Foldable Wall Suitcase Suspension Spring Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suspension systems in folding wall box bodies of commercial vehicles occupy valuable space, restricting the maximum loading width and risking damage to cargo during loading due to the movement of suspensions along the longitudinal spar.
Innovation Solution
The suspension system is redesigned with a mounting unit held on the swivel unit via a spring element, eliminating the need for additional connections between the swivel and mounting units, and using a spring element that provides both stability and space-saving compactness by allowing the side wall element to contact the longitudinal spar before closure, utilizing a flat, arcuately pretensioned metal strip or leaf spring for passive locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension system uses additional connections between swivel unit and mounting unit, then the stability of the suspension is improved, but the space occupied by the suspension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the spring element and the connection between swivel unit and mounting unit into a single integrated spring element. This eliminates the need for separate connections while maintaining suspension stability, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides suspension stability, enables passive locking of the side wall element, and reduces space occupation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving stability without requiring additional space-consuming connections.
2Ease of operation
If the suspension moves along the longitudinal spar during side wall operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage to cargo increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-tensioned to ensure that the side wall element is already pressed against the longitudinal spar before the closing operation is completed. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and passive locking, preventing the suspension from moving into positions that could damage cargo during the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs excess movement energy and prevents the suspension from moving too far along the longitudinal spar. This beforehand cushioning protects against potential cargo damage while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the spring element presses the side wall element against the longitudinal spar, then the reliability of passive locking is improved, but the force required may damage components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides a dynamic, yieldable pressing force rather than a rigid fixed force. This allows the suspension to adapt to varying conditions during closing, maintaining reliable passive locking while preventing excessive force that could damage components. The spring naturally adjusts its force based on the compression distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element's force parameter changes dynamically during the closing process. It starts with higher force to ensure reliable locking engagement, then reduces as the side wall element approaches the longitudinal spar, preventing component damage. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between locking reliability and component protection.
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 design enhances the stability of the suspension while minimizing space usage, allowing for a larger maximum loading width and ensuring reliable passive locking without damaging the side wall or suspension components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element for pressing the side wall element against the longitudinal spar of the utility vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the spring elements allow the suspension to yield to a certain extent
Data Source
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AI summary
A suspension (23) of a side wall element (7,9,12,14) of a folding wall box body (1) of a commercial vehicle (N), preferably a truck, trailer and/or semi-trailer, is shown and described, comprising a slide unit (24) for moving the suspension (23) along a longitudinal beam (20) of the commercial vehicle (N), a pivot unit (29) for pivoting the side wall element (7,9,12,14) relative to the slide unit (24), a mounting unit (27) for attaching the side wall element (7,9,12,14) to the suspension (23) and a spring element (28) for pressing the side wall element (7,9,12,14) against the longitudinal beam (20) of the commercial vehicle (N). In order to make better use of the cargo space, it is proposed that the mounting unit (27) be held on the swivel unit (29) via the spring element (28).