Rear Axle Reinforcement Element Between Cradle and Wheel Yoke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for absorbing forces between the wheel and the body of a motor vehicle, such as increasing the thickness of mechanical parts or inserting internal reinforcements, are not satisfactory and complicate the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A rear axle design featuring reinforcing members fixed between the wheel yokes and the stiffest points of attachment to the vehicle body, eliminating the need to increase part thickness or add internal reinforcements, with these members being directly connected to the body's fixing members to maximize force absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of mechanical parts is increased to absorb forces, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is segmented into a separate gusset element rather than being integrated into the main mechanical parts. The gusset is a distinct component that can be manufactured independently and then attached to connect the wheel bracket to the cradle, dividing the reinforcement function from the structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset acts as an intermediary element between the wheel bracket and the cradle. This intermediate reinforcement element transfers forces between these components without requiring modification to the original parts, simplifying manufacturing by using a separate attachable component.
2Strength
If internal reinforcements are inserted into half-shells, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is extracted from the half-shell structure and implemented as an external gusset element. Instead of inserting reinforcements inside the half-shells, the gusset is applied externally to provide the necessary structural support, making the manufacturing process simpler.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset serves as an external intermediary reinforcement that connects the wheel bracket to the cradle without requiring internal modification of the half-shells. This external approach eliminates the complexity of inserting and securing internal reinforcements.
3Ease of manufacture
If reinforcement elements are positioned away from the body attachment point, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the force absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset is positioned with its second part conforming to the shape of the fixing element near the body attachment point, creating local reinforcement exactly where the forces are transmitted to the vehicle body. This localized positioning optimizes force absorption while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The rear axle assembly (10) of a motor vehicle comprises a body, a rear subframe (12) connected to said body by fastening elements (25a, 25b, 26a and 26b), and wheel brackets (14, 16, 18, 20) to which wheel links are attached. The rear axle assembly includes a reinforcement element (26, 27, 28, 29) fixed respectively between a wheel bracket (14, 16, 18, 20) and a corresponding fastening element (25a, 25b, 26a, 26b).