Integrated Axle Bracket with Molded Connection Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of existing axle carriers for vehicles is complex and expensive due to the number of individual parts and the design of connection points, which also results in high weight and reduced rigidity.

Innovation Solution

A composite axle carrier design featuring a single profiled cross member with light metal brackets and molded connection points for wishbones, tie rods, and spring/damping units, with reinforced ribs for increased rigidity, and sleeve-like attachment points for body connection using rubber bearings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional multi-part axle carriers with separate profile carriers and connection points are used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but production costs increase and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxle carrier weightVSAvoidnumber of individual parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (profile carrier, connection points, brackets) into a single integrated axle carrier made of light metal. The console is formed as one piece with molded-in connection points and integrated brackets, eliminating the need for separate profile carriers and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining structural functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The axle carrier is manufactured from light metal (aluminum alloy) using die-casting processes, replacing traditional steel or composite profile carriers. This material substitution reduces weight while the die-casting process enables complex integrated geometries that would be difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional welded profile carriers are used, then structural strength is achieved, but production complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical assembly processes (welding, bolting separate components) with a single die-casting manufacturing process. The entire axle carrier including connection points and brackets is formed in one piece through mold casting, eliminating multiple welding operations and assembly steps while maintaining structural integrity through the casting process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional connection points are used, then basic attachment functionality is provided, but rigidity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxle carrier rigidityVSAvoidconnection point design
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection points are molded directly into the console as integral features rather than being separate attached components. The brackets and connection points form a unified structure with the main console body, creating stiffer load paths and improving overall rigidity while simplifying the design by eliminating separate connection point components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2114753B1Axle bracket for motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2011.12.14 KSM CASTINGS GROUP GMBH
  • EP2114753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2114753B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2114753B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an axle bracket for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, as an assembled structural unit comprising a single profiled transversal carrier (1) and consoles (2, 3) fixed to the end regions of the structural unit. Said consoles are each provided with moulded binding positions (A, B; C, D; E; F; G, H) for at least three of the following units - the upper transverse links (6), the lower transverse links (4), the track rods (5), and the spring or damping unit (7) - and each comprise at least two moulded binding positions (G, H) for attaching the axle bracket to the bodywork.