Modular Drivable Twist Beam Axle with Interchangeable Trailing Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drivable twist beam axles lack modularity and flexibility in configuration, leading to increased manufacturing effort and costs for different user needs, as they require custom designs and components for various vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular drivable twist beam axle design featuring two trailing arms with interchangeable housing modules, allowing for different trailing arm areas and components to be attached, utilizing a standardized basic housing module with electrical machines and transmission devices, enabling customization while minimizing costs through the use of identical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom designs and components are used for various vehicle applications, then the drivable twist beam axle can be optimized for specific vehicle needs, but the manufacturing effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drivable twist beam axle is divided into modular components: a standardized basic housing module containing the electrical machine and transmission device, and interchangeable trailing arm areas that can be selected based on specific vehicle application requirements. This segmentation allows the common components to be mass-produced while only the application-specific portions need customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The basic housing module is designed as a universal component that can be used across different vehicle applications. The housing contains the electrical machine and transmission device that remain essentially the same for all variants, providing a common platform that reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability through interchangeable trailing arm areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If identical basic housing modules are used for all variants, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the ability to meet customer requests for simple or complex torsion beam axles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a standardized basic housing module and interchangeable trailing arm areas. The basic housing module is manufactured identically for all variants to minimize costs, while the trailing arm areas are offered in different configurations that can be selected to meet specific customer requirements for simplicity or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal basic housing module serves multiple vehicle applications, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs through economies of scale. The universality is extended through the ability to interchange trailing arm areas, allowing the same basic module to support both simple and complex torsion beam axle configurations depending on which trailing arm area is attached.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different trailing arm areas are attached to the housing, then customer requests for simple or complex torsion beam axles can be met, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing arm areas are segmented as interchangeable modules that attach to the basic housing module. This segmentation allows different configurations to be achieved by simply changing the trailing arm area component, rather than redesigning the entire assembly, thereby reducing the effective complexity of offering multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The basic housing module with its standardized mounting base serves as a universal platform that can accommodate different trailing arm areas. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized housing designs, simplifying the overall system architecture despite offering configuration flexibility through interchangeable components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drivable twist beam axle (2) of a vehicle, having two trailing arms (1) and a transversal profile connected to the trailing arms (1). The trailing arms (1) respectively comprise a housing (5) for at least one electric motor (6) and respectively, a trailing arm area (4) mounted on the housing (5) via which the twist beam axle (2) can be connected to the vehicle body. Said housings (5) respectively comprise a securing base (8) designed for mounting different trailing arm areas (4). For completing the twist-beam rear axle (2), a trailing arm area (4) is mounted on a securing base (8), said area being selected from the group of at least two trailing arm areas (4) which are formed differently at least with respect to the connection of the twist-beam rear axle respectively on a vehicle body and/or with respect to a connection of the trailing arm (1) with the transversal profile but which has the same connecting dimensions.