U-Shaped Axle Component with Angled Edge Web
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle components, particularly tie rods, suffer from vibration influences due to inertial forces from vehicle wheels, leading to increased production complexity and costs with separate pipe sections and rubber-metal bearings.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, sheet metal U-shaped tension/compression rod with bearing mounts at both ends, featuring an angled edge web connecting the wall sides, allowing for a 40% reduction in weight while maintaining strength, and using high-strength steel for enhanced strain hardening properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If separate pipe sections and rubber-metal bearings are used to reduce vibration, then vibration resistance is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pipe section and rubber-metal bearing into a single integrated component. The bearing mount is formed as part of the extruded profile itself, eliminating the need for separate pipe sections that need to be welded together. This integration maintains vibration resistance while significantly reducing production complexity and the number of assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded profile serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural tube element, forms the bearing mounts with appropriate geometry, and creates the necessary wall thickness variations for structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining vibration resistance.
2Weight of moving object
If U-shaped press shell with angled edge web is used, then weight is reduced by 40%, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the extruded profile, including the angled edge web configuration and wall thickness distribution. By carefully selecting and optimizing these parameters during the extrusion process, the design achieves weight reduction while keeping manufacturing precision within achievable limits for standard extrusion technology.
3Strength
If high-strength steel is used for strain hardening, then strength is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different wall thicknesses at different locations of the extruded profile. Areas requiring higher strength and strain hardening have increased wall thickness, while other areas use standard thickness. This local quality variation optimizes material usage, providing necessary strength where needed while reducing overall material cost.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
The component has an edge support, which is angled opposite to wall sides (6), where the edge support connects the wall sides integrally with one another. Breadth (B) of the wall sides, which is measured transverse to the edge support, is larger in center (M) between bearing receiving elements (4, 5) than in eccentric areas between the bearing receiving elements. The edge support runs from a vertical central axis of one of the bearing receiving elements (4) to a vertical central axis of the other bearing receiving element. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing the axial component.