Fiber Composite Leaf Spring Adhesive Receptacle Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaf spring arrangements for motor vehicle axles face challenges in achieving high mechanical durability while maintaining economical and simple production methods, as traditional methods like drilling and lamination lead to damage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring arrangement featuring a flat, fiber composite transverse leaf spring with a glued receptacle made of metallic material, where the receptacle is bonded to the leaf spring using a one- or two-component adhesive, avoiding machining and providing a support shoulder for self-centering and compressive force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the leaf spring is drilled and screwed to the receptacle, then a secure mechanical connection is achieved, but the mechanical durability is reduced due to damage to the fiber composite material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling and screwing system with a chemical bonding system using adhesive. The adhesive is applied between the receptacle and the leaf spring's joining surface, eliminating the need to drill holes through the fiber composite material. This substitution preserves the integrity of the leaf spring while achieving secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive acts as an intermediary substance between the receptacle and the leaf spring. It creates a bonding interface that transfers mechanical loads without requiring direct mechanical penetration into the fiber composite material, thus avoiding damage while maintaining connection strength.
2Strength
If the receptacle is laminated into the leaf spring during manufacturing, then a strong connection is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joining surfaces of both the receptacle and the leaf spring are prepared in advance with appropriate adhesive surfaces. This preliminary preparation allows for simple adhesive application and curing without requiring complex lamination processes during manufacturing, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex lamination process is replaced with a simpler adhesive bonding process. The adhesive provides sufficient bonding strength without requiring the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions associated with lamination, thus simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If the leaf spring ends are machined for screw connections, then precise alignment is achieved, but the structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The machining process for creating screw holes is replaced with adhesive bonding. The joining surfaces are designed with precise geometry for adhesive application, but no holes or cuts are made in the leaf spring, preserving its structural integrity while achieving accurate alignment through the adhesive bond.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining surfaces are specifically designed with appropriate geometry and surface properties for adhesive bonding. The flat joining surface on the leaf spring and the corresponding surface on the receptacle are optimized for adhesive contact, providing precise alignment without compromising the overall structural integrity of the leaf spring.
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 enhances durability and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for drilling and lamination, ensuring a strong adhesive connection that withstands mechanical stress and simplifies production, while maintaining high mechanical integrity under static and dynamic loads.
Implementation Method 1
the receptacle having a joining surface which is glued to the joining surface of the leaf spring
Implementation Method 2
the receptacle having an opening for receiving a metal bearing or a screw bolt... the support shoulder at least partially resting on the front end of the leaf spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a leaf spring arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle axle, comprising a leaf spring made of a fiber composite material, which is coupled at its ends (4) with receptacles (5) for connection to further axle components, wherein the leaf spring is formed flat at least on a lower side (8) at its ends (4) and has a joining surface (9) there, and the receptacle (5) lies flat against the lower side (8) in the area of the joining surface (9) and is bonded to it, is characterized in that the receptacle (5) has an opening (11) for receiving a metal bearing or a screw bolt.