Four-Point Link Suspension With Torsion Bar for e-Axle Roll Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parallelogram rear air suspension systems in vehicles with e-axles face challenges in accommodating the drive unit due to dynamic movements, leading to roll stiffness that affects mobility, vehicle comfort, and handling, particularly when integrating an anti-roll bar and stabilizer rod.

Innovation Solution

A four-point link suspension system with tapered side link arms and a torsion bar, allowing for improved management of lateral and twisting movements, incorporating an e-axle with a front-mounted drive unit, and enhancing vehicle comfort and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilizer bar or beam is used to constitute both torque rod and stabilizer functions, then the stabilizing function becomes very roll stiff, but this does not allow the lateral movement a high positioned roll center imposes, negatively impacting mobility, vehicle comfort and handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilizing functionVSAvoidlateral movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the stabilizing function into separate components: a stabilizer rod for roll stability and torque rods for lateral movement control. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without the compromise of a combined design, enabling the vehicle to achieve both roll stiffness and lateral movement capability independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the stabilizer rod configuration, positioning it above the axle rather than horizontally integrated. This dimensional change allows the stabilizer to provide roll stiffness without interfering with the lateral movement requirements of the high positioned roll center, effectively resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an e-axle design with drive unit directly mounted on the front part of the axle is combined with traditional suspension, then space for drive unit is reduced, but dynamic movements of the rear axle make it problematic to get it to fit between the front air springs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for drive unitVSAvoidaxle dynamic movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic suspension linkages that can adapt their geometry and positioning in response to axle movements. The torque rods and linkages are designed to maintain proper alignment and spacing between the air springs and drive unit throughout the range of motion, allowing the system to accommodate both the e-axle space requirements and the dynamic movements of the rear axle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If a stabilizer bar is integrated into the lower torque rods or placed separately, then anti-roll function is provided, but this creates roll stiffness that conflicts with high positioned roll center requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-roll functionVSAvoidvehicle comfort and handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stabilizer rod as an intermediary element that mediates between the roll stabilization requirement and the high positioned roll center. The stabilizer rod is positioned and configured to provide anti-roll function through a different mechanical pathway that does not directly conflict with the roll center positioning, allowing both functions to coexist without compromising vehicle comfort and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 suspension system effectively manages lateral and twisting movements, providing improved comfort, reducing the risk of cargo displacement or passenger injury, and enabling safer, more ergonomic driving with enhanced handling and reduced driver fatigue.

Implementation Method 1

a torsion bar, connecting the first side link arm and the second side link arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first side suspension spring, configured to absorb a vertical load and a second side suspension spring, configured to absorb the vertical load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic compression: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12528323B2Four point link suspension for a vehicle, a vehicle comprising the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 TRATON AB

AI summary

A four point link suspension for a vehicle, wherein the suspension comprises: a first side suspension spring, configured to absorb a vertical load; a second side suspension spring, configured to absorb the vertical load, wherein the springs are configured to be connected to a vehicle frame via a respective joint; a stabilization frame, comprising a first side link arm having a first ending and a second ending connected to the first side suspension spring via a second joint; a second side link arm and a second ending connected to the second side suspension spring via a second joint; and a torsion bar, connecting the side link arms, which side link arms are tapered towards the respective first ending.