Elastic Wheel Suspension Hub and Rim Structure for Shock Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel suspension systems are heavy, complex, and inefficient, leading to increased vehicle weight, maintenance costs, and safety concerns, with issues such as back injuries and frequent breakdowns due to single-axis motion systems and unreliable spoke connections.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axial wheel suspension system using a wheel rim with equidistantly mounted adaptors and curved elastic suspension members that interlock with a multi-layered hub, eliminating the need for oil and air suspensions, and providing a lightweight, easy-to-assemble, and cost-effective solution with improved load-bearing capacity and reduced vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metallic spokes are used in the rim, then the wheel structure is strong, but the weight of the wheel increases and suspension efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic spokes to elastic polymer material, transforming the wheel from a rigid structure to a flexible structure that provides suspension functionality while reducing weight
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic rim performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural strength like traditional spokes while also providing suspension functionality, eliminating the need for separate suspension systems
2Reliability
If a separate single-axis suspension system is added to the wheel, then suspension functionality is provided, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suspension system with the wheel rim itself by making the rim elastic, combining two previously separate functions (wheel structure and suspension) into a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic rim provides self-suspension functionality without requiring external suspension components, joints, or complex mechanisms, making the system self-contained and maintenance-free
3Reliability
If multiple joints and swing arm assemblies are used in the suspension system, then suspension motion is achieved, but the ease of repair decreases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates all complex suspension components (joints, swing arms, bolts, bushes) from the wheel system, leaving only the essential elastic rim structure that provides suspension without requiring disassembly or specialized repair tools
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional spoke suspension system is used, then wheel assembly is formed, but the manufacturing cost increases due to welding, bolting, and finishing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wheel into simple components (elastic rim, hub, spokes) that can be manufactured separately and assembled easily, eliminating complex welding and finishing processes associated with traditional suspension systems
5Reliability
If single-axis motion suspension system is used, then basic suspension is provided, but safety in accidents is insufficient and back injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis suspension motion to multi-directional elastic deformation of the rim, allowing the wheel to absorb shocks from any direction through radial and tangential elastic reactions
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 system offers a lightweight, maintenance-friendly, and cost-effective solution with enhanced safety and comfort, reducing the risk of injuries and breakdowns, while improving the chassis life and running efficiency of vehicles by absorbing shocks and vibrations within the wheel itself.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of curved elastic suspension members (3, 4, 5, 6) having two ends (9-20)
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel suspension system, comprising, a wheel rim, a plurality of adaptors equidistantly mounted on inner periphery of the wheel rim, a plurality of suspension curved elastic members having drafted ends configured to be circumferentially and linearly disposed into the adaptor along the wheel rim, and a multi-layered hub having a plurality of interlocked holders away from its centre towards the wheel rim for interlocking the elastic members at the centre. The wheel suspension system is cost effective for both users and manufacturers, user friendly, comfortable, easy to assemble or disassemble, comfortable and provides safety in cases of accidents.