As the saying goes: "Lightweight is the best modification!" If you want to run faster, in addition to squeezing out more horsepower, it is also important to reduce the weight of the vehicle through the application of lightweight materials. In terms of development direction, BMW has previously announced the HP4 RACE made of large amounts of carbon fiber. Recently, BMW seems to be preparing to evolve the HP4 RACE again and launch a new patent for a "carbon fiber integrated rear swing arm". At the Milan Auto Show at the end of 2016, BMW made people crazy about the HP4? A new peak, as can be seen from the patent drawings, BMW combines the carbon fiber frame and the swing arm into one, creating a lighter and stiffer integrated frame and swing arm design through seamless connection.
BMW HP4 RACE uses a large number of carbon fiber products throughout the car to reduce the weight of the car
Different from the traditional separate design of the frame and rear rocker arm, the traditional design of the frame and The rear suspension system is usually used as a connecting mechanism between the rear swing arms. However, in BMW's patent drawing of "carbon fiber integrated rear swing arm", the connecting mechanism of the rear suspension is not seen. Instead, it is on the rear suspension body. It adopts a suspension design similar to that of a car's "leaf spring".
BMW’s “carbon fiber one-piece rear swingarm” currently seems to have several advantages and several worrying disadvantages; in terms of advantages, such a design can indeed provide excellent “ "Lateral rigidity" and "vertical flexibility".
The one-piece design combines the frame and the rear rocker arm into one, and a shock-absorbing structure design similar to a leaf spring can be seen on the rear rocker arm structure.
Disadvantages , first of all, there are doubts about carbon fiber fatigue and durability. In the past, "Car God" Michael Schumacher had a serious accident caused by carbon fiber fatigue in F1. At that time, Schumacher's front end at Laguna Seca almost fell off completely. The reason was the fatigue of the carbon fiber structure. Cause breakage.
Michael Schumacher once caused a serious accident due to carbon fiber fatigue
Secondly, "vehicle counterweight" may also be a problem. In the past, car manufacturers had precise calculations of the front and rear counterweight of the vehicle. However, it may still be open to question whether the one-piece carbon fiber design will have a negative impact on the vehicle's control after weight reduction. In addition, the one-piece carbon fiber design will greatly increase the difficulty, time and cost of repairs. These shortcomings may make it more difficult for this new patent to appear in the consumer market.
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.