3D Wound Composite Four-Point Links for Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing four-point links for vehicle suspension systems do not effectively allow for the selective adjustment of stiffness and strength, which is crucial for optimizing vehicle performance in both passenger and utility vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A 3D winding method using preimpregnated fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials, where the sequence, repetition, and combination of winding patterns determine the mechanical characteristics of the component, allowing for precise adjustment of stiffness and strength by applying different winding patterns and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robotic 3D winding method is used to produce four-point links, then manufacturing efficiency and productivity are improved, but the ability to selectively adjust stiffness and strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple winding patterns (first, second, and third winding patterns) with different fiber orientations and material compositions in different regions of the component. This allows specific areas to have tailored mechanical properties - for example, higher stiffness in load-bearing regions and lower stiffness in areas requiring flexibility - while maintaining automated robotic production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different fiber-reinforced plastic materials in different winding patterns. Each winding pattern can use materials with different fiber types, orientations, and properties, creating a multi-layered composite structure that achieves selective adjustment of overall component stiffness and strength while remaining compatible with robotic 3D winding manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple winding patterns are combined to adjust mechanical characteristics, then adaptability and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the winding process into distinct, standardized winding patterns (first, second, and third winding patterns), each with specific fiber orientations and material assignments. This segmentation allows complex mechanical properties to be achieved through combination of simpler, well-defined patterns, making the overall process more manageable and less complex than a fully custom approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal winding patterns that can be repeatedly applied and combined in different sequences to achieve various mechanical characteristics. These standardized patterns serve multiple functions - they can be used individually or in combination, and the same set of patterns can produce different component variants, reducing the need for entirely new patterns for each customization.
3Manufacturing precision
If different materials and winding patterns are used for different regions, then mechanical precision and performance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining standardized winding patterns with specific material assignments and fiber orientations before production. These patterns are prepared in advance as reusable templates that can be automatically applied by robotic systems, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making during manufacturing while maintaining high precision in mechanical characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a component by a 3D winding method, a filament or a plurality of parallel filaments having a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material is or are laid down on a core in a combination of a plurality of different winding patterns. Every filament is preimpregnated. Every winding pattern influences at least one mechanical characteristic of the component. The mechanical characteristics of the component are selectively adjusted by the sequence, repetition, mixing, and material selection of the individual winding patterns.