Motor Vehicle Suspension Arm With Transverse Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle suspension arms face challenges in achieving a balance between low mass and sufficient stiffness, with traditional methods resulting in reduced joint fixing options and hazardous shell positioning during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A suspension arm design featuring two half-shells fixed along a mean junction plane with first edges extending parallel and second edges extending transversely, facilitating assembly and providing internal volume for stiffness, using laser welding for fixation and incorporating transverse and longitudinal sleeves for articulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the suspension arm is formed by assembling two metal walls with central portions, then the mass is reduced, but the stiffness is limited and joint fixing options are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass of suspension armVSAvoidstiffness of suspension arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension arm is divided into two half-shells that are assembled together along a mean junction plane. This segmentation allows the arm to maintain low mass while the assembly provides sufficient stiffness through the combined structure and multiple fixing edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a third dimension to the assembly by introducing edges that extend both in the mean junction plane and transversely to it. This multi-directional edge configuration creates a three-dimensional assembly structure that enhances stiffness in multiple directions while maintaining low mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Weight of moving object

If the suspension arm is formed by assembling two metal walls with central portions, then the mass is reduced, but the joint fixing options are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass of suspension armVSAvoidjoint fixing options
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The half-shells are designed with multiple types of edges (first edges extending in the mean junction plane, second edges extending transversely) that can serve different functions. These edges can be assembled by welding or other joining methods, providing multiple joint fixing options and enhancing the versatility of the suspension arm design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the two shells are fixed by welding, then the assembly is secure, but the positioning of shells during fixing is hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of assemblyVSAvoidpositioning hazard during assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The half-shells are designed with first and second edges that extend in different directions, creating inherent geometric constraints that guide the positioning of shells during assembly. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures correct positioning before welding, reducing assembly hazards while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If the suspension arm requires high stiffness to withstand driving stresses, then the mass increases, but low mass is favorable for acceleration conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestiffness to withstand stressesVSAvoidmass of suspension arm
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension arm is constructed as a composite structure formed by assembling two half-shells with multiple edges. This composite assembly provides high stiffness to withstand driving stresses while maintaining low mass, as the distributed edge configuration efficiently resists bending moments without requiring excessive material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design enables the production of a lightweight suspension arm with improved stiffness and simplified assembly, enhancing the arm's ability to withstand bending moments while maintaining low mass, thus improving road holding and handling.

Implementation Method 1

the first edges and / or second edges are assembled to each other by welding, preferably by laser welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3204247B1Suspension arm for a motor car
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3204247B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3204247B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle suspension arm (4) including two shell halves (14, 16) attached to one another along a median joining plane (L) and forming the structure of the arm (4); the two shell halves (14, 16) include first attachment edges (18, 20) extending in the median joining plane (L) and in mutual contact in said plane, and second attachment edges (22, 24) extending transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to said plane (L), said second attachment edges being in mutual contact in the transverse area thereof. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle including such a suspension arm (4), the arm being hingedly mounted to the structure of the vehicle and to a wheel of said vehicle.