Modular Vehicle Axle with Adjustable Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing production methods for vehicle axles require separate manufacturing of axles with specific dimensions to accommodate different vehicle models, leading to increased costs, complexity, and storage requirements due to the need for various axle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular axle design featuring adjustable transverse connecting tubes and anchoring devices allows for the precise adjustment of spacing between end sub-assemblies and fixing supports, enabling the production of standard components that can be adapted to various vehicle types and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate axles with specific dimensions are manufactured for different vehicle models, then the axle can be precisely adapted to each vehicle type, but the manufacturing cost increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal axle assembly design where standard end sub-assemblies can be interconnected through multiple connecting elements of different lengths and configurations. This allows the same basic axle components to serve multiple vehicle models with different track widths and attachment point distances, eliminating the need for model-specific axle manufacturing while maintaining precise geometric adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle is divided into modular segments: standard end sub-assemblies and interchangeable transverse connecting elements. This segmentation allows independent standardization of components while enabling flexible reconfiguration to meet different vehicle specifications, reducing overall system complexity through component reuse.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple axle varieties are produced for different vehicle models, then each vehicle type can have optimized running gear geometry, but the storage space requirements increase and inventory management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By designing end sub-assemblies that can accommodate multiple connecting element configurations, the system reduces the number of unique axle variants that need to be stored. A single set of standard sub-assemblies can serve multiple vehicle models by simply changing the connecting elements, dramatically reducing storage space requirements from storing many complete axle variants to storing a limited set of modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows for easy replacement and reconfiguration of connecting elements between different production runs. Instead of storing multiple complete axles, the system recovers and reuses standard sub-assemblies with different connecting elements attached, optimizing storage efficiency through component interchangeability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standard transverse beam is used in both assembly directions, then the beam can clear different spaces for mechanical components, but the spacing between end sub-assemblies cannot be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed beam configuration to a dynamic configuration where the effective length and spacing can be adjusted by selecting different connecting elements. The end sub-assemblies can be positioned at variable distances apart by choosing appropriate connecting element lengths, allowing both space clearance and spacing adjustment to be achieved through modular reconfiguration rather than fixed geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a running gear axle secured to the body shell of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in which each end is formed by a sub-assembly (2) that receives a mobile assembly (4), supporting a wheel of the running gear, and supporting elements (8, 10) for securing to the body shell of the vehicle, said end sub-assemblies (2) being interconnected by transverse linking elements (6) of suitable length. The invention is characterised in that the axle (1, 21) comprises means allowing the end sub-assemblies (2) to be used to obtain different spacing distances therebetween, as well as different positions for the securing supporting elements (8, 10) by sliding same along said end sub-assemblies (2).