Locking Assembly Structure for High-Radial-Strength Vehicle Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt joints in vehicles, such as those connecting suspension links to axle bodies, often lack sufficient strength in the radial direction, despite providing adequate axial strength.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly is introduced, comprising wall compression and abutment portions on each member, with a locking mechanism that compresses to form contact portions abutting at larger radial distances, enhancing radial locking strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional bolt joint is used to connect members axially, then axial strength is sufficient, but radial strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: wall compression portions for axial loading, wall abutment portions for radial loading, and a locking assembly with contact portions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific directional strengths, resolving the contradiction by enabling radial strength enhancement without requiring a complete redesign of the entire joint structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from primarily axial connection (conventional bolt joint) to incorporating radial connection capabilities. The wall abutment portions and locking assembly contact portions extend the connection functionality into the radial dimension, allowing the joint to resist loads in both axial and radial directions simultaneously.
2Strength
If wall compression portions are positioned closer together axially, then axial connection is efficient, but radial locking distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure employs asymmetric positioning where wall compression portions are optimized for axial proximity (shorter axial distance) while wall abutment portions and locking assembly contact portions are positioned to maximize radial distance from the assembly opening axis. This asymmetric arrangement allows efficient axial compression while maintaining optimal radial locking leverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the joint structure have different spatial characteristics optimized for their specific functions: wall compression portions are positioned for axial load efficiency, while wall abutment portions and contact portions are positioned at larger radial distances for optimal radial locking. This local optimization of spatial quality resolves the contradiction between axial efficiency and radial strength.
3Strength
If a locking assembly with bent contact portions is used, then radial locking is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly utilizes controlled plastic deformation (bending) of contact portions to achieve the desired radial locking geometry. By changing the shape parameter of the contact portions through bending, the structure gains radial locking capability while maintaining compatibility with standard metal forming and fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly contact portions are designed as thin, flexible elements that can be bent into the required configuration. This thin-film approach allows the contact portions to be formed through conventional bending and shaping operations, making the enhanced radial locking structure manufacturable without excessive complexity.
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 locking assembly provides enhanced radial locking between members, ensuring strong connections without requiring additional axial loads, thus improving the structural integrity of vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
the first wall compression portion and the second wall compression portion compress the locking assembly such that at least a contact portion of the locking assembly is bent towards and thereby abuts at least one of the first wall abutment portion and the second wall abutment portion
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an assembly (12) comprising a first member (14) and a second member (16), said assembly (12) comprising an assembly opening (22) extending through each one of said first and second members (14, 16), said assembly opening (22) extending in an axial direction (A) along an axial opening axis (24) as well as in a radial direction (R) along a radial opening axis (26), - said first member (14) comprising a first wall assembly (28) at least partially enclosing said assembly opening (22), - said second member (16) comprising a second wall assembly (34) at least partially enclosing said assembly opening (22). said assembly (12) further comprising a locking assembly (40) being at least partially located between said first wall assembly (28) and said assembly opening (22) and also being at least partially located between said second wall assembly (34) and said assembly opening (22).