Wheel Suspension Component Attachment with Inclined Support Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component connections in motor vehicle wheel suspensions are prone to kinematic disruptions due to bending under transverse forces, causing the bearing to gap relative to the wheel carrier, which affects the suspension's performance.

Innovation Solution

A component connection design featuring a link and wheel carrier connected by a fastener with an inner sleeve that includes an axial contact surface and a support surface inclined to absorb transverse forces, minimizing the influence of fastening means on lateral forces, and utilizing a stepped bore for reduced installation space and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-shear connection with a fastening means is used to connect the inner sleeve to the wheel carrier, then the connection can be detachably assembled, but the fastening means bends under transverse forces causing the bearing to gape and kinematic disruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachable assemblyVSAvoidkinematic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection component is segmented into two functional surfaces: a stop surface for axial positioning and an inclined support surface for transverse force absorption. This segmentation allows the bearing to interact with different surfaces for different force components, preventing gaping while maintaining detachable assembly capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support surface is inclined relative to the stop surface, introducing a angular dimension to the connection geometry. This inclination allows the bearing to support transverse forces through geometric conversion, transforming lateral loads into compressive forces along the inclined surface, thereby preventing bending of the fastening means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the fastening means is designed to absorb tensile forces, then axial connection is achieved, but the fastening means bends when transverse forces occur causing the bearing to gape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial connection strengthVSAvoidtransverse force resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined support surface acts as an intermediary element between the bearing and the wheel carrier for transverse forces. Instead of the fastening means directly resisting transverse loads, the inclined surface mediates by converting lateral forces into axial compression through geometric inclination, protecting the fastening means from bending moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-point link with rubber bearing is used, then the connection can accommodate movement, but transverse forces cause the bearing to lift off the wheel carrier affecting suspension kinematics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement accommodationVSAvoidkinematic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Force

If the fastening means is dimensioned larger to prevent gaping, then transverse force resistance improves, but installation space and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransverse force resistanceVSAvoidfastening means size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined support surface replaces the need for an oversized fastening means to resist transverse forces. Instead of relying on the mechanical strength and size of the fastening means, the geometric inclination of the support surface provides passive structural support for transverse loads, allowing the use of smaller, simpler fastening means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3096963B1Component attachment with a transverse force-supporting surface

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a component attachment for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, comprising a control arm (2), which has a bearing (4), in particular a rubber bearing, with an inner sleeve (7) at at least one control arm end, and comprising an attachment component (3), in particular a wheel support, said control arm and attachment component being releasably connected to each other by an attachment means (5). The attachment means (5) presses a first inner sleeve (7) bearing surface (14) which faces the attachment component (3) in the axial direction against a stop surface (15) of the attachment component (3). According to the invention, the attachment component (3) has a support surface (16) against which a second inner sleeve (7) bearing surface (17) rests. Furthermore, the support surface (16) is inclined relative to the stop surface (15) such that transverse forces (F) resulting in the radial direction in the region of the bearing (4) can be supported by means of the support surface.