Rigid Axle Mounting Bracket for Symmetrical Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigid axle arrangements in commercial vehicles face limitations in design freedom and asymmetrical force introduction due to the position and arrangement of fastening brackets, which restricts the structural arrangement of wishbones and drive shafts.
Innovation Solution
A rigid axle arrangement with a mounting bracket for a multipoint link that projects upwards, allowing for a console-side multipoint link connection area located above the longitudinal center of the axle body, with bracket arms guiding downwards to attach to the axle body, enabling symmetrical force introduction and increased design freedom for the drive shaft arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fastening bracket is positioned laterally offset from the longitudinal center area of the axle body, then the multipoint link can be connected to the axle body, but the force introduction becomes asymmetrical and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into multiple bracket arms (at least two) that are distributed symmetrically around the longitudinal center area of the axle body. This segmentation allows the force from the multipoint link to be distributed symmetrically across multiple attachment points, resolving the asymmetry problem while maintaining design freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention intentionally positions the mounting bracket and its arms asymmetrically relative to the axle body's longitudinal center area, with the bracket arms extending in different directions (e.g., one forward, one rearward). This controlled asymmetry in positioning enables symmetrical force introduction through proper geometric arrangement, overcoming the limitation of lateral offset placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fastening bracket is positioned laterally offset from the longitudinal center area, then the multipoint link connection is achieved, but the structural arrangement of drive shaft and wishbone is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket arms are arranged in multiple spatial dimensions around the longitudinal center area, extending both longitudinally (forward and rearward) and laterally. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates sufficient clearance space above the axle body for the drive shaft and wishbone to be positioned flexibly, resolving the spatial conflict between bracket positioning and drive train components.
3Ease of manufacture
If a lateral offset fastening bracket is used, then the multipoint link can be mounted, but the console arms require larger dimensions to handle the asymmetrical force
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket arms are positioned to optimize the local distribution of forces around the axle body. By arranging the arms symmetrically around the longitudinal center area and extending them in different longitudinal directions, the local stress concentrations are reduced and forces are distributed more evenly, allowing for slimmer bracket arm dimensions while maintaining sufficient strength.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
AI summary
The rigid axle assembly has a rigid axle (1) protruding from a multi-point link mounting bracket having control arms (18,19) formed above the axle console side multi-point handlebar attachment area of the mounting bracket and directly/indirectly connected to the frame of vehicle. The multi-point link connection portion (12) is arranged relative to the longitudinal center portion (9) of axle housing (2), starting from the controls arms and leading to the axle housing and connected to opposite sides of the longitudinal central region of axle housing.