Trailing Arm Axle Assembly With Circumferential Welded Mounting Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailing arm axle arrangements for commercial vehicles are not adequately stable, reliable, and long-lasting while also being lightweight, as they often suffer from stress peaks and inefficient distribution of loads.
Innovation Solution
The trailing arm axle arrangement involves welding at least two sheet metal elements substantially all around the axle element at multiple assembly sections, distributing loads over a larger area and increasing stability without excessive material usage, and using shell elements to form part of the trailing arm and side walls for rigidity and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection methods (U-bolts or single mounting section welding) are used, then the structure is simpler and lighter, but the connection stability and reliability are insufficient due to stress peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting section is divided into multiple welding positions (first and second welding positions) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the axle element. This segmentation distributes the connection points along the trailing arm, reducing stress concentration at any single location while maintaining overall connection stability and reliability.
2Strength
If more material is used to strengthen the connection, then the stability and durability improve, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement elements are selectively applied only at specific welding positions where stress concentration occurs, rather than uniformly across the entire trailing arm. This localized reinforcement strengthens the connection at critical points while minimizing additional material usage and weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailing arm employs a composite structure combining base material with reinforcement elements (such as ribs or gussets) at strategic locations. This composite approach enhances connection strength and load distribution without proportionally increasing the overall weight of the trailing arm.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple welding positions are used, then the load distribution improves and stress peaks are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement elements are pre-positioned or pre-formed before the welding process, allowing for standardized welding procedures at multiple positions. This preliminary preparation simplifies the manufacturing process by making the multi-position welding more systematic and less complex than it would otherwise be.
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
This design achieves a stable, reliable, and long-lasting connection between the axle element and trailing arm, distributing loads effectively and enhancing overall rigidity without increasing material usage, while maintaining a lightweight structure.
Implementation Method 1
at least two sheet metal elements of the trailing arm are each welded at least substantially circumferentially to the axle element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A longitudinal control arm axle assembly (12) for a commercial vehicle (1), in particular a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, is described and illustrated. It comprises an axle element (14) and a longitudinal control arm (13) for connection to a suspension system, wherein the longitudinal control arm (13) is fixed to at least two mounting sections (17) of the axle element (14) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the axle element (14). To provide a stable, reliable, durable and lightweight longitudinal control arm axle assembly, at least two sheet metal elements (15, 16) of the longitudinal control arm (13) are welded to the axle element (14) at least substantially circumferentially in at least one mounting section (17) of the axle element (14).