Reversible Axle Holding Device for Easy Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for vehicle axle elements, particularly trailing arms, are difficult to replace when damaged due to irreversible welding, making maintenance challenging.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a base element and guide element design that allows reversible attachment to the vehicle frame using fastening elements, enabling easy removal and stable force distribution through strategically placed openings and a recess that forms a bridge over the fastening area, allowing for even force distribution and attachment to narrow frame elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the holding device is connected to the frame element by irreversible welding, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is segmented into a base element and a guide element that can be separately attached and removed. The base element connects to the frame via reversible fastening elements, while the guide element mounts to the base element, allowing modular replacement without replacing the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment method transitions from static irreversible welding to dynamic reversible fastening. Fastening elements allow the holding device to be attached and detached multiple times, enabling maintenance and replacement while maintaining secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the guide element completely covers the base element for protection, then the protection of the base element is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of base elementVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element provides selective coverage rather than complete enclosure. It covers specific areas of the base element that require protection while leaving other areas accessible, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining necessary protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of complete coverage, the guide element provides partial coverage only where needed for protection and guidance. This partial action reduces manufacturing effort while still achieving the essential protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP1918135B1Retaining device for an axle element
Publication Date: 2009.07.01 SAF HOLLAND GMBH
  • EP1918135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1918135B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP1918135B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The holding device has a base element (2), which has two sides, and an aperture (10) is provided for arranging a fastening element (16), for fastening the holding device on a frame part of the vehicle. A guide element (4) is provided, which is designed to guide the axle element, and which is arranged on a side (6) of the base element and is partly covered. The guide element has a rebound (18), which extends in such a manner that the fastening part is arranged on the former side in the aperture of the base element. An independent claim is also included for an axle system for a vehicle, particularly motor vehicle.