Conical Support Cover for Multi-Directional Screw Load Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems, particularly in highly loaded screw connections, face challenges in efficiently absorbing and dissipating mechanical loads due to constant and variable loading directions, leading to material accumulation and stress peaks, which are not optimally addressed by conventional reinforcing ribs.

Innovation Solution

A component with a conical, funnel-shaped, or tent-shaped support cover that replaces traditional reinforcing ribs, providing a recess for fastening elements like screws, allowing for varied geometry to absorb forces from different directions and reduce material accumulation, while being designed for weight reduction and improved castability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional reinforcing ribs are used to strengthen the receptacle for screw connections, then the mechanical load absorption is improved, but material accumulation occurs and stress peaks are not effectively reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical load absorptionVSAvoidmaterial accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curved, conical reinforcing elements instead of straight ribs. The conical shape with gradual curvature allows forces to be distributed more evenly throughout the material, preventing stress concentration at sharp corners while still providing structural reinforcement. This curved geometry eliminates the material accumulation problem associated with traditional straight ribs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the reinforcing elements from straight linear forms to conical three-dimensional forms. This parameter change in shape and orientation allows the reinforcing structure to better absorb mechanical loads from multiple directions while maintaining material efficiency and preventing stress peaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional reinforcing ribs are used to strengthen the receptacle, then structural support is improved, but the design is not adaptable to constant and variable loading directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidadaptability to loading directions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric conical reinforcing elements that are specifically oriented to handle loads from different directions. The conical shape with its asymmetric geometry provides structural support while being inherently adaptable to variable loading conditions, unlike symmetric straight ribs that are optimized for single-direction loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat reinforcing ribs to three-dimensional conical structures. This addition of the third dimension allows the reinforcing elements to interact with loads coming from multiple angular directions, providing both structural stability and adaptability to variable loading conditions simultaneously.

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

3Strength

If traditional reinforcing ribs are used, then fastening element support is provided, but weight reduction is limited and castability is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening element supportVSAvoidcomponent weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the reinforcing elements by using conical shapes with specific angles and dimensions. This parameter optimization provides adequate fastening element support while minimizing material usage, achieving weight reduction compared to traditional over-designed straight rib structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies reinforcing elements with varying local geometries - conical shapes with different angles and dimensions at different locations. This local quality variation provides targeted support where needed for fastening elements while using less material in areas requiring less reinforcement, optimizing the overall weight-strength ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3827175B1Component
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 AUDI AG
  • EP3827175B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3827175B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3827175B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a component (2) with a support (4), for which a flat region is defined. The support (4) has a support cover (10) which at least partly has the shape of a hollow cone, a funnel, or a tent and which is raised out of the flat region. One end of the at least partly hollow cone-, funnel-, or tent-shaped support cover (10), said end facing away from the flat region of the support (4), is equipped with a recess (12) for receiving a securing element to be secured to the component (2).