Vehicle Subframe X-Cross Geometry for Torsional Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subframes for vehicles do not effectively manage varying loads and stresses, leading to inadequate fatigue life and structural integrity, particularly under torsional and lateral forces.
Innovation Solution
A subframe design featuring two longitudinal beams with front and rear X-cross arrangements, where connecting members in the front X-cross arrangement are angled differently from those in the rear, creating a gradual reduction in stiffness from the rear to the front, enhanced by plate-like stiffeners and transverse support elements, optimizing the structure for lateral and torsional loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform X-cross arrangements are used throughout the subframe, then manufacturing is simplified, but the subframe cannot effectively manage varying loads and stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different angles to connecting members in different regions of the subframe. The front X-cross arrangement uses connecting members at a first angle while the rear X-cross arrangement uses connecting members at a second angle, optimizing each region for its specific load requirements rather than using a uniform design throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The subframe is divided into distinct sections with different X-cross arrangement configurations. The front and rear portions have different connecting member angles, allowing each segment to be optimized for local stress patterns while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Strength
If the subframe is made stronger to handle torsional and lateral loads, then structural integrity improves, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connecting members by using different angles in different regions. This parameter variation allows the structure to achieve optimal strength characteristics for handling torsional and lateral loads without requiring additional complex components or reinforcement elements.
3Strength
If additional welds are added to strengthen the subframe, then structural strength improves, but the fatigue life at weld locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optimized connecting member angles create a more efficient stress distribution pattern that reduces concentrated stresses at weld locations. This local optimization of the structural configuration allows the subframe to achieve sufficient strength without requiring excessive welds that would compromise fatigue life.
Data Source
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AI summary
A subframe (100) for a vehicle and a vehicle. The subframe comprises two longitudinal beams (1a, 1b) arranged in the lengthwise direction (X) of the vehicle, a front X-cross arrangement (2) and a rear X-cross arrangement (3). Said X-cross arrangements (2, 3) are arranged between the two longitudinal beams (1a, 1b). Each of the front and rear X-cross arrangements (2, 3) comprises connecting members (4f, 4r) arranged crosswise and diagonally in relation to the lengthwise direction (X) for connecting the longitudinal beams (1a, 1b) such that an X-shape is created. The connecting members (4f, 4r) in the front X-cross arrangement (2) are arranged in another angle compared to the connecting members (4f, 4r) in the rear X-cross arrangement (3), such that the front X-cross arrangement (2) is shorter than the rear X-cross arrangement (3) in the lengthwise direction (X).