Composite Suspension Triangle Structure for Lightweight Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical connecting and transmission parts, particularly in the automobile and aeronautics industries, face challenges in achieving reduced weight, high strength and rigidity, and low manufacturing costs, with existing solutions like metal alloys being costly and composite materials lacking sufficient stress resistance and automation difficulty.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a composite rod made of unidirectional fibers embedded in a plastic matrix, shaped by deformation and surface treatment, combined with a digital wire bending machine for automated production, creating a robust mechanical part with integrated interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal alloys are used to manufacture mechanical parts, then strength and rigidity are improved, but weight increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials consisting of a plastic matrix reinforced with unidirectional or multidirectional fibers (glass, carbon, or other reinforcing fibers). This composite structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio, achieving the required mechanical strength while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional metal alloys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If composite materials are used to manufacture mechanical parts, then weight is reduced, but stress resistance shows limits and manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidstress resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by using unidirectional fiber layers in areas subjected to high tensile or compressive stresses, while using multidirectional or random fiber layers in areas requiring isotropic properties or lower stress resistance. This localized optimization ensures adequate stress resistance throughout the part while maintaining weight reduction benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes material parameters by selecting different fiber types (glass, carbon, basalt), different fiber orientations (unidirectional, multidirectional, random), and different plastic matrix materials to optimize stress resistance for specific application requirements while maintaining lightweight characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If composite materials are used to manufacture mechanical parts, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing automation difficulty increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidmanufacturing automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preimpregnated tapes (prepregs) where the plastic matrix is already impregnated with fibers before molding. This preliminary preparation allows for easier automated handling, positioning, and molding compared to traditional wet layup methods, thereby improving manufacturing automation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional manual craftsmanship with automated molding systems that can automatically position, layer, and compress the composite materials. This substitution of mechanical systems enables scalable production while maintaining the lightweight benefits of composite materials.

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

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional molding methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing cost remains high due to craftsmanship requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-aligning features in the mold design and self-curing properties of the plastic matrix that automatically position and secure the fiber layers during molding. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for skilled manual intervention and craftsmanship, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method produces a lightweight, rigid, and cost-effective mechanical part suitable for connecting structures, such as suspension triangles, with enhanced stress resistance and automated manufacturing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a composite rod (30, 31) made of unidirectional fibers embedded in a plastic matrix (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 2

its conformation is achieved by deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4196388B1Method for manufacturing a mechanical part, the resulting part and a suspension triangle
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 HUTCHINSON SA
  • EP4196388B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4196388B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a mechanical connection and/or transmission part (1) arranged between two structures, which consists in carrying out the following operations in succession: - creating a rigid framework (3), by means of operations of shaping at least one pipe length or the like (30, 31), in order to recreate the three-dimensional shape of the part (1), and creating, at specific locations, segments whose shapes are suited to optimizing the strength and rigidity of the part (1), - incorporating into the framework (3) at least one element (4, 5) that is suitable for creating an interface of the part (1) with one or other of the structures, - moulding a plastic matrix (2) around the framework (3).