Elastomeric Eyelet Linkage for Wheel Suspension Sensor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing linkages for vehicle level sensors are complex to manufacture due to the rigid fastening of cranked connecting rods to ball socket housings, which complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The linkage features cylindrical connecting rods with bent ends forming circular eyelets that can be easily pressed onto rotationally symmetrical bodies made of elastically deformable material, such as silicone-like materials, which simplify the assembly by using rotatable eyelets and ball sockets for secure attachment to the vehicle chassis and wheel suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid fastening of cranked connecting rods to ball socket housings is used, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastically deformable (silicone-like material), allowing the ball socket housing to be compressed during assembly and then recover to secure the connecting rod, eliminating complex rigid fastening operations while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The ball socket housing is made from elastically deformable material that can be compressed and recovered, providing a flexible assembly method where the housing deforms during insertion and then secures the connecting rod through elastic recovery, simplifying the manufacturing process
2Reliability
If complex rigid fastening structures are used, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable ball socket housing is pre-formed with the capacity to deform and recover, allowing the connecting rod to be inserted and secured in a single quick operation without requiring multiple fastening steps, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable connections
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 solution simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing for adaptable and secure connections between vehicle components, reducing assembly complexity and enhancing the linkage's flexibility in accommodating different vehicle configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The body (15) consists of elastically deformable material, preferably a silicone-like material
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 9~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a linkage between a wheel suspension, which accommodates the compression or rebound of a motor vehicle wheel and is attached to the chassis of a motor vehicle, and a rotary angle sensor connected to a control unit. The linkage consists of a connecting rod (14) with shafts (11; 11a) pivotably attached to its ends, one shaft being connectable to the wheel suspension and the other shaft being connectable to the rotary angle sensor. According to the invention, the connecting rod (14) is bent at its ends into substantially circular loops, which are pressed onto a substantially rotationally symmetrical body (15; 15a) made of elastically deformable material and supporting a shaft (11; 11a).