Vehicle Frame Stabilizer for Drive Unit Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During vehicle impacts, components supported by the frame can move relative to each other, leading to potential interference and increased risk of damage, particularly between the drive unit and energy storage devices like fuel tanks.
Innovation Solution
An assembly featuring a crossmember with a passage and a stabilizer that allows the drive unit to move rearward while restricting forward movement, using a bushing and spring-activated members to maintain the drive unit's position and prevent interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive unit is rigidly fixed to the crossmember, then the drive unit maintains stable position during normal operation, but the drive unit cannot move during impact to avoid interference with energy storage devices
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts its constraints based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the drive unit is constrained to maintain stable positioning. During impact, the stabilizer members can move or disengage to allow the drive unit to shift position, preventing interference with energy storage devices while maintaining reliability during standard operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters (constraint stiffness, connection rigidity) based on the impact condition. The stabilizer mechanism allows the drive unit to transition between a constrained state (normal operation) and a more flexible state (impact), modifying the physical parameters of the connection to resolve the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the drive unit is allowed to move freely during impact, then interference with energy storage devices is reduced, but the drive unit may become misaligned during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the drive unit and the crossmember. It provides controlled movement capability during impact while maintaining precise alignment during normal operation. The intermediary structure mediates between the conflicting requirements of freedom of movement and alignment precision, allowing the drive unit to shift position only when necessary without compromising manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If stabilizer members are made extendable to increase restriction capability, then movement control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer mechanism is divided into segmented components (multiple stabilizer members) that can independently adjust or extend. This segmentation allows the system to achieve enhanced movement control capability through coordinated action of individual members rather than requiring a single complex rigid structure, thereby improving reliability while managing device complexity through modular design.
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 reduces the likelihood of interference between the drive unit and energy storage devices by controlling the movement of the drive unit during impacts, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring proper alignment and operation post-impact.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilizer may include a spring urging at least one of the members from the contracted position to the expanded position.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a vehicle frame having a crossmember defining a passage. The assembly includes a drive unit supported by the crossmember in the passage. The assembly includes a stabilizer fixed to the drive unit, the stabilizer permitting movement of the drive unit in a first direction relative to the passage and restricting movement of the drive unit in a second direction opposite the first direction.