward Bends for Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles, particularly all-terrain vehicles, face challenges in managing load and energy inputs from uneven terrain, leading to potential deformation of the passenger area due to insufficient load and energy management capabilities in existing frame designs.

Innovation Solution

A frame assembly for vehicles that includes a main frame, front frame, and rear frame, with specific structural elements and configurations to distribute and absorb load and kinetic energy inputs, featuring inward bends and nodes that allow controlled deformation to prevent passenger area distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the frame assembly uses very stiff portions spaced from the passenger area to withstand load inputs, then the frame strength and off-road durability are improved, but the passenger area may still be susceptible to deformation due to insufficient load distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe strengthVSAvoidpassenger area dimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly is divided into multiple segments including lower frame members, pillar members, and first frame members with inward bends. This segmentation allows different portions to perform specialized functions - the stiff lower portions withstand suspension loads while the bent first frame members distribute energy away from the passenger area, resolving the contradiction between overall frame strength and passenger area stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first frame members incorporate inward bends that change the structural geometry from straight to curved configurations. This dimensional change creates additional load paths and energy distribution routes that redirect forces away from the passenger compartment, maintaining passenger area stability while preserving frame strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the frame assembly is designed to be rigid to withstand terrain loads, then the vehicle durability is improved, but the frame cannot absorb kinetic energy effectively leading to potential passenger area deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle durabilityVSAvoidkinetic energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame members exhibit parameter changes in their structural configuration, particularly the inward bends in the first frame members. These geometric parameter changes allow the frame to transition between rigid load-bearing states and flexible energy-absorbing states, enabling effective kinetic energy absorption while maintaining vehicle durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The frame assembly incorporates dynamic characteristics through the bent first frame members that can deform elastically under kinetic energy loads. This dynamic behavior allows the frame to absorb energy through controlled deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If straight frame members are used to simplify manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the frame assembly lacks the ability to distribute and absorb load and energy inputs effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidload and energy management capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The first frame members incorporate curved inward bends instead of straight configurations. This curvature provides superior load distribution and energy absorption characteristics compared to straight members, while the standardized bend geometry can still be manufactured efficiently using conventional forming processes, balancing manufacturing ease with enhanced strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

The frame assembly effectively manages load and energy inputs by distributing them throughout the vehicle, preventing deformation of the passenger area and maintaining its dimensions despite external forces, enhancing off-road durability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

each of the first frame members can include an inward bend located between the first end and the second end such that the first frame member extends upwardly from the lower frame member... to distribute and absorb load and kinetic energy inputs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10583861B2Frame assembly for a vehicle and vehicle having same

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle frame assembly can include a lower frame member extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a pillar member extending upwardly away from the lower frame member, and a first frame member including a first end connected to the lower frame member and a second end connected to the pillar member. The pillar member can extend upwardly along a vertical direction of the vehicle. The first frame member can include an inward bend located between first end and the second end such that the first frame member can extend upwardly from the lower frame member along the vertical direction of the vehicle from the first end of the first frame member to the inward bend and the first frame member can extend from the inward bend rearwardly along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and outwardly along a transverse direction of the vehicle toward the pillar member.