Multi-Point Link Weld Layout for Faster Axle Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-point links for commercial vehicle axles have limitations in design, particularly in terms of manufacturing efficiency and flexibility, as they often require internal fillet welds that increase production time and restrict design options due to accessibility constraints.
Innovation Solution
A multi-point link design featuring parallel, decoupled rectilinear profile sections with fillet welds only on the outer sides, allowing for reduced manufacturing effort and expanded design options by eliminating the need for internal welds, which enhances force and moment transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fillet welds are formed on the inner sides of the profile sections, then the force transmission capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and production time increase due to accessibility constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of welding from the inside of the profile sections, the fillet welds are performed from the outer sides. This inversion of the welding approach eliminates accessibility problems and allows continuous welding without interrupting the process to reposition the welding head, thereby reducing production time while maintaining adequate force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fillet welds only on the outer sides of the profile sections rather than both inner and outer sides. This partial welding approach is sufficient to achieve the required force and moment transmission capabilities while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and production time compared to complete circumferential welding.
2Strength
If fillet welds are formed on the inner sides of the profile sections, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to welding accessibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is inverted by performing fillet welds from the outer sides of the profile sections instead of from the inner sides. This eliminates the need for complex positioning and accessibility arrangements, allowing the welding head to access the joint continuously without complex repositioning mechanisms or fixtures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the profile sections are spaced closer together, then the design flexibility is improved, but the welding accessibility for internal welds becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the welding approach to weld from outer sides rather than inner sides, the patent enables closer spacing of profile sections. This eliminates the minimum distance requirement that would otherwise be needed to accommodate the welding head for internal welds, thereby expanding design flexibility without compromising manufacturing ease.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces production time and offers expanded design flexibility while maintaining equivalent force and moment transmission compared to embodiments with internal fillet welds, through the use of fillet welds on the outer sides, which are accessible without interrupting the welding process.
Implementation Method 1
The welded connections between the profile sections and the hollow cylindrical joint receptacles are each designed as a fillet weld with a wedge-shaped seam cross section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-point link (3, 4) for an undercarriage of a motor vehicle. The multi-point link (3, 4) has at least one pair of straight profiled sections (6), which are spaced from and parallel to each other over their longitudinal extension and at the same time are decoupled from each other between their ends (8), - the profiled sections (6), when viewed in cross section, each having an open, at least substantially C-shaped or U-shaped profiled section, - each end (8) of the profiled sections (6) being joined to a hollow-cylindrical joint holder (7) via a welded connection (9), and - the ends (8) of the profiled sections (6) meeting at least substantially in a T shape with cylindrical lateral outer circumferential surfaces (10) of the hollow-cylindrical joint holders (7). The invention is characterised in that the welded connections (9) between the profiled sections (6) and the hollow-cylindrical joint holders (7) are each designed as a fillet seam (9) with a wedge-like seam cross section, which is configured only on the outer sides (11), facing away from each other, of the at least one pair of profiled sections (6), such that the mutually facing inner sides (19) of said profiled sections (6) are free of weld seams.