what it is? Pros and cons

Talking about SUVs on our website, we mentioned that there are three main types of body structures:

• frame - UAZ-Patriot, Mitsubishi L200, Jeep Wrangler and others;
• load-bearing body - almost all sedans and hatchbacks;
• integrated frame.

That's just the integrated frame, we are going to devote this article.

To deal with the topic, you must first remember about the structure of the other two types. So, an ordinary car frame is a structure resembling a ladder. Its main elements are spars and crossbars, interconnected by means of welds, rivets, bolts of increased strength.

Such a frame provides high rigidity of the platform and some independence of the body - it can move relative to the frame, which is important when driving off-road or when it comes to trucks. The cab is attached to the platform with rivets or bolts, and reinforced rubber cushions are used to cushion vibrations.

Bearing body or base - the body is structurally integrated with the frame and is one with it. We can say that the cab is welded to the frame, or, in the case of more modern cars, the cab with the frame is stamped from one piece of metal. This design is attractive to the manufacturer for its lightness, but at the same time, comfort suffers - any irregularities are perceived very painfully. Accordingly, a car of this design can only be driven on more or less flat roads.

An integrated frame (frame-body structure) is a transitional link between the two types described above.

Its main parameters:

• the frame on the spars is inextricably linked to the body with the help of welds;
• the body is non-separable and takes all the loads on a par with the platform;
• there are full-fledged spars connecting the front and rear of the car;
• crossbars are used to stiffen.

It is clear that manufacturers are constantly improving the device of the carrier part of cars, therefore, in the entire history of the automotive industry, many types and subspecies of various designs have appeared, but if we take, for example, a frame SUV and an SUV with an integrated frame, the difference is obvious:

• frame - the connection of the frame and the body is detachable, that is, without much difficulty, you can remove the cab and reinstall it on a new platform;
• frame-body supporting structure - you can remove the cab only with the help of a grinder, cutting it off.

Accordingly, the integrated body has more in common with the carrier, the difference is only in the details: the first uses full-fledged spars, the second uses subframes that can be located in the front of the car under the engine and gearbox, or only front and rear to stiffen.

Based on the above, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• load-bearing body - an ideal choice for small and medium-sized cars that mainly move on high-quality asphalt pavement;
• integrated frame - almost all SUVs (crossovers), pickups, small and medium SUVs, 5-7-seater minivans;
• frame construction - full-size crossovers and SUVs, trucks, buses, minibuses, agricultural machinery, racing cars.

Advantages and disadvantages

The frame-body design cannot be perfect, however, like any other, nevertheless, it is popular for a number of reasons:

• relative ease of assembly - in the welding shop, the frame is welded to the body, without additional fasteners;
• loads are evenly distributed over the entire surface;
• thanks to its lighter weight, the car is easier to drive;
• increased torsion strength - the body will not be deformed during sudden braking, on bends, during overloads.

There are also disadvantages:

• repair difficulties - the integrated frame cannot be repaired, only welded, especially if corrosion has appeared;
• inferior in strength to the frame platform;
• metal fatigue quickly builds up in the welds, which leads to rapid wear with an aggressive driving style.

It should also be noted that any type has its drawbacks, since it is impossible to achieve the ideal.

Loading…