Floating Traction Bar With Slip Joint for Suspension Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traction bars in vehicle suspension systems restrict suspension movement and payload capacity due to rigid connections, limiting vertical travel and axle rotation, which results in reduced on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable floating traction bar design featuring two-stage nested coil springs and slip joints, allowing for adjustable resistance through threaded and self-locking mechanisms, enabling minimal resistance during desirable suspension movements and maintaining ride quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connections with fixed lengths are used in traction bars, then axle wrap resistance is improved, but suspension travel and axle rotation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The traction bar employs a telescopic mechanism with movable telescopic members that allow the bar length to dynamically adjust during suspension movement. This enables the bar to maintain structural strength for axle wrap resistance while adapting its length to permit full suspension travel and axle rotation, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction bar is divided into multiple telescopic members that can slide relative to each other, creating segmented sections. This segmentation allows the bar to extend and contract as needed, providing both the strength of a rigid structure and the flexibility of variable length to accommodate suspension dynamics.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed length traction bars are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adjustability for varying terrain is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mechanism allows the traction bar to dynamically change its length in response to varying terrain conditions and suspension movement, providing terrain adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard telescopic components.
3Device complexity
If single-plane rotation connections are used, then structural simplicity is improved, but degrees of freedom for axle movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic members are configured to allow movement in multiple directions and planes, enabling the axle to rotate and articulate freely while maintaining connection to the frame. This dynamic multi-directional capability increases degrees of freedom without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 adjustable design enhances suspension movement and ride quality by providing resistance only when needed, improving payload capacity and off-road performance without hindering axle articulation or vertical travel.
Implementation Method 1
two-stage nested coil springs and slip joints, allowing for adjustable resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable floating traction bar is disclosed. The traction bar comprises a rigid body having a threaded portion on a first distal end to receive a threaded eyelet having a spherical joint to provide a connection point to an axle of a vehicle. The traction bar further comprises an opposing distal slip end being machined and fitted with a UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) polyethylene bushing that acts as a slip-joint the slip joint having a first end that mounts to the UHMW polyethylene bushing of the tubular body and an opposing end having an eyelet to provide a connection point to a vehicle frame. A two-stage nested coil spring located inside the slip end of the rigid body that rests against the slip joint end when it is inserted into rigid body.