Control Arm Mount With Slit Bracket for Collision Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control arm attachment arrangements in vehicles face challenges in maintaining structural strength during normal operation while ensuring safety during collisions, as they often push components towards the passenger cell during frontal crashes, increasing the risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A control arm attachment arrangement with two fastening points, including a first attachment bracket with a slit that releases the fastening means at a predetermined force, allowing the control arm to rotate and direct the front wheel outside the passenger cell during collisions, thereby reducing the risk of damage and injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the control arm is designed with high structural strength to withstand forces during normal operation, then the control arm can withstand stress from potholes and sidewalk edges, but during a frontal collision the control arm pushes the front wheel backwards towards the passenger cell increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment arrangement is segmented into two separate attachment points: a first attachment point designed to fail at a predetermined force during collision, and a second attachment point that remains intact. This segmentation allows the control arm to partially detach and rotate, directing the wheel away from the passenger cell while maintaining overall structural strength during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment arrangement transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system where the first attachment point can fail and allow rotation. This dynamic behavior enables the control arm to adapt its configuration during collision, rotating to direct the wheel outward rather than pushing it straight back into the passenger cell.
2Loss of energy
If the control arm is made collapsible to absorb energy during collision, then energy absorption improves, but the control arm loses the structural strength needed to withstand forces from normal operation such as driving into potholes
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is segmented from the main control arm structure and transferred to the first attachment point. This allows the attachment point to collapse and absorb energy during collision while the control arm itself maintains its full structural strength for withstanding normal operational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The first attachment point is designed as a sacrificial component that fails at a predetermined force during collision to absorb energy. This disposable element protects the more valuable control arm structure, which maintains its strength for continued use after the collision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a weakened portion is created in the control arm or suspension member to allow deformation during collision, then the control arm can deform and stop the wheel with an outrigger, but the structural strength is reduced and may compromise normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The weakness required for collision deformation is extracted from the control arm itself and relocated to the first attachment point. This allows the attachment point to fail and enable wheel deformation/rotation during collision while the control arm maintains its full structural strength for normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement for attaching a control arm in a vehicle comprising a first attachment bracket, a first fastening means, a first bushing, and a control arm. The first bushing is arranged in an opening of the control arm and the first fastening means is passing through both the first attachment portion and the first bushing. The first attachment bracket comprises a slit arranged transversal to the travel direction of the vehicle and the slit is arranged in a front surface of the first attachment bracket, wherein the first attachment bracket is adapted to release the first fastening means of said control arm when a certain force is exceeded during an offset or small offset impact.