Hub Bracket Structure With Rear Connector For Trailing Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hub bracket structures have complex configurations that complicate manufacturing and increase costs due to differences in rigidity adjustments between the front and rear, requiring changes in shape, position, and size of notches in the horizontal plate connector.

Innovation Solution

A hub bracket structure with a simpler configuration, where a rear connector extends to overlap with the rear surface of the trailing arm and is joined to it, providing increased rigidity and allowing toe-in control without complex connector designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shape, position, and size of notches in the horizontal plate connector are changed to adjust rigidity difference between front and rear, then toe-in control is achieved, but the connector configuration becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoe-in controlVSAvoidconnector configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hub bracket is divided into two separate connectors: a front connector (horizontal plate) and a rear connector (extending toward the trailing arm). Each connector independently contributes to rigidity control, eliminating the need for complex notch configurations in a single plate while achieving effective toe-in control through distributed structural reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rear connector extends in the front-rear direction (adding a dimensional element) to overlap with the rear surface of the trailing arm. This dimensional extension provides additional rigidity control without requiring complex shape modifications in the horizontal plane, thereby simplifying the overall connector configuration while maintaining toe-in control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoe-in controlVSAvoidmanufacturing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the connector function into front and rear separate components, each with simpler geometries, the manufacturing process is divided into more straightforward steps. The rear connector's extension in the front-rear direction can be manufactured using standard forming or joining processes, avoiding complex notch cutting and shaping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying a single horizontal plate with multiple notches (complex approach), the invention inverts the approach by adding a rear connector element that extends toward the trailing arm. This inversion simplifies manufacturing by using additive or modular construction rather than subtractive or complex formative processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If a rear connector is extended to overlap with the rear surface of the trailing arm, then joint rigidity is enhanced, but the hub bracket structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint rigidityVSAvoidhub bracket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rear connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it extends to overlap with the trailing arm rear surface for rigidity enhancement, provides attachment points for joining, and works in conjunction with the front connector for distributed load management. This multi-functionality justifies the structural addition while avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rear connector acts as an intermediary element between the hub bracket and the trailing arm, providing a bridging connection that enhances joint rigidity. This intermediary structure distributes stresses and simplifies the connection interface, rather than requiring direct complex integration between the hub bracket and trailing arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11590816B2Hub bracket structure

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A hub bracket structure includes a hub bracket that connects a trailing arm and a hub carrier, wherein the hub bracket includes a bracket body that includes a mounting surface mounted with the hub carrier, and a rear connector that extends from the bracket body toward the trailing arm behind a ground contact point of a rear wheel, and the rear connector is extended to a position to overlap with a rear surface of the trailing arm in a front-rear direction and is joined to the rear surface of the trailing arm.