Deadbeam Rear Suspension Layout for BEV Off-Road NVH Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) necessitates innovative suspension designs that balance off-road performance with noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction, as traditional suspension systems are compromised by the placement of heavy batteries, leading to suboptimal ramp travel index (RTI) and potential sacrifices in off-road capability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension system incorporating a deadbeam with an electric drive unit mounted to the vehicle body, coupled with a solid axle and link arms, and a lateral link, which maintains off-road performance while reducing NVH through independent rear suspension, allowing for unique space and structural adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional leaf springs and live rear axles are used for rear suspension, then structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but off-road performance and ramp travel index deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solid rear axle is segmented into a deadbeam structure with separate suspension assemblies for each wheel, allowing independent wheel movement while maintaining axle integrity. This segmentation enables improved off-road performance through individual wheel ramp travel while preserving manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system transitions from a rigid live axle to a dynamic deadbeam configuration where each wheel can move independently through controlled articulation points. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying off-road conditions while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized linkages and assemblies.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heavy batteries are placed in the vehicle for BEV configuration, then electric propulsion capability is improved, but suspension performance and ramp travel index deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The deadbeam suspension system adds a new dimension of articulation freedom to the vehicle platform, allowing the heavy battery-pack-mounted vehicle body to maintain excellent suspension performance. The multi-linkage configuration creates additional degrees of freedom that compensate for the weight and rigidity constraints imposed by BEV battery placement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If independent rear suspension is implemented to reduce NVH, then noise vibration and harshness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deadbeam suspension assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides independent wheel movement for NVH reduction, maintains structural integrity for off-road performance, and enables controlled articulation for ramp travel. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If deadbeam with solid axle is used to maintain off-road performance, then ramp travel index is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deadbeam structure with solid axle functionality and independent suspension assemblies into a unified system. This consolidation achieves high ramp travel index and off-road performance while managing device complexity through integrated design rather than separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension system may include a deadbeam extended between a first wheel at a first end of the deadbeam and a second wheel at a second end of the deadbeam, an electric motor disposed forward of the deadbeam, a lateral link operably coupling the deadbeam to a chassis of the vehicle, a first half shaft operably coupled to the first wheel and the electric motor, a second half shaft operably coupled to the second wheel and the electric motor, a first suspension assembly operably coupling the first wheel to the chassis, and a second suspension assembly operably coupling the second wheel to the chassis.