Modular Trailing Arm Assembly for Adaptable Air Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailing arm assemblies for air sprung wheel axle suspensions lack a modular design that allows for a universal front arm part and customizable rear arm part, which complicates manufacturing and adaptation to different vehicle suspensions.
Innovation Solution
The trailing arm assembly features a front arm part that can be manufactured as a universal product, while the axle pad and air spring support arm form an integral rear arm part that can be customized for specific vehicle suspensions, with options for forging, casting, or joining separate parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the trailing arm assembly uses a monolithic integral design for the air spring supporting arm and attachment portion, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to different vehicle suspensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing arm assembly is divided into two main segments: a front arm part (trailing arm) and a rear arm part (axle pad with air spring support arm). The rear arm part can be customized for different vehicle suspensions while the front arm part remains a universal component, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The front arm part (trailing arm) is designed as a universal component that can be used across different vehicle suspension systems. The rear arm part is customized to match specific vehicle requirements, allowing the assembly to achieve both universality and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trailing arm is customized for each specific vehicle suspension, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into universal front arm part and customizable rear arm part, the manufacturing complexity is reduced. The front arm part can be produced in large quantities using standardized processes, while only the rear arm part requires customization for each vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle pad and air spring support arm are merged into an integral rear arm part that is customized for specific vehicle suspensions. This merging simplifies the customization process compared to modifying the entire trailing arm assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If the trailing arm is manufactured using specialized forging or rolling processes, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the production flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation allows the front arm part to be manufactured with high precision using specialized forging or rolling processes, while the rear arm part can be produced using more flexible manufacturing methods suitable for customization.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A trailing arm assembly (1) for an air sprung wheel axle suspension comprises a front arm part (3) and a rear arm part (4). A flexible trailing arm (3) pivotally connected to a bearing bracket (9) of a vehicle chassis forms the front arm part. An axle pad (41) and an air spring support arm (42) form the rear arm part. The axle pad (41) is arranged between an attachment portion (33) of the trailing arm and an axle body (2) and defines an axle seat for the axle body (2). Clamping means (5, 6, 7) clamp the axle body (2), the axle pad (41) and the attachment portion (33) of the trailing arm (3) together. The air spring support arm (42) and the axle pad (41) form an integral part (4), i.e. the rear arm part. An air spring (11) is located between the support arm (42) and the chassis.