Suspension Bolt with Cutting Blade for Crash Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements between wheel-guiding arms and carriers in vehicle suspensions do not effectively release under abnormal or external forces, such as those encountered during a vehicle crash, leading to potential damage and undesirable wheel displacement.
Innovation Solution
A blade structure is integrated into the connection arrangement, featuring a cutting edge that damages the slot wall when a high force is applied, allowing the bolt to laterally slide out and release the connection, with minimal construction effort and space requirements, and can be positioned on the bolt, nut, or washer to ensure proper orientation and function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bolt connection is used between the wheel-guiding arm and carrier, then the connection is strong and stable under normal operating conditions, but it cannot release automatically under abnormal external forces such as crashes
Solution Approach 1:
A blade structure with cutting edge is pre-installed within the elongated hole of the carrier flange, positioned to contact the bolt shank. Under normal conditions, the blade remains inactive. When abnormal forces occur, the blade automatically activates to sever the bolt, enabling crash release without requiring additional sensors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of high impact forces during a crash into a beneficial automatic release mechanism. The blade structure utilizes the crash force itself to activate the cutting edge, which severs the bolt and disconnects the suspension components, transforming the destructive energy into a safety feature.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a blade structure is added to enable crash release, then the connection can release under external forces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade structure is integrated within the existing elongated hole of the carrier flange, merging the crash release function into the existing connection geometry. The blade is positioned to utilize the available space within the slot, combining the structural support function of the flange with the automatic release function in a single integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade structure is designed to activate automatically under crash forces without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional actuators. The high impact force directly activates the cutting edge to sever the bolt, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blade structure is positioned within the elongated hole, then crash release is enabled, but the space required in the connection arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade structure is nested within the existing elongated hole of the carrier flange, utilizing the available space within the existing geometric envelope. The blade is positioned concentrically within the slot, allowing the crash release function to be accommodated without increasing the external dimensions of the connection arrangement.
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 solution enables safe release of the connection under external forces, preventing undesirable wheel displacement by allowing the bolt to pass through the damaged area, thus disconnecting the wheel-guiding arm from the carrier, effectively managing crash forces and abnormal loads.
Implementation Method 1
when a sufficiently high tensile or compressive force occurs directed against the wall of the elongated hole, severs this wall
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to connecting arrangement between a wheel-guiding link of a vehicle wheel suspension and a flange of a support or similar by means of a bolt, which passes through a longitudinal hole in the support flange or in the link, wherein a cutting structure is provided that separates the wall of the longitudinal hole if a sufficiently strong tensile or pressure force is exerted against said wall, thereby enabling the connecting arrangement to be undone. The cutting structure may be provided on the bolt or on a screw nut screwed thereon or on a disc between the flange or the link and said screw nut or a screw head of the bolt, or may be held in the longitudinal hole on a wall section of same.