Twist Beam Axle Side Arm Access for Wheel Bearing Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of third-generation wheel bearings into torsion beam axles is complicated due to complex geometries and space constraints, often requiring reinforcing components for secure attachment, especially at the interface between the wheel carrier flange and the wheel bearing unit.

Innovation Solution

A torsion beam axle design featuring tubular side arms with an opening in the wall section to accommodate screw connections directly to the wheel carrier flange, allowing for a three-point screw connection and the use of a reinforcing sheet metal part with recesses to facilitate assembly of third-generation wheel bearings, enhancing accessibility and structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a wheel carrier flange is welded to the end face of a tubular side arm, then the connection is simple and compact, but access to mounting holes for third-generation wheel bearings is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidaccess to mounting holes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an opening in the wall section of the tubular side arm, creating a new access dimension through the side wall rather than only from the end face. This allows screw connection means to be guided through the side arm wall to reach mounting holes on the wheel carrier flange, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining the compact welded connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If third-generation wheel bearings are installed with flanges on both outer and inner rings, then the bearing structure is more stable, but the interface complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing structure stabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening in the side arm wall acts as an intermediary access path that mediates between the external screw connection means and the mounting holes on the wheel carrier flange. This allows the complex three-point screw connection of third-generation wheel bearings to be implemented without increasing the overall interface complexity, as the opening provides direct access to all mounting points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If reinforcing components are added to the wheel carrier flange, then the attachment security is improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access path by creating an opening in the side arm wall, allowing screw connection means to access mounting holes directly through the side arm rather than requiring external reinforcing components. This segmentation of the access function eliminates the need for additional reinforcing parts while maintaining attachment security through the three-point screw connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4275929B1Twist beam axle
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4275929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4275929B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4275929B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A compound link axle has tubular side arms 2, 3. A wheel carrier flange 9 is welded to the end face of an end section 8 of a tubular side arm 2, 3. The side arm 2, 3 has an opening 15 in a wall section 14, which is designed and intended to allow a screw connection to pass through the side arm 2, 3 and through a through-opening 17 in the wheel carrier flange 9.