Axle Suspension Bracket With Plug-In Connection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axle suspension systems face challenges in easy assembly and secure transmission of lifting forces, with a risk of incorrect installation leading to loose connections and potential failure, especially when dealing with varying chassis geometries and ride heights.

Innovation Solution

The axle suspension system features a two-part console design with a plug-in or hook connection and a transverse rod for secure attachment to the support, allowing for easy assembly and adaptation to different chassis geometries, with the console parts adjustable in multiple positions to ensure stable force transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a two-part console design with multiple holes is used to achieve adjustability, then adaptability to different chassis geometries is improved, but the risk of incorrect installation increases and assembly complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different chassis geometriesVSAvoidrisk of incorrect installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The console is divided into two separate parts: a first console part that is fixed to the support, and a second console part that carries the force element. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the first part provides stable mounting with form-fit connections, while the second part can be positioned at different locations to accommodate various chassis geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first console part acts as an intermediary between the support and the second console part. It provides a stable, fixed connection to the support through form-fit connections (plug-in or hook connections), thereby mediating the connection and eliminating the need for the second console part to be directly fixed to the support, which would require multiple holes and risk incorrect installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If multiple connecting elements are used to secure the console, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection functions are merged into a single integrated first console part. This part simultaneously provides form-fit connections (plug-in or hook connections) for stable engagement and mounting surfaces for the second console part, thereby combining multiple connecting elements into one assembly unit that reduces assembly steps while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first console part is pre-assembled and fixed to the support before the second console part is attached. This preliminary action creates a stable base that already contains the necessary connection structures, so that when the second console part is mounted, the connection is immediately secure without requiring additional assembly steps for multiple separate connecting elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the console is fixed directly to the support with multiple holes, then assembly simplicity is improved, but the horizontal play increases reducing stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidhorizontal play
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical connection using multiple holes and fasteners is replaced by form-fit connections (plug-in or hook connections) between the first console part and the support. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple alignment holes while providing stable engagement through geometric interlocking, thereby reducing horizontal play without complicating the assembly process.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3272630B1Axle suspension for a vehicle axle
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 BPW BERGISCHE ACHSEN KG
  • EP3272630B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3272630B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3272630B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A suspension system for a trailing-link vehicle axle is proposed. It comprises a force member (11), a pressure transmission element (18, 20) movable by actuation of the force member against a control arm (5) of the vehicle axle, and a bracket (12). The bracket (12) is provided with a support (10) for the force member (11) and the compressive reaction forces acting upon it, and also with a bracket part (31) for attachment to a support (2). This bracket part has a plug or hook connection (36A) for engaging the support (2). To enable quick and easy mounting of the bracket (12) to the support (2) in a fixed basic position, it is proposed that the bracket part (31) can only be attached in a single position relative to the support (2).The axle suspension may have a force receiving element (15) that can be attached to the longitudinal control arm (5) in an extension to the direction of action of the force member (11), in particular in at least two different positions.