Vehicle Sub-Frame Structure with Segmented Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sub-frame structures face challenges in achieving weight saving while maintaining rigidity in the front-back direction, as increasing the size of reinforcement members to enhance rigidity leads to weight gain, and reducing their size compromises structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A sub-frame structure featuring a first width direction member with vertically separated upper and lower arm supporting parts, a second width direction member spaced from the first, and connecting and linking members that optimize load distribution and rigidity through a configuration of front-back direction members, connecting members, and linking brackets, which are strategically positioned and designed to enhance rigidity and reduce weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the size of the inclination reinforcing member is increased to enhance sub-frame rigidity in the front-back direction, then the rigidity is improved, but the weight of the sub-frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination reinforcing member is divided into a first inclination reinforcing member connecting the upper arm supporting part to the rear width direction member, and a second inclination reinforcing member connecting the lower arm supporting part to the rear width direction member. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized independently for weight and rigidity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing members are arranged in different vertical positions (upper and lower) to create a three-dimensional reinforcement structure. This spatial distribution provides effective rigidity enhancement in the front-back direction while using thinner individual members compared to a single large reinforcement.
2Weight of stationary object
If the size of the inclination reinforcing member is reduced to save weight, then the weight of the sub-frame decreases, but the rigidity of the sub-frame in the front-back direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By splitting the reinforcement function into two separate inclination reinforcing members positioned at different heights, each member can be made smaller and lighter while collectively providing sufficient rigidity through their combined structural effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of vertically separated reinforcing members creates a distributed reinforcement pattern that achieves adequate rigidity with reduced material volume, as the three-dimensional arrangement provides structural efficiency.
3Reliability
If separate brackets are provided for supporting suspension arms, then the suspension arms can be supported, but the number of parts increases making weight saving and productivity improvement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The upper arm supporting part and lower arm supporting part are integrally formed with the front width direction member, eliminating the need for separate brackets. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining reliable support for all suspension arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The front width direction member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, integrates upper and lower arm supporting parts, and acts as a mounting structure for suspension components, thereby reducing the need for dedicated separate brackets.
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-frame (1) of an automobile includes a pair of a front width direction member (2) and a rear width direction member (3) extending in a vehicle width direction, a pair of front-back direction members (4, 5) extending in a vehicle front-back direction, connecting members (6, 7) for connecting between a lower arm supporting part (11) of the front width direction member (2) and the rear width direction member (3), and a pair of linking brackets (8, 9) for respectively linking between an upper arm supporting part (10) of the front width direction member (2) and the pair of front-back direction members (4, 5). According to this, it is possible to achieve weight saving while maintaining rigidity in the front-back direction.