Vehicle Rear Structure Load Distribution via Outrigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle rear structures face challenges in supporting impact loads without increasing vehicle weight, as enhancing strength and rigidity of components like the stack case or requiring additional frames like a lower frame can compromise weight reduction efforts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle rear structure design featuring a floor frame with a rear frame, side sill, and sub-frame configuration, where a load transmitting member on the sub-frame opposes an outrigger, distributing impact loads to the rear frame and side sill, and optionally incorporating an energy absorbing member and bulkhead for enhanced support without increasing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the strength and rigidity of the stack case are enhanced to support impact loads, then the impact load support capability is improved, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact load support function is segmented across multiple components: the sub-frame receives the impact, the load transmitting member transmits it, and the outrigger distributes it to the rear frame and side sill. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring the stack case to handle the entire load, maintaining weight efficiency while achieving adequate impact support.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transmitting member acts as an intermediary between the sub-frame and the outrigger, transferring the impact load through a dedicated transmission path. This intermediary component enables efficient load distribution without requiring the stack case to be structurally reinforced, thus avoiding weight increase while ensuring impact load support capability.
2Strength
If a lower frame is mounted on the rear frame to support impact loads, then the impact load support capability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger serves multiple functions: it connects the side sill to the rear frame structurally and simultaneously acts as a load distribution member for impact forces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate lower frame, reducing structural complexity while maintaining impact support capability. The sub-frame also serves dual purposes as both a mounting structure and an impact load receiving component.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle rear structure includes a side sill joined to a rear frame via an outrigger, a sub-frame mounted on the rear frame from below, and a fuel tank mounted on the sub-frame. The sub-frame is provided with a load transmitting member that opposes the outrigger. An impact load applied to the sub-frame is transmitted to the outrigger via the load transmitting member. The transmitted impact load is distributed to the two components, the rear frame (specifically, front frame section) and the side sill via the outrigger.