Transverse Control Arm Bushing Arrangement for Vehicle Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wishbones made of light metal require enlarged cross-sections in their fastening areas to withstand loads, leading to increased space requirements and compromises in vehicle setup due to the need to absorb axial, lateral, and vertical forces, which complicates vehicle tuning and increases the risk of fatigue.
Innovation Solution
The wishbone design features diametrically opposite thickenings on its base body, allowing only lateral and vertical forces to be absorbed by the first fastening area, with cylindrical stop surfaces that strike corresponding elements in the bearing bush, eliminating the need to absorb axial forces and optimizing rigidity and vehicle tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fastening area cross-section is enlarged to withstand loads, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force absorption function is segmented between two distinct components: the diametrically opposite thickenings absorb lateral and vertical forces, while the bearing bush absorbs axial forces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall space requirement compared to a uniformly enlarged fastening area that would be needed to handle all force directions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a directional dimension to force absorption by using diametrically opposite thickenings that specifically engage for lateral and vertical forces, while axial forces are handled separately by the bearing bush. This dimensional differentiation allows the fastening area to maintain a smaller cross-section while still withstanding multi-directional loads.
2Reliability
If the wishbone is designed to absorb axial, lateral, and vertical forces, then the reliability is improved, but the vehicle setup complexity and tuning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force absorption responsibilities are segmented and assigned to different components: lateral and vertical forces are absorbed by the diametrically opposite thickenings striking against the bearing bush, while axial forces are absorbed by the bearing bush itself. This clear functional segmentation simplifies vehicle setup and tuning by allowing independent optimization of each force direction without complex interactions between components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the fastening area are given different functional qualities: the diametrically opposite thickenings are designed specifically for lateral and vertical force absorption with cylindrical stop surfaces, while the bearing bush is designed for axial force absorption. This local differentiation of function reduces overall system complexity by allowing each component to be tuned independently for its specific force direction.
3Reliability
If the fastening area is enlarged to handle all force directions, then the reliability is improved, but the service life of bearing components decreases due to increased fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the force absorption function, each bearing component is subjected only to specific force directions rather than combined multi-axial loads. The diametrically opposite thickenings handle lateral and vertical forces, while the bearing bush handles axial forces, reducing the overall fatigue stress on each component and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the bearing components by limiting them to specific force directions. The cylindrical stop surfaces of the thickenings ensure that lateral and vertical forces are absorbed in a controlled manner, while the bearing bush operates primarily in the axial direction, reducing fatigue accumulation and extending component life.
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 design reduces the complexity of vehicle setup by focusing on lateral and vertical forces, extending the service life of the bearing bush and journal, and allowing for adjustable damping properties to enhance the driving experience.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing bush (23) with an insertion side (37) and a side (38) opposite thereto, with an elastomeric body (42) with a conical frustoconical shape, with the small base of the frustum facing the insertion side of the bearing bush (23)
Implementation Method 2
a stop area (19) which, seen in the circumferential direction, is interrupted so that two diametrically opposed thickenings (21, 22) are formed, which are arranged and designed in such a way that forces acting only in the lateral and vertical directions are absorbed
Implementation Method 3
a bearing bush (23) with an insertion side (37) and a side (38) opposite thereto, with an elastomeric body (42) with a conical frustoconical shape
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a transverse control arm (1), having a main body (2) which comprises at least one first fastening region (4) for coupling to a vehicle frame element, wherein the first fastening region (4) comprises a journal (9) which is surrounded by a bearing bushing (23). It is proposed to dispose a stop region (19) in the region of the first fastening region (4), said stop region being interrupted, viewed in the circumferential direction, such that diametrically opposed thickened areas (21, 22) are formed, which are disposed between the main body (2) and the first fastening region (4) and designed such that only forces acting in the lateral and vertical directions are absorbed when the main body (2) is rotated out of the neutral position thereof, viewed about a vertical axis (Y) of a second fastening region (3), and the respective thickened area (21, 22) strikes against corresponding stop elements (27, 28) of the bearing bushing (23) with the respective stop surface (24, 26) thereof.