Multi-point Link Stiffening via Localized Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-point links for motor vehicle chassis with hollow fiber-reinforced plastic profiles are often overdimensioned due to design requirements for maximum stresses that only occur locally, leading to excessive mass and material usage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stiffening element made from metallic or fiber-reinforced materials within the hollow profile portion to increase stiffness at specific stress points, reducing the need for a constant maximum cross-section along the entire profile length, thereby minimizing material usage and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hollow profile portion is designed with a constant cross-section along its entire longitudinal extension to handle maximum stresses, then the strength and stiffness are sufficient, but the mass and material usage increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing stiffening elements only in specific regions of the hollow profile portion where maximum stresses occur during driving operation. This allows the profile to have varying local properties - reinforced where needed and lighter where not required - rather than maintaining a constant cross-section throughout. The stiffening elements are positioned based on stress analysis to provide localized reinforcement at connection portions and other critical areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hollow profile portion is designed with a constant cross-section along its entire longitudinal extension, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the stiffness is insufficient at locations requiring higher stress resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hollow profile portion into different structural zones along its longitudinal extension. The profile includes base regions with standard cross-section and reinforced regions with additional stiffening elements. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific functional requirements - simplified manufacturing in non-critical areas and enhanced stiffness in load-bearing areas - while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Reliability
If the hollow profile portion is overdimensioned to handle maximum stresses, then the reliability is improved, but the material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing stress analysis and identifying critical regions before finalizing the design of the hollow profile portion. Based on this preliminary assessment, stiffening elements are strategically positioned in advance at locations where maximum stresses occur during driving operation. This preliminary planning ensures that material is placed only where it is needed for reliability, avoiding unnecessary material usage in non-critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-point link for a chassis of a motor vehicle. The multi-point link has at least one hollow profile portion including fiber-reinforced plastic and at least one load introduction element including a metallic material. The hollow profile portion, when viewed in cross section, has at least one hollow space formed as a circumferentially closed chamber. The hollow profile portion and the load introduction element are connected to one another in a common connection portion via a nondetachable glued plug-in connection. At least one stiffening element, which is fixedly connected to the hollow profile portion, is arranged in the chamber to increase the stiffness of the multi-point link.