Modular Slider-Suspension Chassis Using Mechanical Fasteners

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Slider-suspension units for semi-trailers are bulky, costly, and difficult to handle and coat, with existing designs often requiring large equipment and complex welding that can affect material properties and increase transportation costs, while also being heavy and prone to corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A modular slider-suspension unit kit composed of separate components connected by mechanical fasteners, such as Huck fasteners, allowing for individual coating and the use of different metals without excessive corrosion at interfaces, with a chassis design featuring a ladder-frame structure formed from sheet material and a compact profile to reduce weight and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a solid weldment chassis is used to provide a strong base, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidchassis weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into separate modular components including channel sections, cross members, and suspension hangers that can be manufactured independently and assembled together using mechanical fasteners, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis uses composite construction combining sheet metal components with mechanical fastening systems rather than traditional weldment, creating a lightweight yet strong structure that is easier to handle and assemble

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If traditional welding and coating processes are used on the chassis, then structural integrity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis components are segmented into separate pieces that can be manufactured using simple sheet metal forming processes without requiring complex welding fixtures or large coating equipment, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional welding connections are replaced with mechanical fastening systems such as rivets or self-drilling screws, eliminating the need for welding equipment and processes while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If a bulky chassis design is used to ensure strength, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but transportation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidtransportation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is segmented into compact modular components that can be efficiently packaged and transported, reducing transportation costs while maintaining load-bearing capacity through optimized component design and arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis uses thin-walled channel sections and sheet metal components that provide adequate strength for load-bearing while minimizing material usage and overall size, reducing transportation costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If separate components are used with mechanical fasteners, then ease of assembly is improved, but corrosion at interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcorrosion at interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Corrosion-resistant fasteners and sealing elements are used as intermediaries between metal components to prevent direct contact between dissimilar metals, eliminating galvanic corrosion while maintaining ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis uses composite construction with compatible material selections and corrosion-protective coatings or platings on fasteners and contact surfaces, reducing corrosion at interfaces while maintaining ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10807427B2Slider-suspension unit

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 FUWA K HITCH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

A chassis portion, for a vehicle chassis, including a chassis rail 33b, a cross member 35a, a suspension hanger 51 integral, fastened or fastenable to the cross member, and an arrangement for clamping, a portion of the chassis rail, between a portion of the hanger and a portion of the cross member.