Air Spring Link Element Mounting Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air spring systems for vehicles require complex mounting and additional installation space due to the separate mounting of the air spring and additional reservoir, which complicates replacement and increases system size.
Innovation Solution
The air spring system features a link element with the air spring mounted on one side and the additional reservoir on the opposite side, allowing for separate and compact mounting configurations, with a common fastening means for simplified assembly and reduced component count, enabling independent replacement of components without dismantling the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the air spring and additional reservoir are mounted as a single integrated unit, then the mounting structure is simplified, but the replacement of individual components (especially the air bellows) becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air spring system into separable components: the air spring assembly (with piston and air bellows) mounted on the upper side of the link element, and the additional reservoir mounted on the lower side. This segmentation allows the air bellows to be replaced independently without dismantling the entire system, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and repair ease.
2Area of stationary object
If the additional reservoir is mounted on the same side as the air spring, then the system occupies less lateral space, but the overall system size increases due to additional mounting requirements and component interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting the air spring on the upper side of the link element and the additional reservoir on the lower side. This dimensional arrangement allows both components to coexist without lateral interference, optimizing space utilization while maintaining a compact overall system footprint.
3Ease of operation
If the air spring and additional reservoir are mounted on opposite sides of the link element, then component replacement is simplified and system compactness is improved, but the interface regions require additional design complexity with cutouts and bulges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-designed interface regions with cutouts and bulges on the link element during manufacturing. These preliminary structural features facilitate the mounting and replacement of components by providing pre-positioning guides and attachment points, reducing the complexity of field assembly operations.
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 configuration simplifies the mounting process, reduces the overall size of the air spring system, and allows for easier maintenance by enabling separate replacement of components, with the additional reservoir remaining load-free during cushioning, thus optimizing space usage and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the air bellows is preferably manufactured from an elastic material, by way of which a folding movement can be brought about during the rolling movement
Implementation Method 2
a damping action is brought about by the fact that a fluid, in particular air, flows to and fro via a constricted cross section between a working space, which is provided by way of the air bellows and the piston, and a chamber which is configured in the piston. The vibrations which are introduced are damped on account of the constricted cross section and the associated friction.
Implementation Method 3
During a cushioning movement, a working volume is reduced which is enclosed by the piston and the air bellows, and in which working volume fluid, in particular air, is collected
Data Source
AI summary
An air spring system for a vehicle axle includes a link element which can be pivotably arranged on a vehicle frame for mounting the vehicle axle, an air spring which can be arranged on the link element and has a piston, and an additional reservoir, the link element having an upper side which faces the vehicle frame and a lower side which faces away from the vehicle frame, the additional reservoir being configured to be mounted on the lower side of the link element, and the air spring being configured to be mounted on the upper side of the link element.