Chassis Mounting Plate Structure for Easier Bearing Bracket Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chassis mounting structures for bearing brackets on vehicle chassis require complex connections and disassembly processes, making it difficult to mount and remove suspension components without affecting other parts, such as strut beams, which complicates maintenance and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A chassis mounting unit comprising a mounting plate and a strut beam, where the strut beam is connected to the mounting plate, allowing the bearing bracket to be easily mounted and removed without affecting the strut beam, and featuring adjustable mounting holes for precise alignment and adjustment of the trailing arm, facilitating simpler disassembly and replacement of suspension parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the bearing bracket is directly connected to the strut beam and chassis, then the suspension structure is stable, but the disassembly and replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is segmented into distinct components: mounting plate, strut beam, and bearing bracket. The mounting plate serves as an intermediate component that connects the strut beam to the chassis, while also providing mounting points for the bearing bracket. This segmentation allows the bearing bracket to be removed and replaced independently without affecting the strut beam or chassis connection, thereby simplifying repair operations while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the bearing bracket is integrated with the strut beam, then the structure is compact, but the replacement of suspension parts requires removing or loosening the strut beam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement efficiencyVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate acts as an intermediary component between the strut beam and the bearing bracket. It provides a dedicated mounting surface for the bearing bracket while being independently connected to the strut beam. This intermediary structure enables the bearing bracket to be installed or replaced by simply removing fasteners from the mounting plate, without needing to detach or loosen the strut beam from the chassis, thereby significantly improving maintenance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple connection points are used to secure the bearing bracket, then the mounting is stable, but the alignment and adjustment process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate introduces an additional dimensional layer to the connection system. Instead of directly connecting the bearing bracket to the strut beam in a single plane, the mounting plate provides a separate mounting surface that extends the connection in another dimension. This allows for multiple mounting holes and adjustment capabilities on the mounting plate without complicating the primary structural connection, enabling precise alignment while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4087742B1Chassis mounting unit
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 VDL WEWELER
  • EP4087742B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4087742B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4087742B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A chassis mounting unit (11) for mounting a bearing bracket (5) to a vehicle chassis (1) comprises a mounting plate (12) to be attached to an overhead longitudinal chassis beam (2). The mounting plate (12) is adapted to mount the bearing bracket (5) against. The bearing bracket (5) is adapted to pivotally mount a trailing arm (6) of a wheel axle suspension to the chassis (1). The chassis mounting unit (11) furthermore comprises a transverse strut beam (13) having a first end (13A) welded to the mounting plate (12) and has an opposite second end (13B) to be attached to an overhead chassis beam (3), wherein the transverse strut beam (13) extends transversely to the mounting plate (12).