AIR TUBE STRUCTURAL ELEMENT FOR VEHICLE CHASSIS

TR202500766A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-08-21FORD OTOMOTIV SANAYI ANONIM SIRKETI
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Patent Information

Application Number
TR202500766
Authority / Receiving Office
TR · TR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-23
Publication Date
2026-08-21

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Abstract

The subject of the invention is an air tube structural element (4) for a vehicle chassis (1), a hollow housing structured for storing compressed air; a left half (6a) and a right half (6b) of an air tube structural element assembled to form the hollow housing; a mounting area (8) for connecting the air tube structural element (4) to the chassis arms (2); at least one air inlet hole (10a) and one air outlet hole (10b) for air intake or exhaust; and a welding area (7) connecting the left half (6a) and the right half (6b) of the air tube structural element.
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Description

8343.1172 1 TARIFF AIR TUBE STRUCTURAL ELEMENT FOR VEHICLE CHASSIS Technical Area This invention is generally structural for vehicle chassis frames, specifically the connections between chassis arms. chassis structural support 5 for its components and especially compressed air storage functionality It relates to the structural elements between the chassis arms that integrate the air tube. Previous Technique Vehicle chassis frames, especially in heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles. The materials used are robust and stable to support the vehicle's components and load. It is designed to provide a platform. These frames typically support a staircase of 10 meters. two parallel chassis arms connected by multiple crossmembers forming a similar structure This is how sleepers are formed. They distribute loads and resist torsional forces. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the chassis. In traditional chassis designs, crossmembers primarily serve a structural function, It is usually made of steel or cast iron, often manufactured from sheet metal. However, 15 The increasing demand for fuel efficiency and load-carrying capacity necessitates a multifunctional chassis. This has led to increased interest in its components. In the current state of the art... European Patent EP3378739B1, for a vehicle frame with an integrated storage container. It describes a structural component and the structural and functional elements within the chassis. It demonstrates the potential for unification. 20 One of the challenges in heavy-duty vehicle design is the limited space within the chassis. It is the efficient use of various vehicles such as air brakes and suspension systems. Compressed air systems, necessary for their functions, are typically integrated into the chassis frame. It requires separate air tanks to be mounted. These tanks occupy valuable space. and adds weight to the vehicle, potentially reducing its load-carrying capacity. 25 In addition, these types of chassis structural elements will contribute to the chassis assembly process. Designing it in this way is of great importance for automotive mass production processes. It carries. However, in the developed structures, the chassis element is a high-pressure tank. 8343.1172 2 Its function as a sealing agent can also lead to leakage problems. This situation, This can pose serious safety risks for vehicle users. A multi-functional air cylinder that solves one or more of these problems. It was understood that a sleeper with a suitable structure was needed. Brief Description of the Invention 5 The purpose of the invention is to reduce space utilization and component limitations in heavy-duty vehicles. A multifunctional chassis for vehicle chassis frames that addresses integration challenges. The purpose is to provide structural support between the arms. The purpose of the invention is to create a system where the sleeper element and the air storage tanks are separate components. to eliminate inefficiencies associated with traditional chassis designs, thus increasing 10 The goal is to prevent weight loss, reduced load-carrying capacity, and increased production complexity. The purpose of the invention is to perform the structural support function of a sleeper using compressed air from an air tank. creating a chassis component that combines storage capability with space to increase efficiency, reduce overall vehicle weight and heavy-duty vehicles The goal is to simplify the production and assembly processes in manufacturing. 15 The aim of the invention is to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle while also creating a barrier between the chassis arms. The structural element function creates a chassis element while simultaneously this structural element... The modular structure of the element facilitates assembly and is suitable for modular structures. The goal is to develop a chassis structural element that solves the sealing problem. Brief Description of Figures 20 A brief description of the figures is as follows: Figure 1 – Perspective view of a vehicle chassis according to an application of the invention. Figure 2 – Structural element of an air tube according to an application of the invention. perspective view. Figure 3 – Bottom view of the air tube structural element in Figure 2. 25 8343.1172 3 Figure 4 – Right half of the air tube structural element according to an application of the invention. perspective view. Figure 5 – Left half of the air tube structural element according to an application of the invention. perspective view. Figure 6 – Right and left sides of the air tube structural element according to an application of the invention. Cross-sectional view of the source region between the halves. The components shown in the figures have been assigned the following reference numbers: 1. Vehicle chassis 2. Chassis arms 3. Traverse 10 4. Air tube structural element 5. Suspension V-arm 6a. Left half of the air tube structural element. 6b. Air tube structural element, right half. 7. Source region 15 8. Structural element assembly area 9. Projections 10a. Air intake hole 10b. Air outlet 11. Suspension V-arm connection point 20 8343.1172 4 12a. First mechanical contact surface. 12b. Second mechanical contact surface. Detailed Description of the Invention The subject of the invention is an air tube structural element (4) for a vehicle chassis (1), compressed air 5 a hollow shell structured for storage; to create the hollow shell left half of a combined air tube structural element (6a) and an air tube structural element right half (6b); connecting the air tube structural element (4) to the chassis arms (2) mounting area for (8); at least one air intake hole (10a) for air intake or exhaust and an air outlet hole (10b); left half of the air tube structural element (6a) and air tube 10 The structural element includes a weld region (7) that connects the right half (6b). The air tube structural element (6) subject to the invention protects the structural integrity of the vehicle chassis (1). It provides air supply while also serving as a compressed air storage system. It is hollow. The shell safely stores compressed air, and this air is released through the air inlet hole (10a). and is fed into or discharged from the system via the air outlet (10b). 15 Air tube structural element left half (6a) and right half (6b), weld area (7) It is joined together along the length to form a leak-proof structure. Assembly areas (10) Thanks to this, the air tube structural element (4) is firmly attached to the chassis arms (2). It connects. This design utilizes compressed air to perform the structural function of traditional structural elements. By combining it with storage capacity, it reduces vehicle weight and increases space utilization by 20%. It optimizes and improves overall vehicle efficiency. In one application of the invention, the air tube structural element (4) is a flat and convex one. The structure includes an assembly area (8). This flat and curved assembly area (8) design, the air tube structural element is more robust and stable to the chassis arms by ensuring that it is connected in this way, the structural 25 is secure even under high load and vibration conditions. It preserves integrity. 8343.1172 In one application of the invention, the air tube structural element (4) extends from the hollow body. It includes a suspension V-arm connection socket (11). Integrated suspension V The arm connection socket (11), the multifunctional structure of the air tube structural element (4) By strengthening it, it simplifies vehicle design and speeds up the assembly process, Improves the performance and reliability of the suspension system. 5 In one application of the invention, the air tube structural element (4) is a first mechanical left half (6a) of the air tube structural element containing the connecting surface (12a) and a second Right half (6b) of an air tube structural element containing a mechanical connection surface (12b) It includes the recess located on the first mechanical connection surface (12a). The protrusion on the second mechanical connection surface (12b) is interlocking 10 designed and precise left (6a) and right (6b) halves of the air tube structural element By ensuring proper alignment, it simplifies the assembly process and maintains structural integrity. It improves sealing performance while increasing the number of grooves and protrusions. In the figure, the air tube structural element is placed on the right (6b) and left (6a) parts. It may be located there. 15 In one application of the invention, the air tube structural element (4) is mounted on additional components. It contains protrusions (9) that allow it to be built. Strategically positioned protrusions (9), various additional elements to the air tube structural element (4) It allows for flexible and modular assembly of components. In one application of the invention, the vehicle includes an air tube structural element (4). Air 20 Integration of the tube structural element (4) into the vehicle design, traditional chassis structure By redefining it, it reduces vehicle weight, increases fuel efficiency, and the same It optimizes the space utilization required for compressed air systems over time. The subject of the invention is a method of manufacturing an air tube structural element (4) for a vehicle chassis (1). air tube structural element (4) left half of air tube structural element (6a) and 25 forming the right half of an air cylinder structural element (6b); storing compressed air To form a hollow body structured for the air tube, the structural element is left Joining the right half (6a) and the right half (6b) of the air tube structural element; air tube between the left half of the structural element (6a) and the right half of the air tube structural element (6b) 8343.1172 6 to create an airtight seal; and hollow for air inlet or outlet. to create at least one air intake hole (10a) and one air outlet hole (10b) in the fuselage It includes the steps. The production method of the air tube structural element (4) which is the subject of the invention is a multi-stage process. It includes. First, the left half (6a) and right half (6b) of the air tube structural element are separated 5 They are produced separately. These halves are manufactured using precision casting or advanced metal forming techniques. It can be created using these methods. Air inlets at precise locations on these parts. The hole (10a) and air outlet hole (10b) are drilled. These holes are for high-precision drilling. or they can be created using laser cutting techniques. Then, these two halves, specially They are assembled along the designed bonding surfaces. The bonding process takes 10 minutes. This can be achieved through welding, gluing, or mechanical bonding methods. It can then be fitted with special connectors or valves. The interlocking connection is the first mechanical connection surface (12a) recess and second mechanical connection surface (12b) protrusion of the air tube structural element By precisely aligning the halves (6a, 6b), the torsion is 15 thanks to its square cross-section. It provides mechanical resistance against the loads and prevents this area from rotating. This The structure's structural integrity is ensured by the welding process applied throughout the source region (7). It strengthens, increases the strength of the weld area and improves sealing, resulting in high performance. It optimizes compressed air storage capacity. In one application of the invention, the method is used on the left half (6a) of the air tube structural element and 20 A series of external surfaces on at least one of the right half (6b) of the air tube structural element The step involves creating a protrusion (9). The protrusions (9) on the outer surface are air tubes. while increasing the structural strength of the structural element (4) for the assembly of additional components It provides various connection points. Figure 1 shows a vehicle chassis (1). The vehicle chassis (1) is 25 inches long. It includes a pair of chassis arms (2) that extend along the ladder frame structure. The chassis arms (2) It is connected with multiple crossbars (3) to form it. An air tube structural element (4) is placed between the chassis arms (2) and both It serves both as a structural unit and a compressed air reservoir. The air cylinder is structural. 8343.1172 7 element (4) is connected to the suspension V arms (5) and the overall vehicle chassis (1) It integrates with the sleeper (3) to increase its strength. This multifunctional design, air tube the structural element (4) contributes to the chassis strength and at the same time It allows for the provision of storage for compressed air used in vehicle systems. He recognizes. 5 Figure 2 shows an air tube structural element (4). Air tube structural element (4), right half of an air tube structural element (6b) and an air tube structural element The element includes the left half (6a). The air tube structural element includes the right half (6b) and the air tube. The left half of the structural element (6a) is joined in a welded area (9). The air tube structural element maximizes internal volume while ensuring structural integrity. It has a square cross-section with rounded corners. Thanks to this rounded square cross-section... The air cylinder pressure was increased by maximizing the available space. Simultaneously, the source... By creating mechanical resistance against the loads applied to the region, the strength of the part is increased. This has enabled an increase in resistance to both bending and torsional loads. Resistance has been increased. 15 Mounting points for additional components along the body of the air tube structural element. Several protrusions (9) are seen which serve as air tube structural. Its two-part structure serves as both a structural element and an air storage container. Efficient production and assembly while maintaining the necessary strength and functionality for its role. It allows. 20 Figure 3 shows a bottom view of an air tube structural element (4). The air tube structural element is designed for connection to the vehicle chassis at each end. It includes an assembly area (8) with extended sections. Air tube structural. Numerous protrusions (9) on the surface of the element, for connecting other components It acts as a protrusion. 25 The air tube structural element also has an air intake positioned along the middle section. It includes an inlet hole (10a) and an air outlet hole (10b). These openings allow compressed air to enter. It allows entry and exit. A suspension V-arm connection runs from underneath the structure. Its housing (11) extends and provides a mounting point for the suspension V-arm. This allows 8343.1172 8 No additional part is needed to connect the V-arm; it comes from the suspension. The loads are borne by the air tube structural element. It has a rounded square cross-section. Thanks to this, both bending and torsional loads from the suspension are carried. The general design of the air tube structural element (4) includes various mounting points and It exhibits a symmetrical arrangement integrated with structural reinforcements. 5 Figure 4 shows the right half (6b) of an air tube structural element. Figure 5, It shows the left half (6a) of the air tube structural element. Figure 6 shows the weld area (7) between the two halves of the air tube structural element (4). and shows the connection mechanism. The connection mechanism is in one half. the first mechanical contact surface (12a) and a corresponding second 10 in the other half It includes a mechanical contact surface (12b). These features are present when the two halves are brought together. It forms a mechanical locking joint. The air tube connection recess (12a) and air tube connection protrusion (12b) are precisely It is designed with complementary geometries that fit together. When assembled, the two The junction area of ​​tomorrow forms a V-shaped groove. This V-shaped groove is source 15 Serving as a preparation, it is an ideal area for the two halves to weld together. It provides. The combination of mechanical locking feature and welding groove, air tube It provides a strong and secure connection between the two halves of the structural element (4). mechanical connection, weld area against torsional loads from the vehicle It provides support, thereby increasing the strength of the part. 20

Claims

8343.1172 9 REQUESTS 1. The vehicle chassis arms (2) serve as both a structural element and compressed air. an air duct that provides storage functionality, thus increasing efficiency in the vehicle's cargo space. structural element (4) and its feature is; - an air tube structural element joined together to form the hollow shell 5 left half (6a) and structural element featuring an air tube on the right half (6b); - mounting for attaching the air tube structural element (4) to the chassis arms (2) region (8); - at least one air intake hole (10a) for air intake or exhaust and at least one 10 air outlet hole (10b); - left half of air tube structural element (6a) and right half of air tube structural element It contains a source region (7) that combines half of (6b).

2. The Claim is characterized by its flat and domed assembly area (8). An air tube structural element like in 1 (4). 15 3. With a suspension V-arm connection socket (11) extending from the hollow body an air tube as in any of the above-mentioned requirements characterized structural element (4).

4. An air tube structural element (4) according to any of the above requirements, a primary mechanical contact surface that functions as a mechanical contact surface 20 Left half of the air tube structural element (6a) and mechanical connection surface (12a) air tube structural including a second mechanical connection surface (12b) which functions as The element is characterized by its right half (6b); where the first and second elements in question Mechanical contact surfaces (12a, 12b), square cross-section with rounded corners. It has a geometry of 25.

5. Air tube structural element containing a primary mechanical connection surface (12a) left an air tube structure containing half (6a) and a second mechanical connection surface (12b) 8343.1172 any of the above claims characterized by the element right half (6b) an air tube structural element (6) like one of the first mechanical features the connection surface (12a) contains a recessed structure and the second mechanical the connection surface (12b) includes a protrusion that fits into the recess.

6. Recess on the first mechanical connection surface (12a) and the second mechanical 5 The connection of the protrusion on the connection surface (12b) with the connection in question characterized by the creation of a V-shaped source area gap in the field, An air tube structural element connected to requirement 5 (4).

7. Characterized by protrusions (9) that allow mounting of additional components an air tube structural element as in any of the above requirements (4). 10 8. An air tube structural element (4) as in any of the above requirements. vehicle containing.

9.  The left half of an air tube structural element (6) (6a) and forming the right half of an air tube structural element (6b); 15  To create a hollow shell structured for storing compressed air. left half of the air tube structural element (6a) and air tube structural element Join the right half (6b);  left half of air tube structural element (6a) and right half of air tube structural element to create an airtight zone between the two halves (6b); and 20  At least one air intake hole in the hollow shell for air intake or exhaust (10a) and creating an air vent (10b) a vehicle chassis (1) as in any of the above requirements including steps Air tube structural element (6) production method. 8343.1172 11 10. A first mechanical linkage on the left half (6a) of the air tube structural element. an air tube on the surface (12a) and the right half (6b) of the air tube structural element connection second mechanical connection surface (12b) assembly and - air tube structural element left half (6a) air tube structural element right half welding along a source region (7) to half of (6b) 5 A method like the one in Claim 9, characterized by its steps.

11. Left half of air tube structural element (6a) and right half of air tube structural element by the step of creating a series of protrusions (9) on the outer surface of at least one of the half (6b) A method characterized as in Claim 9 or 10.