Composite Spring Bracket with Elastic Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heavy-duty truck rear-wheel two-axle suspension systems using composite springs, the contraction of composite springs due to temperature changes reduces the axial force of U-bolts, leading to misalignment of peripheral suspension parts and decreased durability.
Innovation Solution
A bracket apparatus with a lower and upper bracket and an elastic member, where the elastic member, comprising compression springs, maintains contact between the composite spring and the lower bracket, preventing gaps and ensuring continuous contact even as the composite spring contracts, thereby maintaining axial force and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If composite spring is used to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency, then weight reduction and fuel efficiency are improved, but axial force of U-bolt is reduced due to temperature-induced contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-installed between the upper and lower brackets to provide a preliminary expanding force that counteracts the contracting force of the composite spring during temperature changes. This preliminary anti-action prevents the gap formation and maintains axial force on the U-bolt before the contraction actually occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes its physical parameters (length, force) in response to temperature-induced spring contraction. As the composite spring contracts due to temperature changes, the elastic member expands to compensate, dynamically adjusting the force parameters to maintain constant axial force on the U-bolt throughout temperature variations.
2Volume of stationary object
If composite spring contracts due to low temperature, then volume of spring is reduced, but gap forms between spring and bracket causing misalignment and durability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary element between the composite spring and the bracket apparatus. It mediates the dimensional changes by providing compensating force, ensuring that the gap between the spring and bracket is prevented even when the spring volume changes due to temperature-induced contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket apparatus is designed with dynamic adaptability through the elastic member that automatically adjusts its force output based on the spring's dimensional changes. The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adaptive connection that maintains optimal contact and alignment across varying temperature conditions.
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 prevents the reduction in axial force of U-bolts and maintains the alignment of suspension parts, enhancing the durability of the system by ensuring continuous contact between the composite spring and the bracket apparatus during temperature-induced contraction.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the lower bracket and the upper bracket to provide a force such that the lower and upper brackets move away from each other
Implementation Method 2
the composite spring has a characteristic that its volume largely varies depending on temperature... when the volume (thickness) of the composite spring is decreased due to the contraction of the composite spring according to the change in atmospheric temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket apparatus for a composite spring, may include a lower bracket disposed to come into contact with a composite spring when a U-bolt is fastened to a nut; an upper bracket disposed above the lower bracket so as not to be decoupled therefrom by the nut; and an elastic member disposed between the lower bracket and the upper bracket to provide a force such that the lower and upper brackets move away from each other.