Integrated Stabilization Device for Vehicle Axles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stabilization devices for vehicle axles require large installation space and high production costs due to numerous individual assemblies, and they separate steering stabilization and reversing lock functions into distinct systems.

Innovation Solution

A stabilization device comprising a hollow cylinder unit with a fluid and a piston unit that can displace between original and deflected positions, a pretensioning device to restore the wheels to the original position, and a control device to regulate fluid flow, allowing the device to function as both a steering stabilization system and a reversing lock with reduced space and cost requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pneumatic or mechanical reversing locks are additionally installed, then the wheels can be fixed in their original position for backward movement, but the number of individual assemblies increases leading to large installation space and high production costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversing lock functionVSAvoidnumber of individual assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the steering stabilization function and the reversing lock function into a single integrated stabilization device. The hollow cylinder unit with piston unit serves dual purposes: providing steering stabilization during normal operation and acting as a reversing lock when the vehicle moves backward, eliminating the need for separate reversing lock assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization device is designed to perform multiple functions: steering stabilization during forward movement and automatic reversing lock during backward movement. The control device automatically switches between these functions based on the vehicle's movement direction, making the system universal and eliminating the need for separate specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If pneumatic or mechanical reversing locks are additionally installed, then the wheels can be fixed in their original position, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversing lock functionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reversing lock function into the existing stabilization device structure. The hollow cylinder unit and piston unit that provide steering stabilization also serve as the reversing lock mechanism, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming separate reversing lock assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If pneumatic or mechanical reversing locks are additionally installed, then the wheels can be fixed in their original position, but the production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversing lock functionVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate functions (steering stabilization and reversing lock) into a single device, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This integration reduces production complexity and costs while maintaining both functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By designing the stabilization device to perform multiple functions, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and install separate reversing lock components, thereby reducing production costs through component consolidation and reduced assembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution provides reliable steering stabilization and reversing functionality with a compact design, reducing installation space and production costs while maintaining low wear and simple construction, enabling defined centering and safe reversing operations.

Implementation Method 1

a hollow cylinder unit which has a hollow cylinder with a fluid in it, a piston unit which has a piston which is arranged in the hollow cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid transmission: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a pretensioning device which tensions the piston unit in the direction of the original position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2406120B1Stabilising device for self-steering axles of vehicles
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 SAF HOLLAND GMBH
  • EP2406120B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2406120B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2406120B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a stabilizing device for axles of vehicles, such as motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, or the like, comprising a hollow cylinder unit (7), which has a hollow cylinder (6) containing a fluid, a piston unit (4) having a piston (16) that is arranged in the hollow cylinder (6) and divides the hollow cylinder into at least two chambers (18, 20), wherein the piston unit (4) can slide relative to the hollow cylinder unit (2) in that said piston unit can be moved from an original position to a deflected position, a preloading apparatus, which loads the piston unit (4) in the direction of the original position, and a control or regulating apparatus, which controls or regulates the fluid flow into/out of the chambers (18, 20).