Parabolic Link Bead Design for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parabolic links used in commercial vehicle semi-trailers and trailers are heavy, necessitating a reduction in dead weight and energy expenditure during production, while also needing to withstand increased stress.
Innovation Solution
A parabolic link design featuring a wider contact surface at the end area with a bead or groove that can be pressed in during forging, providing higher strength with the same material usage, and incorporating fastening receptacles for tie rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the parabolic link end area is made wider to increase contact surface, then the strength and bearing capacity are improved, but the weight of the component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding a bead structure specifically at the end area where contact with the air bellows occurs, rather than uniformly thickening the entire component. This localized reinforcement increases the contact surface and strength precisely where needed, while keeping the rest of the parabolic link lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The bead structure adds a dimensional feature to the end area, creating a stepped configuration that increases the contact surface area without proportionally increasing the overall volume or weight of the component. This dimensional modification allows strength enhancement with minimal weight penalty.
2Area of stationary object
If the parabolic link end area is made wider to increase contact surface, then the bearing capacity is improved, but the material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bead structure provides local quality enhancement at the critical contact area, increasing the bearing surface precisely where it is needed for air bellows support, while avoiding unnecessary material addition in other areas of the component.
3Strength
If the parabolic link is designed with increased strength properties, then the ability to cope with stresses is improved, but the weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating the strength-enhancing bead structure at the end area subject to highest stresses from air bellows contact, rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire component. This allows the link to cope with increased stresses while minimizing overall weight increase.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a parabolic end piece (1) with a rolled eye (2) provided at one end of the parabolic end piece and with a parabolic end piece region (3) opposite the rolled eye (2), wherein an opposingly bent intermediate section is provided between the parabolic end piece eye (2) and the opposite parabolic end piece region (3). The parabolic end piece region (3) opposite the rolled parabolic end piece eye (2) is formed with a groove (5) in order to provide a wider parabolic end piece region (3) with the same material, which meets increased strength requirements.