Adjustable Leaf Spring Suspension for Variable Spring Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems using coil springs require a large inventory of different spring rates, making it difficult and time-consuming to select the correct set during assembly, and are mechanically complex and heavy.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system utilizing a leaf spring with discrete locations for spring seats that can be moved along the spring to adjust the spring rate, allowing for easier adjustment of the suspension's hardness or softness by positioning the seats near the center or edges, and using actuators to control the seat positions for dynamic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coil springs of different sizes are used to set the correct spring rate, then the spring rate can be adjusted for different vehicle weights and uses, but a large number of coil springs with different spring rates have to be kept in stock and the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A single leaf spring design serves multiple functions by allowing adjustable spring rates through different mounting positions. The leaf spring can be configured for various vehicle weights and uses by repositioning the spring seat along the leaf spring, eliminating the need for multiple different spring types in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring seat is designed to be movable along the leaf spring, allowing dynamic adjustment of the spring rate. This enables the suspension system to be adapted for different conditions by simply repositioning the spring seat, making the system flexible and adjustable without requiring multiple static spring configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coil springs are used to achieve different spring rates, then the suspension can be customized for different vehicle requirements, but the coil springs are heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The spring rate is adjusted by changing the mounting position parameter of the spring seat along the leaf spring rather than changing the physical spring itself. By moving the spring seat to different positions, the effective lever arm changes, thereby adjusting the spring rate without requiring different spring designs or materials.
3Weight of moving object
If a leaf spring is used instead of a coil spring, then the suspension becomes less heavy and bulky, but the characteristic adjustment of the leaf spring becomes mechanically complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into a simple linear track with discrete mounting positions along the leaf spring. The spring seat can be easily repositioned to different segments or positions along the track, providing a simple and intuitive adjustment mechanism that does not require complex mechanical components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the assembly and adjustment of vehicle suspensions, reduces the need for multiple coil springs, and allows for customizable settings to meet various customer needs, enabling easier changes to suspension characteristics without removing parts, and compensates for load and dynamic changes.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring (5) transversally mounted in the suspension and arranged to be connected to the first lower control arm (3) and the second lower control arm (4) and to the subframe (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a suspension for a vehicle, the suspension comprising a subframe connected to a chassis of the vehicle, a first lower control arm and a second lower control arm connected to the subframe and a leaf spring transversally mounted in the suspension being arranged to be connected to the first lower control arm and the second lower control arm and to the subframe. The suspension comprises a first spring seat and a second spring seat; the first spring seat and the second spring seat being arranged to be movable along the leaf spring allowing for the spring rate of the leaf spring to be varied depending on the position of the spring seats. A method for adjusting the suspension and a system with a leaf spring is also disclosed.