Composite Leaf Spring Suspension for Low-Floor Vehicle Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems face challenges in lowering the vehicle body height and simplifying the configuration while effectively absorbing vibrations, often resulting in interference between components and reduced interior space due to complex structures and the use of coil springs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension system utilizing a leaf spring unit with first and second coupling parts rotatably coupled to axles and a subframe, respectively, and an elastic body supported by rubber bushings to absorb vibrations, replacing coil springs and stabilizer bars with fiber-reinforced composite leaf springs for reduced weight and increased flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a coil spring is installed in a vertical direction to support a floor of the vehicle body, then the vehicle body is supported, but the floor height of the vehicle body cannot be lowered and interior space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the coil spring (vibration absorption) and the stabilizer bar (roll suppression) into a single integrated leaf spring unit. This combined structure eliminates the need for a separate vertical coil spring, allowing the floor height to be lowered while maintaining vehicle body support capability through the leaf spring's inherent elasticity and load-bearing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vibration absorber, a stabilizer bar for suppressing vehicle roll, and a structural support element. This multi-functionality replaces the traditional coil spring and stabilizer bar combination, enabling floor height reduction while preserving all necessary support functions.
2Ease of operation
If the axle and the subframe are connected through a plurality of the links, then the suspension geometry is achieved, but the overall structure becomes complicated and component interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suspension functions into fewer integrated components. The leaf spring unit integrates vibration absorption and stabilizer functions, while the first and second coupling parts consolidate the connection mechanisms between the axle and subframe, reducing the number of separate links and minimizing component interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts are designed to perform multiple functions: the first coupling part connects the leaf spring unit to the axle while allowing rotation, and the second coupling part connects to the subframe while also accommodating the stabilizer function. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed to achieve the required suspension geometry.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizer bar and shock absorber are installed through the lower arm, then vehicle stability is improved, but component interference with links occurs during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stabilizer bar function into the leaf spring unit itself, eliminating the need for a separate stabilizer bar installation that would interfere with links. The leaf spring's torsional rigidity provides the stabilizing effect, while the integrated design avoids spatial conflicts with other suspension 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
The solution effectively lowers the vehicle body height, simplifies the suspension system configuration, and enhances vibration absorption, contributing to increased interior space and improved fuel efficiency through weight reduction and efficient shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body provided to elastically support the connection members in a front-rear direction of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The elastic body may include a rubber bushing installed in the connection part to support the fastening member
Implementation Method 3
The rubber bushing may elastically support the leaf spring unit around the bushing coupling hole and the subframe
Implementation Method 4
replacing coil springs and stabilizer bars with fiber-reinforced composite leaf springs for reduced weight and increased flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a vehicle suspension spring device and a vehicle suspension system having the same. The vehicle suspension spring device includes a leaf spring unit comprising at least one leaf spring disposed in a lateral direction of a vehicle, a pair of first coupling parts provided at opposite ends of the leaf spring unit in a longitudinal direction and rotatably coupled to a pair of axles on which opposite wheels of the vehicle are mounted, and a pair of second coupling parts provided at two points between the opposite ends of the leaf spring unit in the longitudinal direction to be rotatably coupled to a subframe of the vehicle.