Offset Flange Hinge Bolt for Wheel Axle Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel axle suspension designs experience moments in the construction when absorbing transverse forces, leading to a heavier and less efficient suspension system.
Innovation Solution
A hinge bolt design where the flange on the bolt head extends parallel and at a distance from the central axis of the bolt shank, allowing the strut elements to absorb forces directly, reducing the likelihood of moments and enabling a lighter construction. This design includes a flange with a fixing hole for adjustable strut element placement and a recess for interlocking with a boss, reducing shear load on the threaded bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the flange on the hinge bolt is positioned in line with the central axis of the bolt shank, then the strut elements can be fixed to the hinge bolt, but moments are transmitted into the construction during absorption of transverse forces, leading to a heavier construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the flange relative to the bolt shank axis. Instead of positioning the flange in line with the central axis, the flange is positioned offset from the axis at a distance such that the neutral axis of the strut element passes through the central axis of the bolt. This parameter change eliminates moment transmission while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
2Reliability
If a threaded bolt is used to fix the strut element to the flange, then the strut element can be secured, but the shear load on the threaded bolt is high, requiring a larger bolt size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boss-recess interlocking mechanism as an intermediary between the flange and the threaded bolt. The boss on the flange fits into a recess in the strut element, creating an interlocking connection that carries a significant portion of the shear load. This intermediary structure reduces the shear load on the threaded bolt, allowing for a smaller, lighter bolt while maintaining connection stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flange is provided with a fixing hole for adjustable strut element placement, then the suspension can be adapted to different vehicle configurations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flange with a fixing hole that enables the hinge bolt assembly to serve multiple vehicle configurations. The same hinge bolt design with the offset flange and boss-recess interlocking mechanism can accommodate different track widths, chassis heights, and spring carrier arm heights by allowing adjustable positioning of the strut element. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~6a
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A hinge bolt (6) for hingedly suspending a longitudinal bearing arm (4) of a wheel axle suspension in a suspension bracket (3) comprises a bolt head (61) and a bolt shank (62). A flange (63) is fitted on the bolt head, to which flange a strut element (13) can be fixed by means of a bolt (15) or the like. The flange extends parallel to and at a distance from the central axis of the bolt shank in such a way that the neutral axis of the strut element intersects, or virtually intersects, the central axis of the bolt. A nut (70) which can be screwed onto a hinge bolt can also be provided with such a flange (73).