Motor Vehicle Trailing Link Slot Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailing link constructions for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving a simple and durable connection between the bearing section and the coupling element, particularly in compensating manufacturing tolerances and ensuring weight savings, rigidity, and strength.
Innovation Solution
A trailing link construction featuring a coupling element with a slot for manufacturing tolerance compensation, made from fiber-reinforced plastic, and bearing sections made of metallic materials like aluminum, with a clamp for fixing the connection, allowing for variable component length and the use of standard elastomer bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a trailing link construction uses fiber-reinforced plastic for the coupling element and metallic materials for bearing sections, then weight is reduced and strength is improved, but manufacturing tolerance compensation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The link construction is divided into distinct segments: a coupling element made of fiber-reinforced plastic and bearing sections made of metallic materials. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with optimal materials and processes, with the slot providing tolerance accommodation at the interfaces between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot geometry is designed to accommodate manufacturing tolerances by providing radial and axial play. The parameters of the slot (width, depth, orientation) are specifically optimized to compensate for tolerances in the coupling element and bearing section manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a slot is formed in the coupling element for tolerance compensation, then manufacturing tolerance compensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is introduced only in specific locations where tolerance compensation is needed, rather than throughout the entire coupling element. The slot geometry and orientation are locally optimized for the specific tolerance issues at each bearing section interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is manufactured as a composite structure, either by integrating the slot into the fiber-reinforced plastic molding process or by inserting a separate slot component. This allows the slot functionality to be added without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Weight of moving object
If the coupling element is made from fiber-reinforced plastic, then weight is reduced, but connection durability between bearing section and coupling element becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is pre-formed in the coupling element with appropriate clearance and orientation to anticipate and accommodate manufacturing tolerances before assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that the bearing sections can be accurately positioned and securely connected without requiring post-assembly adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot acts as an intermediary feature between the coupling element and bearing sections, providing a controlled interface that accommodates dimensional variations. The slot geometry is designed to maintain consistent contact and load transfer while compensating for tolerances, ensuring durable connections.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control arm assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, preferably a longitudinal control arm assembly (1), comprising a first bearing section (2a), a second bearing section (2b), and a coupling element (3) extending between the first bearing section (2a) and the second bearing section (2b) and serving to connect the first bearing section (2a) and the second bearing section (2b). The control arm assembly (1) is characterized in particular by the fact that at least one slot (5a) is formed in the connection area (4a) for connecting the first bearing section (2a) and the coupling element (3), and/or the control arm assembly (1) is designed in a differential configuration.