Electric Axle Suspension Layout for Space and Lower Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in providing increased space between components, reducing stress on components, and offering additional support and suspension capabilities, particularly in electrified vehicles where traditional systems may not efficiently manage the weight and displacement of batteries and motors.
Innovation Solution
The proposed suspension system includes a strut-damper configuration without a spring, which is smaller in diameter and narrower, allowing for increased lateral and longitudinal space between components, and is configured to reduce effective suspension inertia by positioning components such as motors and axles to minimize stress and enhance suspension performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional suspension systems with springs are used, then support capability is provided, but component space is reduced and stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the traditional suspension system, extracting only the necessary damping function through the strut-damper. This elimination of the spring reduces component space requirements while maintaining essential support capabilities through alternative means (strut-damper configuration and vehicle geometry)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-mechanical system with a strut-damper configuration that relies more on geometric arrangement and structural positioning. The suspension functionality is achieved through the strut-damper extending between the chassis and knuckle, combined with the control arm and torsion bar, rather than through spring compression and expansion
2Reliability
If motors and axles are positioned to minimize stress, then suspension performance is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strut-damper serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides damping, structural support, and defines suspension geometry. The control arm and torsion bar combination also performs multiple roles including lateral control, longitudinal positioning, and stress distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the damping function and structural support function into the single strut-damper component. The control arm and torsion bar are integrated to work together as a unified suspension linkage system, reducing the number of separate components while achieving enhanced suspension performance through their combined action
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 configuration provides additional space for vehicle components, reduces stress on the suspension system, and enhances suspension performance by minimizing rotational inertia, leading to improved support and reduced wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion bar coupled with the chassis at a first end of the torsion bar. The torsion bar may extend in a direction substantially parallel with the frame member, where the torsion bar may be configured to support a portion of a mass of the electrified vehicle in response to displacement of the first tractive element relative to the chassis
Implementation Method 2
a first strut-damper coupled with the first knuckle and the chassis, the first strut-damper extending between the chassis and the first knuckle
Data Source
AI summary
An electrified vehicle includes a chassis having a frame member, a tractive element, a suspension assembly having a support linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member so that the support linkage is configured to pivot about a pivot point, and an axle assembly coupled to the tractive element and supported on the support linkage. The axle assembly includes an axle and an electric motor that is oriented so that the electric motor extends in a direction toward the pivot point.