Steering Knuckle Connection with Frustoconical Embedding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle wheel knuckle connections are prone to screw failure under bending forces due to the concentration of stress, which cannot be adequately addressed by increasing the screw diameter.
Innovation Solution
The inner frame of the wheel knuckle connection features a frustoconical recess section that is securely embedded in a complementary housing of the structural element, with a threaded rod providing fixation, reducing stress on the screw and enhancing the connection's rigidity and resistance to rupture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the screw diameter is increased to withstand bending forces, then the strength of the screw is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the frustoconical embedding section for stress distribution, the cylindrical bearing section for rotational support, and the screw for secure fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for an oversized screw while maintaining overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a one-dimensional strength increase (larger screw diameter) to a three-dimensional structural optimization (frustoconical embedding section with optimized geometry). The conical shape distributes forces across a larger volume and surface area, providing structural strength without increasing linear dimensions of critical components.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple screw connection is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability under bending forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frustoconical embedding section is pre-formed as an integral part of the inner frame, creating a prepared receiving structure that guides and distributes forces before the screw is installed. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that bending forces are properly distributed from the outset, preventing stress concentration on the screw while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through integral forming.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustoconical embedding section acts as an intermediary element between the inner frame and the screw connection. It mediates the transmission of bending forces, distributing them across the structural element's housing wall rather than concentrating them on the screw, thereby enhancing reliability without complicating the overall assembly process.
3Device complexity
If the screw bears all bending forces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stress concentration on the screw increases leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the inner frame are assigned different geometric qualities optimized for their local functions: the frustoconical embedding section for stress distribution and force transmission, the cylindrical bearing section for rotational support with constant radial dimensions. This local differentiation of geometric properties ensures that stress is distributed appropriately across the structure rather than concentrated on the screw.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustoconical embedding section uses curved geometry to smoothly distribute stresses. The conical surface provides gradual transition of forces from the inner frame to the structural element's housing, avoiding sharp corners or abrupt transitions that would create stress concentration points on the screw or surrounding material.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for the connection of a steering knuckle (12) to a structural element (19) of a motor vehicle, comprising: a steering knuckle (12) mounted pivotably on the structural element (19); a filter means (18) which limits the pivoting of the steering knuckle (12) and comprises an outer ring (64), an inner framework (70), and a radially inserted annular filter body (72). The inner framework (70) has an engagement section (70C) substantially in the shape of a truncated cone, which is received in a complementary housing (78) of the structural element (19).