Axle Suspension Pendulum Support for Vehicle Frame Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axle suspensions in mobile working machines and cranes face challenges in maximizing vehicle frame height without compromising ground clearance or increasing weight, while also achieving higher stability and lifting capacity with reduced component stability and increased moment of inertia.
Innovation Solution
The axle suspension incorporates a pendulum support connected to the axle bracket via a swivel bearing and a self-aligning bearing on the vehicle frame, allowing lateral swiveling and distributing forces more efficiently, thereby reducing the required component stability and allowing for a thinner vehicle frame, and optionally includes a Panhard rod and lower steering rods to manage torque and transverse offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional upper diagonal links or steering rods are used to introduce forces into the vehicle frame, then the axle suspension can absorb driving and braking moments, but the vehicle frame height is limited and the component stability requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar link arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by introducing a pendulum support that extends through the vehicle frame underside. The force introduction point is moved to a lower dimension (below the frame), creating a larger vertical lever arm distance between the lower longitudinal link and the force introduction point. This dimensional change allows the vehicle frame height to be increased while reducing the forces that must be withstood by frame components, thereby reducing their stability requirements.
2Strength
If the vehicle frame height is increased to achieve maximum strength and stiffness, then the moment of inertia and resistance are improved, but the ground clearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force transmission path by separating the pendulum support function from the conventional upper link arrangement. The pendulum support is divided into portions above and below the vehicle frame, with the lower portion extending through an opening in the frame underside. This segmentation allows the force introduction point to be positioned below the frame, maximizing the vertical distance for moment absorption while maintaining ground clearance through the opening.
3Force
If steering rods are provided on both sides of the axle bracket to counteract drive and braking torque, then the torque is absorbed, but the lower end of the vehicle frame cannot extend further in the direction of the axle bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pendulum support as an intermediary element between the lower longitudinal link and the vehicle frame. This pendulum support acts as a mediator that transmits forces from the lower link to the frame through a swivel bearing connection, allowing the lower end of the vehicle frame to extend closer to the axle bracket while still effectively absorbing drive and braking torque through the self-aligning bearing mechanism.
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 design enables a higher vehicle frame height with reduced weight and increased stability, allowing for greater lifting capacity and improved resistance without exceeding maximum vehicle height, while minimizing the thickness of components needed to introduce forces into the frame.
Implementation Method 1
a pendulum support (5) which is connected with the axle bracket (3) via a swivel bearing (6) and is accommodated in a self-aligning bearing (7) attached to the vehicle frame (2), wherein the swivel bearing (6) includes a swivel axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an axle suspension on a vehicle frame, comprising: an axle bracket which in its longitudinal direction is arranged transversely to the vehicle frame and at its longitudinal ends each is provided with a wheel carrier, a pendulum support which is connected with the axle bracket via a swivel bearing and is accommodated in a self-aligning bearing attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the swivel bearing has a swivel axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame.