Heavy Vehicle Chassis Component Bypassing Frame for Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heavy vehicles face issues with rolling and vibrations during travel, which can lead to loss of vehicle control, component failure, and reduced driver comfort, with existing chassis designs failing to adequately address these problems.

Innovation Solution

A chassis component with a main and upper portion, featuring connection points for spring and/or damper arrangements that distribute load directly to the wheels, bypassing the frame structure, thereby reducing vibrations and rolling risks by providing a more direct path for forces to be absorbed by the wheels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If load is transmitted through the frame structure, then structural integrity is maintained, but vibrations are amplified and rolling risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidvibrations and rolling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The load transmission path is segmented into two separate paths: one through the frame structure for structural integrity, and another direct path through the suspension arrangement to the wheel for vibration reduction. This segmentation allows each path to handle specific types of forces optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension arrangement acts as an intermediary element that provides a dedicated load transmission path from the load carrying structure directly to the wheel, bypassing the frame structure for dynamic forces while maintaining structural connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If spring and damper arrangements are connected to the frame structure, then structural support is provided, but vibrations are transmitted to the cab and components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidvibrations transmitted to cab
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension arrangement serves as an intermediary that intercepts dynamic forces from the load carrying structure and directs them straight to the wheel assembly, preventing vibration transmission through the frame structure to the cab and other vehicle components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic load transmission function is extracted from the frame structure and assigned to a dedicated suspension arrangement, allowing the frame to focus on structural support while the suspension handles vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If connection points are positioned at lower height, then manufacturing is simplified, but load distribution efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection point positioningVSAvoidload distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical position parameter of the connection points is optimized to a higher location on the load carrying structure, which improves the mechanical leverage and load distribution efficiency of the suspension arrangement, despite increased manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances vehicle stability, reduces the risk of roll-over, prolongs component life, and improves driver comfort by minimizing vibrations and distributing forces more effectively to the wheels, resulting in improved safety and ergonomic conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the upper portion of the chassis component is configured for being connected to a load carrying structure and comprises one or more connection points for connecting the upper portion to one or more spring and/or damper arrangements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

one or more connection points for connecting the upper portion to one or more spring and/or damper arrangements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamper: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2991889B1A chassis component for a heavy vehicle frame structure and a truck or a tractor with such a chassis component
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP2991889B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2991889B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2991889B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a chassis component (111) for a heavy vehicle frame structure (102), wherein the chassis component (111) comprises a body, having a main portion (112) and an upper portion (113) provided on top of the main portion (112), wherein the main portion (112) is configured for being connected to an end portion of said frame structure (102), and wherein the upper portion (113) of the chassis component (111 ) is configured for being connected to a load carrying structure (105) and to one or more spring and/or damper arrangements (106, 107) for allowing at least part of a load (F) from said load carrying structure (105) to be distributed to a wheel (103a, 103b) via the spring and/or damper arrangements (106, 107) bypassing said frame structure (102).