Independent Suspension Layout for Low-Floor Load Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems with classic axles restrict the load floor volume, making it difficult to load and transport materials efficiently due to occupied space by suspension or transmission elements, and require operators to enter the load platform for loading, which is ergonomically challenging and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An independent suspension system featuring a hub with an electric motor and a support element that defines a containment volume, allowing for additional space by positioning the electric motor and spring/damper vertically, creating auxiliary volumes above and beside the suspension components, thereby increasing the load floor area without overhangs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If classic axles are used in vehicle suspension, then the suspension structure is simple and robust, but the load floor volume is considerably reduced due to occupied space by suspension or transmission elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the electric motor and support elements in a vertical arrangement below the hub, utilizing the vertical dimension to contain suspension components. This dimensional reorganization frees up horizontal space on the load floor, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple suspension structure and increasing load floor volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment volume is designed to nest multiple suspension components (electric motor, support elements, spring/absorber, damper) within a compact vertical space below the hub. This nesting approach consolidates complex suspension elements into a small footprint, preserving load floor volume while maintaining functional complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If known independent axles are used, then the load floor volume is increased slightly, but the space between axles is not large enough for comfortable passage or efficient material loading
Solution Approach 1:
By moving suspension components vertically below the hub rather than horizontally alongside the axle, the patent creates horizontal clearance between independent axles. This dimensional shift enables comfortable passage and efficient material loading while maintaining the volume benefits of independent axles.
3Productivity
If operators enter the load platform to load materials between axles, then materials can be loaded into the defined space, but the loading process becomes time-consuming and ergonomically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the suspension components from the horizontal plane and relocates them vertically below the hub. This extraction creates sufficient horizontal space between axles for operators to load materials from the rear without entering the load platform, thereby improving both loading efficiency and ergonomics.
4Ease of manufacture
If classic axles with occupied central space are used, then the suspension structure is straightforward, but the bulkiness makes it difficult and tiring for operators to load materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by organizing suspension components vertically in another dimension below the hub. This maintains the straightforward manufacturing approach of classic axles while eliminating the horizontal bulkiness that hinders material loading, thereby improving operator ease without complicating manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An independent suspension (1) for vehicles, in particular for transporting people and/or materials, comprising a hub (2) defining a rotation axis (R) of the wheel (3) of the vehicle, an electric motor (4), operatively connected to the hub (2) and configured to rotate the hub (2) and a support element (5) operatively connected to the hub (2) and developing, with a planar shape, along its own main development direction (A) transverse to the rotation axis (R) of the wheel (3). The support element (5) is arranged below the hub (2) and the electric motor (4). The electric motor (4) develops within a containment volume (C) defined at least partially by the support element (5).