Vehicle Frame Multi-Level Structure for Low Floor Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle frames with separate structures face challenges in maintaining strength and rigidity when the cabin has a low floor, as the longitudinal members need to be positioned at different heights to accommodate passenger entry and suspension components, leading to potential decreases in structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle frame design featuring a rectangular structure with side rails, cross members, vertical members, and diagonal reinforcement members that connect at different heights to form a strong and rigid frame, allowing for a low-floor cabin while maintaining structural integrity by distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If longitudinal members of the frame are disposed at lower positions to achieve a low-floor cabin, then the cabin floor height is reduced and passenger boarding is facilitated, but the strength and rigidity of the frame structure decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-level longitudinal member structure to a multi-level structure with upper and lower cross members connected by vertical members. This dimensional change allows the frame to achieve both low floor height (by positioning lower cross members near the wheels) and high strength (by adding upper cross members at higher positions), thereby resolving the contradiction between cabin accessibility and structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If longitudinal members are positioned higher near the wheels to accommodate suspension components, then suspension installation is enabled, but the cabin floor height increases and passenger boarding becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame structure into multiple levels with lower cross members positioned near the wheels for suspension installation and upper cross members positioned higher for structural strength. This segmentation allows different portions of the frame to serve different functions simultaneously, enabling both suspension accommodation and low floor height.
3Ease of operation
If a frame includes portions positioned at different heights to achieve low-floor cabin, then cabin accessibility is improved, but the strength and rigidity of connecting portions decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frame elements (lower cross members, upper cross members, and vertical members) into an integrated multi-level structure. The vertical members connect the lower and upper cross members, creating a unified structure where the connecting portions are strengthened by the additional vertical support elements, thereby maintaining both accessibility and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The frame of a vehicle includes side rails disposed on the respective left and right sides of the vehicle and extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a lower cross member connected to the end portions of the side rails and extending along the lateral direction of the vehicle, an upper cross member positioned above the lower cross member and extending parallel to the lower cross member, vertical members extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle on the respective both end portions of the lower cross member and of the upper cross member, to be connected to the lower cross member and the upper cross member; and side members connected to the upper cross member, and extending on the respective right and left sides of the vehicle from the upper cross member to a side opposite from the side rails along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.