A modular suspension structure and its installation method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of suspension bracket structure technology, and more particularly to a modular suspension structure and its installation method. The suspension structure includes a main spring assembly, a main bracket, and a mating bracket. The main spring assembly is mounted on the main bracket. One end of the main bracket has a first connecting hole, and the other end has a first insertion structure. The mating bracket has a second insertion structure and a second connecting hole. The second insertion structure cooperates with the first insertion structure to install the mating bracket on the main bracket. The distance between the first and second connecting holes is equal to the distance between the mounting holes on the longitudinal beam. This invention enables adaptation to different vehicle models, reduces product development cycles, saves development costs, and improves the platformization, modularization, and standardization of products. It also facilitates after-sales maintenance and spare parts management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of suspension bracket structure technology, and in particular to an assembled suspension structure and its installation method. Background Technology

[0002] In automotive design, the powertrain mounting system is a crucial component. It primarily supports the powertrain (such as the engine and transmission), while also acting as a vibration damper and limiter to ensure powertrain stability during vehicle operation and reduce the impact of vibration on cabin comfort. Traditional mounting system designs are typically custom-developed for specific vehicle models' body structures and installation locations. This results in different models requiring different mounting brackets, leading to long development cycles, high costs, and complex after-sales maintenance and spare parts management. Therefore, optimizing the design of mounting brackets to adapt to the installation requirements of different vehicle models while reducing development costs and time is a pressing issue for those skilled in the art.

[0003] Currently, most suspension mounts in automotive powertrain systems are integral structures. These integral mounts typically consist of a main support frame with a rubber main spring assembly mounted on it for vibration isolation. The main support frame is fixed to the vehicle's longitudinal beams using bolts and other connectors. However, due to differences in the front compartment space and mount location across different vehicle models, these integral mounts often require individual design and development for each model, resulting in long development cycles, high costs, and complex after-sales maintenance and spare parts management.

[0004] Therefore, the existing suspension structure has the following problems:

[0005] Long development cycle and high cost: Because the integral suspension bracket needs to be designed and developed separately for each vehicle model, each development requires redesigning the mold, optimizing the structure and testing, which makes the development cycle long and the cost high.

[0006] After-sales maintenance and spare parts management are complex: different vehicle models have different suspension bracket structures, and after-sales maintenance and spare parts management need to be prepared separately for each model, which increases the management difficulty and cost.

[0007] Lack of versatility and flexibility: The integral suspension bracket cannot adapt to the installation requirements of different vehicle models, lacks versatility and flexibility, and makes it difficult to achieve product platformization, modularization and standardization. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a modular suspension structure that separates the main suspension spring assembly, the main support, and the mating support to form a detachable and assembleable modular suspension structure. By locking the structure of the main suspension spring assembly and the main support, different mating supports can be replaced for different mounting point locations to achieve compatibility with different vehicle models. This significantly reduces product development cycles, saves development costs, and improves the platformization, modularization, and standardization of the product, while also facilitating after-sales maintenance and spare parts management.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0010] A modular suspension structure is disclosed for mounting onto a vehicle body longitudinal beam. The longitudinal beam has a pair of mounting holes. The suspension structure includes a main spring assembly, a main support, and a mating support. The main spring assembly is mounted on the main support. One end of the main support has a first connecting hole, and the other end has a first insertion structure. The mating support has a second insertion structure and a second connecting hole. The second insertion structure cooperates with the first insertion structure to mount the mating support onto the main support. The distance between the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole is equal to the distance between the mounting holes on the longitudinal beam.

[0011] Optionally, the first insertion structure is a concave structure, and the second insertion structure is a boss structure, wherein the boss structure of the mating bracket is inserted into the concave structure of the main bracket.

[0012] Optionally, the concave structure is a T-groove, the protrusion structure is a T-shaped protrusion, and the T-shaped protrusion of the mating bracket is inserted into the T-groove of the main bracket.

[0013] Optionally, the T-slot includes a horizontal groove and a vertical groove, the horizontal groove is located at the inner end, one end of the vertical groove is connected to the horizontal groove, and the other end is located on the bottom surface of the main support. The T-shaped boss includes a horizontal platform and a vertical platform, one end of the vertical platform is connected to the horizontal platform, and the other end is located on the bottom surface of the mating support.

[0014] Optionally, the concave structure is a dovetail groove, the protruding structure is a dovetail platform, and the dovetail platform of the mating bracket is inserted into the dovetail groove of the main bracket.

[0015] Optionally, the concave structure is a triangular groove, the protrusion structure is a triangular protrusion, and the triangular protrusion of the mating bracket is inserted into the triangular groove of the main bracket.

[0016] Optionally, the first insertion structure is a boss structure, and the second insertion structure is a concave structure, wherein the boss structure of the main bracket is inserted into the concave structure of the mating bracket.

[0017] Optionally, the mounting hole is a threaded hole, and the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are through holes, and the screw is installed in the threaded hole through the two connecting holes.

[0018] Optionally, the main spring assembly is made of rubber, and the main support and the mating support are made of metal.

[0019] This invention also provides an installation method for the assembled suspension structure as described above, comprising:

[0020] Select a suitable mating bracket such that the distance from the second connecting hole of the mating bracket to the mating surface, plus the distance from the first connecting hole of the main bracket to the mating surface, equals the distance of the mounting hole on the longitudinal beam.

[0021] The second insertion structure of the bracket is connected to the first insertion structure of the main bracket by press fitting.

[0022] Align the connection holes and mounting holes, and install the assembled mating bracket and main bracket onto the longitudinal beam.

[0023] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0024] This invention optimizes the existing suspension bracket structure by separating the main spring assembly, main bracket, and mating bracket. When the powertrain weight, inertia, torque, and other information of the vehicle model are determined, the main spring assembly and main bracket can be locked. The mating bracket can be modified for different mounting hole positions to adapt to different operating environments. Compared to developing the entire suspension structure, suppliers can pre-develop the main spring assembly and main bracket adapted to different powertrains, and subsequently only need to focus on developing different mating brackets. This significantly reduces the product development cycle, saves development costs, improves the platformization, modularization, and standardization of the product, and also facilitates the storage of sample parts for after-sales service and repair shops.

[0025] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In addition, the spacing or dimensions between components are exaggerated to show the position of each component, and the schematic diagrams are for illustrative purposes only.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main support frame and main spring assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mating bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the main support and the matching support provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal beam provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Main support; 11. Recessed structure; 12. First connecting hole; 2. Main spring assembly; 3. Mating support; 31. Boss structure; 32. Second connecting hole; 4. Longitudinal beam; 5. Mounting hole; Detailed Implementation

[0032] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment proposes a modular mounting structure for installation onto the vehicle body longitudinal beam 4 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle body longitudinal beam 4 has a pair of mounting holes 5. The suspension structure includes a main spring assembly 2, a main support 1, and a mating support 3, which mainly serve to isolate vibration, limit movement, and provide support. The main spring assembly 2 is mainly used for vibration isolation, the main support 1 can limit movement, and the mating support 3 cooperates with the main support 1 through a specific connection method to adapt to the mounting holes 5 on the vehicle body longitudinal beam 4. The positions of the mounting holes 5 on the vehicle body longitudinal beam 4 may vary between different vehicle models, so the mating support 3 is designed to be replaceable, so that the suspension structure can adapt to different mounting hole 5 positions. By designing the main spring assembly 2, the main support 1, and the mating support 3 separately, the development cycle and cost can be effectively reduced, while improving the standardization and platformization of the product, and reducing the demand for spare parts and storage pressure during subsequent maintenance.

[0035] The main spring assembly 2 is mounted on the main support 1. One end of the main support 1 is provided with a first connecting hole 12, and the other end of the main support 1 is provided with a first plug-in structure. The two ends of the main support 1 are designed with different connection functions. One end has a first connecting hole 12 for connecting with the longitudinal beam 4 by screws, and the other end is designed as a first plug-in structure to facilitate cooperation with the second plug-in structure of the cooperating bracket 3, so as to ensure structural stability and easy installation.

[0036] The mating bracket 3 is provided with a second insertion structure and a second connecting hole 32. The second insertion structure cooperates with the first insertion structure to install the mating bracket 3 on the main bracket 1. The distance between the first connecting hole 12 and the second connecting hole 32 is equal to the distance between the mounting holes 5 on the longitudinal beam 4. By replacing different mating brackets 3, it can be ensured that this modular suspension can adapt to the mounting hole 5 positions of different vehicle body longitudinal beams 4, achieving a high degree of compatibility and flexibility. This design greatly simplifies the production and maintenance of the suspension bracket, enabling quick adaptation to different vehicle models and avoiding repetitive work of redesign and manufacturing.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the first insertion structure is a concave structure 11, as... Figure 2 As shown, the second insertion structure is a boss structure 31. The boss structure 31 of the mating bracket 3 is inserted into the concave structure 11 of the main body bracket 1. The connection stability can be ensured through the insertion connection of the two.

[0038] During assembly, the boss structure 31 of the mating bracket 3 is inserted into the concave structure 11 of the main bracket 1, achieving a precise fit through their shape. This concave and boss structure design is simple and has high self-locking properties, effectively preventing loosening or detachment during installation, thus improving the safety and durability of the suspension system. This design ensures a tight connection between the mating bracket 3 and the main bracket 1, thereby ensuring sufficient support and stability for the entire suspension structure during operation.

[0039] Furthermore, the concave structure 11 is a T-slot, and the protruding structure 31 is a T-shaped protrusion. The T-shaped protrusion of the mating bracket 3 is inserted into the T-slot of the main bracket 1. The design of the T-slot and the T-shaped protrusion ensures excellent fit during installation, with the T-slot providing a larger contact surface and stronger load-bearing capacity. The insertion of the T-shaped protrusion of the mating bracket 3 into the T-slot of the main bracket 1 ensures the accuracy and stability of the connection, reducing displacement or loosening caused by improper installation. This insertion method not only enhances the strength of the connection but also improves manufacturing precision and assembly efficiency, reducing assembly difficulties caused by component dimensional errors.

[0040] Specifically, the T-slot includes a horizontal groove and a vertical groove. The horizontal groove is located at the inner end, and one end of the vertical groove is connected to the horizontal groove, while the other end is located on the bottom surface of the main support 1. The T-shaped boss includes a horizontal platform and a vertical platform. One end of the vertical platform is connected to the horizontal platform, while the other end is located on the bottom surface of the mating support 3.

[0041] In another embodiment, the concave structure 11 is a dovetail groove, and the protruding structure 31 is a dovetail platform. The dovetail platform of the mating bracket 3 is inserted into the dovetail groove of the main body bracket 1. The dovetail groove and the dovetail platform have good fit, which can effectively prevent relative displacement between the mating bracket 3 and the main body bracket 1 under stress, thus enhancing the stability of the structure. Due to its unique geometry, the dovetail structure makes the assembly process more intuitive and maintains high reliability during long-term use.

[0042] In another embodiment, the concave structure 11 is a triangular groove, and the protruding structure 31 is a triangular protrusion. The triangular protrusion of the mating bracket 3 is inserted into the triangular groove of the main body bracket 1. The triangular groove design provides better shear resistance, making it particularly suitable for bearing horizontal and vertical loads generated by the powertrain. During assembly, the triangular protrusion of the mating bracket 3 is inserted into the triangular groove of the main body bracket 1. Utilizing the self-locking characteristic of the triangular structure, the stability of the connection is improved, and loosening due to vibration or impact is effectively reduced.

[0043] In another embodiment, the first insertion structure is a boss structure 31, the second insertion structure is a concave structure 11, and the boss structure 31 of the main support 1 is inserted into the concave structure 11 of the mating support 3.

[0044] The mounting hole 5 is a threaded hole, and the first connecting hole 12 and the second connecting hole 32 are through holes. Screws are installed in the threaded holes by passing through the two connecting holes. This screw connection method offers high assembly reliability and allows for detachable installation, facilitating later maintenance and replacement. In practical implementation, appropriate screw types can be selected according to the needs of different vehicle models, such as hex bolts, socket head cap screws, or flange bolts, to meet different stress requirements. Furthermore, to prevent screw loosening due to long-term use, anti-loosening measures can be used at the threaded connection points, such as spring washers, nylon lock nuts, or applying thread-locking adhesive to improve the stability of the screw connection.

[0045] In summary, this embodiment, by drawing on the assembly methods of building blocks and mortise and tenon joints, uses different mating brackets 3 to adapt to different mounting hole 5 positions, thereby achieving the goal of adapting to different vehicle body mounting positions, reducing development cycle and costs, and achieving product platformization, modularization, and standardization.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] This embodiment proposes an installation method for the assembled suspension structure as described above, including:

[0048] During installation, the appropriate mounting bracket 3 must first be selected based on the distance between the mounting holes 5 on the vehicle's longitudinal beam 4. Ensure that the sum of the distance from the second connecting hole 32 of the mounting bracket 3 to the mating surface and the distance from the first connecting hole 12 of the main bracket 1 to the mating surface equals the distance between the mounting holes 5 on the longitudinal beam 4 to guarantee installation accuracy.

[0049] Subsequently, the boss structure 31 of the bracket 3 and the concave structure 11 of the main bracket 1 are connected by press fitting to ensure a firm and secure connection.

[0050] Finally, align the connecting holes of the main bracket 1 and the mating bracket 3, and use screws or other fasteners to fix them to the vehicle body longitudinal beam 4 to complete the installation.

[0051] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular suspension structure for mounting to a vehicle body longitudinal beam, wherein the vehicle body longitudinal beam has a pair of mounting holes, characterized in that, The suspension structure includes: a main spring assembly, a main support, and a mating support; The main spring assembly is mounted on the main support, one end of the main support is provided with a first connecting hole, and the other end of the main support is provided with a first plug-in structure; The fitting bracket is provided with a second insertion structure and a second connecting hole. The second insertion structure cooperates with the first insertion structure to install the fitting bracket on the main support. The distance between the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole is equal to the distance between the mounting holes on the longitudinal beam. The mounting hole is a threaded hole, and the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are through holes. The screw is installed in the threaded hole by passing through the two connecting holes.

2. The assembled suspension structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first insertion structure is a concave structure, and the second insertion structure is a boss structure. The boss structure of the mating bracket is inserted into the concave structure of the main bracket.

3. The assembled suspension structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The concave structure is a T-shaped groove, the protrusion structure is a T-shaped protrusion, and the T-shaped protrusion of the mating bracket is inserted into the T-shaped groove of the main bracket.

4. The assembled suspension structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The T-slot includes a horizontal groove and a vertical groove. The horizontal groove is located at the inner end. One end of the vertical groove is connected to the horizontal groove, and the other end is located on the bottom surface of the main support. The T-shaped boss includes a horizontal platform and a vertical platform. One end of the vertical platform is connected to the horizontal platform, and the other end is located on the bottom surface of the mating support.

5. The assembled suspension structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The concave structure is a dovetail groove, the protruding structure is a dovetail platform, and the dovetail platform of the fitting bracket is inserted into the dovetail groove of the main bracket.

6. The assembled suspension structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The concave structure is a triangular groove, the protruding structure is a triangular protrusion, and the triangular protrusion of the mating bracket is inserted into the triangular groove of the main bracket.

7. The assembled suspension structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first insertion structure is a boss structure, and the second insertion structure is a concave structure. The boss structure of the main bracket is inserted into the concave structure of the mating bracket.

8. The assembled suspension structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main spring assembly is made of rubber, while the main support and the mating support are made of metal.

9. An installation method for a modular suspension structure as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: Select a suitable mating bracket such that the distance from the second connecting hole of the mating bracket to the mating surface, plus the distance from the first connecting hole of the main bracket to the mating surface, equals the distance of the mounting hole on the longitudinal beam. The second insertion structure of the bracket is connected to the first insertion structure of the main bracket by press fitting. Align the connection holes and mounting holes, and install the assembled mating bracket and main bracket onto the longitudinal beam.

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