Vehicle Suspension Lower Arm Angular Fastening Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing suspension apparatus for vehicles requires a cumbersome assembly process for the lower arm and lower pad, involving multiple steps and a risk of separation during assembly, which increases operation time and reduces productivity.

Innovation Solution

The suspension apparatus features a lower arm with angular fastening holes and matching angular insertion protrusions on the lower pad, along with a lower arm burring that inserts into a housing part of the pad, facilitating a more efficient assembly by reducing the number of processes and ensuring reliable attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the lower pad and lower arm are assembled through a process of seating the lower pad in an assembly hole and pulling protrusions, then the assembly process can be completed, but the assembly operation time and number of processes are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly operation timeVSAvoidnumber of assembly processes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple assembly operations into a single integrated process. The insertion protrusion is inserted into the fastening hole in one motion, and the lower arm burring automatically engages with the housing part simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate seating and pulling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower arm burring automatically engages with the housing part of the lower pad through its own deformation and locking action during the insertion process, without requiring external tools or additional assembly steps. The structure itself performs the fastening function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the lower arm and lower pad are assembled only through two parts (first and second protrusions), then the assembly structure is simple, but the lower pad may be separated after the assembly process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural features to different parts: the insertion protrusion provides angular positioning and insertion guidance, while the lower arm burring provides deformable locking engagement with the housing part. Each component has a specialized local structure optimized for its specific function in the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly structure combines rigid components (lower arm body, insertion protrusion) with a deformable component (lower arm burring) that can elastically deform during assembly and then lock in place. This composite approach of rigid-deformable elements enhances the reliability of the connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11548338B2Suspension apparatus for vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

AI summary

A suspension apparatus for a vehicle may include: a lower arm having a fastening hole formed therein; and a lower pad mounted on the lower arm, wherein the lower pad comprises: a pad body disposed on the lower arm, and configured to buffer shock; and an insertion protrusion protruding from the pad body, and inserted into the fastening hole, wherein the fastening hole and the insertion protrusion each have an angular shape.