Universal Axle Assembly Track Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle axle designs require multiple vehicle-specific components, leading to increased production costs and complexity, while also limiting the ability to preset toe and camber angles for different vehicle types.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a torsion beam axle assembly using standardized wheel carriers and a torsion beam axle, where the track width and other parameters are adjusted by positioning and drilling receiving openings on the wheel carrier fastening arms, allowing for identical parts to be used across various vehicle models, with rigid coupling and machining processes to set specific geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If vehicle-specific axle components are produced for different track widths, then the axle can be optimized for specific vehicle types, but the number of components increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel carrier blank is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple vehicle types with different track widths. By providing multiple receiving opening positions on the same blank, a single component design achieves multi-functionality across different vehicle models, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific wheel carrier designs
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel carrier blank is segmented into functional zones: a base structure and multiple selectable receiving opening positions. This segmentation allows the same blank to be configured for different track widths by selecting which receiving openings are drilled, enabling component standardization while maintaining vehicle-specific customization
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple vehicle-specific wheel carrier designs are used, then each can be optimized for its vehicle type, but production costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single wheel carrier blank design serves multiple vehicle types by incorporating multiple potential receiving opening positions. This universal blank design eliminates the need to manufacture different wheel carrier designs for different vehicles, significantly reducing tooling costs, inventory complexity, and manufacturing setup requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The effective track width is adjusted by changing the configuration of receiving openings (which positions are drilled) rather than changing the fundamental wheel carrier blank design. This parameter change approach allows cost-effective customization across vehicle models while maintaining economies of scale in blank production
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized wheel carrier blanks are used for different track widths, then production costs decrease, but the ability to preset toe and camber for different vehicle types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening arms are segmented with multiple designated receiving opening positions along their length. This segmentation provides discrete adjustment options for track width while maintaining the structural integrity of the standardized blank, enabling both cost efficiency and geometric adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel carrier blank is designed in advance with multiple pre-planned receiving opening positions strategically located to enable different track widths and wheel geometries. This preliminary action during the blank design phase ensures that subsequent drilling operations can achieve the required vehicle-specific geometries without requiring complex post-processing or custom tooling
4Adaptability or versatility
If receiving openings are positioned and drilled on wheel carrier blanks, then track width can be adjusted, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel carrier blank is designed in advance with multiple pre-planned receiving opening positions strategically located to enable different track widths. This preliminary action during the blank design phase ensures that subsequent drilling operations can achieve the required vehicle-specific geometries without requiring complex post-processing or custom tooling
Solution Approach 2:
Different receiving opening positions are provided at different locations on the fastening arms to enable specific track widths. This local quality approach allows the same blank to be customized for different applications by selecting which local positions to drill, maintaining simplicity while providing adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an axle arrangement (1) comprising a wheel carrier (6) with mounting arms (8). By placing a mounting opening in the mounting arm (8) in the transverse direction (Y) of the vehicle, it is possible to determine the track width (10) when using identical parts.