Vehicle Framework Joint Member for Coupling Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle framework structures face challenges in achieving improved coupling rigidity and assembly precision due to weaknesses in flange-joined portions and difficulties in precise assembly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle framework structure featuring side members, a support member with projections, joint members, and bolts that allow for precise alignment and increased overlap in the shear direction, enhancing coupling rigidity and assembly precision, with optional features like die-cast aluminum support members and plate-shaped joint members for reduced manufacturing processes and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flange-joined portions are used to connect framework members, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the coupling rigidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The joint member is inserted into the side member, creating a nested configuration where one component fits inside another. This nesting arrangement enables the framework members to overlap in the shear direction, significantly improving coupling rigidity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the integrated joint member design.
2Manufacturing precision
If flange joining is used to connect framework members, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the assembly precision is difficult to improve
Solution Approach 1:
The joint member serves as an intermediary component between the side member and support member. This intermediate element provides a precise fitting interface that accommodates positional variations, enabling high assembly precision while keeping the assembly operation straightforward through the insertion mechanism.
3Strength
If framework members are joined with multiple bolts and complex joints, then the coupling rigidity improves, but the manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the insertion interface for the side member, creates the overlapping configuration for rigidity, and serves as the mounting point for bolts connecting to the support member. This merging of functions achieves high coupling rigidity while simplifying manufacturing through reduced part count and integrated design.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a vehicle framework structure including: a left and right pair of side members (20) that each extend in a vehicle front-rear direction; a support member (50) that is disposed in close proximity to the pair of side members (20) in the vehicle front-rear direction, and that extends in a vehicle width direction; projections (52) that are each provided at the support member (20) so as to project toward one or other of the side members; joint members (60), an end at a support member side of each of the side members (20) being inserted into a respective one of the joint members (60) and the joint members (20) being joined to the support member (50); and first bolts (70) that fasten joint members (60) that are abutted against the projections (50) in the vehicle width direction, and fasten the side members (20) inserted into the joint members (60), to the projections (52).