Axle System Connection Unit for Adjustable Link Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle systems for commercial vehicles face challenges in securing the axle tube against displacement and twisting under high loads, while also limiting the adjustability of the link's position relative to the axle tube, which restricts adaptability to different chassis components.
Innovation Solution
An axle system featuring a connection unit with a holding element fixed to the axle tube, a clamping part that engages non-positively with the link, and a power unit that transmits clamping force, allowing for adjustable positioning and high reliability through a combination of material and force-fit connections, using spring steel and elastic components to manage vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welded connections are used to support the non-positive connection between axle tube and trailing arm, then the protection against displacement or twisting is improved, but the adjustability of the trailing arm position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is divided into separate components: a holding element welded to the axle tube, and a clamping part that engages with the trailing arm. This segmentation allows the welded holding element to provide reliable anti-displacement protection while the separate clamping part maintains adjustability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit enables dynamic adjustment of the trailing arm position relative to the axle tube through the power unit mechanism, while the welded holding element provides static structural support. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different positions while maintaining reliability through the permanent weld connection.
2Device complexity
If frictional locking with U-shaped tension elements is used to secure the handlebar, then the connection is simple, but the protection against displacement under high loads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two connection approaches: the simple frictional locking principle of U-shaped tension elements is combined with a welded holding element for structural support. This hybrid connection provides both simplicity in the clamping mechanism and high reliability through the welded attachment, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.
3Strength
If the link position is fixed through material connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the adaptability to different chassis components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a permanently welded holding element (providing strength) and an adjustable clamping assembly (providing adaptability). This allows the strong welded connection to remain fixed while the clamping part can be repositioned to accommodate different chassis configurations, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable and adjustable connection that maintains high operational reliability under load, allowing for easy adaptation to different chassis configurations without compromising strength or increasing weight.
Implementation Method 1
the power unit (7) being designed to transmit a clamping force from the holding element (42) to the first clamping part (5) directly or indirectly
Implementation Method 2
using spring steel and elastic components to manage vibrations
Implementation Method 3
a connection that is primarily produced by frictional locking is used
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This relates to an axle system, particularly for use in commercial vehicles, comprising an axle tube (2) and a control arm (6), wherein the axle tube (2) extends along a tube axis (R), wherein a connecting unit (4) is provided which has a retaining element (42), a first clamping element (5) and a force unit (7), wherein the retaining element (42) can be fixed to the axle tube (2) by a material bond, wherein the first clamping element (5) can be arranged at least partially on the side of the control arm (6) facing away from the axle tube (2) and can be brought into frictional engagement with the control arm, wherein the force unit (7) is designed to transmit a clamping force from the retaining element (42) to the first clamping element (5) directly or indirectly.