Air Equalization Container Integrated as Vehicle Support Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air suspension systems in vehicles require additional structural support for air balancing containers, which increases weight, cost, and reduces trunk volume due to the absence of bearing structures, necessitating costly compensation measures.
Innovation Solution
A container designed as an air balancing storage volume with additional connection points in a second plane, integrated with a support to form a bearing flange, reducing the need for additional structural elements and optimizing installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the container is screwed to a bearing structure to support wheel suspension forces, then the forces can be transmitted to the vehicle body, but the bearing structures are absent which negatively affects the stiffness and strength functions
Solution Approach 1:
The container is merged with the support structure by integrating additional connection points directly into the support. The container with its connection points in the first and second planes becomes part of the bearing structure itself, forming a bearing flange that combines air storage and structural support functions into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves multiple functions: it acts as an air balancing storage volume for the air suspension system and simultaneously functions as a bearing component for transmitting wheel suspension forces. The support structure with integrated connection points provides both mounting for the container and structural reinforcement for force transmission to the vehicle body.
2Strength
If compensation measures are taken to restore stiffness and strength functions, then the vehicle rigidity is maintained, but expenditures and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container and support structure are combined into a single integrated assembly where the container with connection points forms part of the bearing structure. This eliminates the need for separate compensation measures and additional structural elements, reducing overall weight while maintaining required stiffness and strength functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container is integrated as a bearing component with additional connection points, then the expenditures for compensation measures are reduced, but the container design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection points are segmented into two distinct planes: the first plane for connecting the container to the support, and the second plane for connecting the support to the vehicle body. This segmentation allows the container to be designed as a modular component with standardized connection interfaces, simplifying manufacturing despite the multi-functional requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A support of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, is provided with a recess for accommodating a container that is embodied as an air equalization container. The container has connecting points, which are located in a first plane of the container and are designed to connect to the support. The container is designed as a supporting component, and further includes other connecting points in a second plane that is spaced apart from the first plane, the other connecting points being formed for the connection to the support of the vehicle.