Axle Transverse Leaf Spring Damper Strut Kinematic Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-track motor vehicle axles with transverse leaf springs face challenges in achieving optimal bending behavior and compensating lateral forces, leading to increased friction and tension in the transverse leaf spring during compression and rebound, which affects driving behavior and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The axle design connects the transverse leaf spring to the damper strut at a third effective kinematic point, decoupling it from the transverse link, allowing it to support lateral forces more effectively and reducing friction, with optional preload and counter-torque mechanisms to enhance force compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transverse leaf spring is connected to the wheel carrier or control arm, then the wheel can be guided laterally and longitudinally, but the leaf spring experiences increased tension and friction during compression and rebound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transverse leaf spring from its traditional connection to the wheel carrier or control arm, and repositions it to connect exclusively to the damper strut. This separation removes the source of tension and friction by decoupling the leaf spring's function from the wheel guidance mechanism, allowing the wheel to be guided by other components while the leaf spring focuses solely on lateral force compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper strut serves as an intermediary component that the transverse leaf spring connects to, rather than connecting directly to the wheel carrier or control arm. This intermediary connection point allows the leaf spring to fulfill its lateral force compensation function without experiencing the tension and friction that would result from direct connection to moving wheel guidance components.
2Force
If the transverse leaf spring is rigidly connected to the control arm, then lateral forces are supported, but the bending behavior of the leaf spring is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rigid connection between the transverse leaf spring and the control arm, extracting the leaf spring from this problematic configuration. By connecting the leaf spring only to the damper strut, the design eliminates the conflicting requirements of rigid lateral support and optimal bending behavior, allowing the leaf spring to bend freely while lateral forces are supported through the damper strut connection.
3Force
If the transverse leaf spring is connected to support lateral forces, then force compensation is achieved, but friction in the damper strut increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the transverse leaf spring connection specifically at the damper strut, creating a localized force compensation mechanism. This localized connection allows lateral forces to be compensated at the precise point where they act on the damper strut, minimizing the generation of friction while maintaining effective force compensation functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an axle for wheels of a double-tracked motor vehicle, wherein, on each vehicle side, the axle has a wheel support, a damper strut, a transverse link and a transverse leaf spring which controls the wheel at least partially laterally and/or in the vehicle longitudinal direction, wherein the damper strut has a damper tube and a damper piston which can be moved in the damper tube along a damper longitudinal axis, wherein the damper strut is attached by way of the damper tube to the wheel support and is supported on the wheel support at a first active kinematic point, wherein the transverse link has a wheel support-side end region and is attached by way of the wheel support-side end region to the wheel support and is supported on the wheel support at a second effective kinematic point, and wherein the transverse leaf spring extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction and has at least one wheel support-side end region. The transverse leaf spring is attached by way of the wheel support-side end region thereof to the damper strut and is supported on the damper strut at a third effective kinematic point. Furthermore, the invention relates to a double-tracked motor vehicle having an axle of this type.