Chassis Shell Projections for Axle Body Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing commercial vehicle chassis designs fail to effectively absorb and transmit forces in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions, particularly during hard braking, due to inadequate connections between the axle body and axle link.

Innovation Solution

A shell with projections on both the inside and outside surfaces is used to create a form-fitting engagement with the axle body and axle link, providing additional support and stability through material-displacing interactions, and optionally with other chassis components, to enhance force absorption and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a shell is supported directly on the axle body with projections for material-displacing engagement, then the connection strength and form fit are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional engagement features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is provided with projections on specific local areas (inside surface engaging with axle body, outside surface engaging with axle link) rather than uniform engagement throughout. This localized engagement approach strengthens critical connection points while maintaining simplicity in non-critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shell acts as an intermediary component between the axle body and axle link, providing form-fitting engagement through projections on both surfaces. This mediator approach creates a positive mechanical connection without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If projections are formed on both inside and outside surfaces of the shell, then the force absorption capability in multiple directions is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorptionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement features are segmented into distinct projection elements on the inside surface and outside surface of the shell. This segmentation allows each set of projections to be optimized for its specific engagement direction while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular feature design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The material properties of the shell are selected to enable material-displacing engagement, where the shell material is sufficiently hard to engage with the softer axle body and axle link materials. This parameter change in material selection allows the projections to function effectively without complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the shell is made of hard material for material-displacing engagement, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to material selection constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The material parameters of the shell are specifically selected to be harder than the axle body and axle link materials, enabling reliable material-displacing engagement. This parameter change in material hardness ensures consistent form-fitting connection while working with conventional manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 shell design ensures clear positioning and optimal absorption of forces and moments, particularly during hard braking, by engaging projections on both surfaces, thereby enhancing the overall stability and performance of the chassis components.

Implementation Method 1

projections formed on the inside engage in the outside of the axle body in a material-displacing manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMaterial-displacing engagement: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

roughened support areas that are produced using a laser beam process. As a result, the support areas have projections in the form of material tips of such hardness that these material-displacing engage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser beam heating: Laser

Implementation Method 3

rapid cooling causes the tips to harden

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRapid cooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP3702180B1Chassis for a commercial vehicle, shell for same and arrangement of two shells forming a pair
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 BPW BERGISCHE ACHSEN KG
  • EP3702180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3702180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3702180B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A chassis for a commercial vehicle is proposed, comprising an axle body (1) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a control arm (5) extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and at least one shell (10, 110) between the axle body (1) and the control arm (5). This shell has an outer surface (12) facing the control arm (5) and an inner surface (11) facing the axle body (1). The inner surface (11) is supported under compressive load directly against the outer surface (20) of the axle body (1), with projections formed on the inner surface (11) of the shell (10, 110) engaging into the outer surface (20) of the axle body (1) by displacing material. To prevent relative movements, including those in the circumferential direction, between the chassis components connected by clamps, further projections are formed on the outer surface (12) of the shell (10, 110).The further projections engage in a material-displacing manner in a surface on the axle link (5) or on a component (9) supported against the axle link (5). Furthermore, a corresponding shell (10) and a corresponding shell pair (10, 110) are proposed.