Variable-Thickness Rigid Connector for Lightweight Force Transfer

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rigid connecting portions for mechanically coupling components, such as control arms and coupling rods, face challenges in maintaining reliability and avoiding damage under mechanical loads while being lightweight and cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

A rigid connecting portion with variable ring thickness, varying from 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal axis, is designed to optimize mechanical strength and reduce material usage, incorporating bearings like rubber bushings for effective force transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the ring thickness is increased to improve mechanical strength and reliability, then the connecting portion becomes heavier and uses more material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidweight of connecting portion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the ring thickness around the opening based on the local stress distribution. The ring thickness is increased in regions experiencing higher stresses (near the opening and along the longitudinal axis) and decreased in regions with lower stresses (at 45° angles), thereby achieving optimal strength with minimal material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of ring thickness from a constant value to a variable value that depends on the angular position and radial distance from the opening. This parameter change allows the structure to adapt to varying stress conditions, improving strength where needed while reducing weight where less strength is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the ring thickness is increased to improve mechanical strength, then the material usage and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the ring thickness around the opening based on the local stress distribution. The ring thickness is increased in regions experiencing higher stresses (near the opening and along the longitudinal axis) and decreased in regions with lower stresses (at 45° angles), thereby achieving optimal strength with minimal material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of ring thickness from a constant value to a variable value that depends on the angular position and radial distance from the opening. This parameter change allows the structure to adapt to varying stress conditions, improving strength where needed while reducing weight where less strength is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the ring thickness is kept constant for simplicity of manufacture, then the mechanical strength is not optimized and material is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the ring thickness around the opening based on the local stress distribution. The ring thickness is increased in regions experiencing higher stresses (near the opening and along the longitudinal axis) and decreased in regions with lower stresses (at 45° angles), thereby achieving optimal strength with minimal material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of ring thickness from a constant value to a variable value that depends on the angular position and radial distance from the opening. This parameter change allows the structure to adapt to varying stress conditions, improving strength where needed while reducing weight where less strength is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250360765A1Rigid connector for mechanical coupling of components

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 HIRSCHVOGEL HLDG GMBH

AI summary

A rigid connecting portion for mechanical coupling of at least a first and second components includes at least one opening; a longitudinal center axis with a center point assigned to the opening; at least one end region in which the opening is arranged; an outer boundary surface at least partially surrounding the opening; and an inner boundary surface configured such that the opening is entirely bounded in a radial direction by the inner boundary surface, the inner and outer boundary surfaces arranged at a distance from each other such that the connecting portion partially surrounds the opening in a ring-like manner with a varying ring thickness.