Integrally Bonded Connecting Element for Vehicle Chassis

Solution Overview

Problem

The automotive industry faces challenges in weight reduction and simplification of motor vehicle chassis components due to the use of rubber bearings, which increase weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An assembly featuring a frame element and a connecting element with an integrally bonded connection that mimics the elasticity of an elastomer bearing, eliminating the need for separate rubber bearings by using adhesives and materials like fiber-reinforced plastics and metals, allowing for elastic deformation and reduced part count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rubber bearings are used to connect frame elements, then elastic properties and load absorption are improved, but weight and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload absorptionVSAvoidchassis weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connecting element and elastomer bearing into a single integrated component. The connecting element is designed with an integrally bonded connection that incorporates elastomeric material, eliminating the need for separate rubber bearings while maintaining load absorption and elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element uses composite material construction, combining rigid materials (metal or fiber-reinforced plastic) with elastomeric material in an integrally bonded connection. This allows the single component to provide both structural strength and elastic load absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If rubber bearings are used to connect frame elements, then elastic properties and load absorption are improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload absorptionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connecting element and elastomer bearing into a single integrated component. The connecting element is designed with an integrally bonded connection that incorporates elastomeric material, eliminating the need for separate rubber bearings while maintaining load absorption and elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection between frame elements, absorbs loads through elastic deformation, and replaces the need for separate elastomer bearings. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If separate elastomer bearings are used, then elastic deformation under load is achieved, but weight and part count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastic deformationVSAvoidcomponent weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element uses composite material construction, combining rigid materials (metal or fiber-reinforced plastic) with elastomeric material in an integrally bonded connection. This allows the single component to provide both structural strength and elastic load absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the connecting element and elastomer bearing into a single integrated component. The connecting element is designed with an integrally bonded connection that incorporates elastomeric material, eliminating the need for separate rubber bearings while maintaining load absorption and elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration achieves weight reduction and simplification of the assembly while maintaining necessary elasticity for intended loading conditions, enhancing ride comfort and reducing noise without the need for additional elastomer bearings.

Implementation Method 1

the integrally bonded connection and/or the connecting element are formed in such a way that they have a modulus of elasticity which is less than a modulus of elasticity of the component... they have an elastic property that effectively assumes the function of an elastomer bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10391829B2Assembly consisting of a frame element, a connecting element and a part secured to the connecting element

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

An assembly includes a motor vehicle frame element, a connecting element that is secured to the frame element, and a part that is secured to the connecting element. An integral bond between the connecting element and the frame element and/or the connecting element is/are designed in such a way that the elastic modulus thereof is smaller than the elastic modulus of the part.