Trailing Arm Housing with Integrated Drive Train and Detachable Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drivable torsion beam axle systems face challenges in cost-effectiveness and durability due to the need for high sealing efforts and complex assembly processes, particularly with screw connections that are exposed to alternating loads, leading to increased production costs and acoustic noise.

Innovation Solution

A trailing arm device with a one-piece housing design that accommodates the drive train on the wheel side and a detachable cover element on the opposite side, allowing for a pre-assembled modular unit assembly, reducing the transmission of tire forces and minimizing sealing efforts, while enabling a simpler and cost-effective production process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If screw connections are used to connect the housing to the trailing arm, then the drive train can be integrated into the trailing arm, but the sealing effort increases and production costs rise due to alternating loads on the screw connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of drive train into trailing armVSAvoidsealing effort and production cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is merged with the trailing arm to form a one-piece component on the wheel side, eliminating the need for separate screw connections and sealing devices in the area exposed to alternating loads. This integration resolves the contradiction by achieving drive train integration without the associated sealing and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is segmented into two parts: a one-piece integrated portion with the trailing arm on the wheel side, and a detachable cover element on the opposite side. This segmentation allows the drive train to be integrated into the trailing arm structure while enabling cost-effective assembly and disassembly of the drive train components without compromising the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the housing is designed in one piece with the trailing arm, then tire forces are transmitted directly to the vehicle body, but the drive train components are exposed to higher loads and acoustic noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect force transmission to vehicle bodyVSAvoidacoustic noise and load on drive train

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is merged with the trailing arm to form a one-piece component that provides direct transmission of tire forces to the vehicle body, improving productivity by eliminating intermediate connection points. The integrated structure ensures efficient force transmission while the housing simultaneously protects the drive train components from excessive loads and noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing provides localized protection and load distribution for the drive train components while maintaining overall integration with the trailing arm. The housing structure is designed to have different properties in different areas: rigid connection to the trailing arm for force transmission, and protective enclosure for the drive train components to reduce their exposure to harmful loads and acoustic noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the housing is designed as a one-piece component, then assembly is simplified, but the drive train cannot be easily assembled as a pre-assembled module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing structureVSAvoidmodular assembly of drive train

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into an integrated one-piece portion with the trailing arm and a detachable cover element. This segmentation allows the drive train to be pre-assembled as a module and then easily installed into the housing by simply attaching the cover element, while the overall housing structure remains simplified and integrated with the trailing arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive train can be pre-assembled as a complete module before installation into the vehicle. The detachable cover element is designed to allow this pre-assembled module to be easily inserted and secured into the housing, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures and enabling cost-effective modular manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3322608B1Longitudinal control arm device of a drivable semi-independent suspension

Publication Date: 2019.04.10 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

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AI summary

Disclosed is a longitudinal control arm device (1) of a drivable semi-independent suspension (2), said device comprising a housing (5), in which a drive train (8) can be arranged and which is connected to a longitudinal control arm (4). The housing (5) comprises a side wall (11) on a side facing towards a wheel, when the housing is fitted in a vehicle, said side wall being integral with a central housing region (9) and delimiting a housing interior (10) that at least partially receives the drive train (8), while the housing interior (10) is delimited on the side facing away from the wheel by means of at least one cover element (14) that can be detachably connected to the central housing region (9).