Integral Link Front Suspension with Intermediary Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front wheel suspension assemblies face challenges in packaging, geometry, and elastokinematics due to limited space, height restrictions, and the need for adequate steering and braking performance, particularly in high-end vehicles with front wheel drive systems.
Innovation Solution
A front wheel suspension assembly featuring a lower control arm, an upper control arm, and a shock absorber connected to one of the control arms, with a linkage rod connecting the lower and upper control arms to enhance longitudinal stiffness and control caster angle, while maintaining compact design and ride comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a low mounted upper control arm is used to achieve better packaging and camber compensation, then packaging space is improved and camber stiffness is increased, but longitudinal stiffness at ground level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A linkage rod is introduced as an intermediary element connecting the upper and lower control arms. This linkage rod acts as a mediator to transmit longitudinal forces from the wheel carrier through both control arms to the vehicle frame, thereby compensating for the reduced longitudinal stiffness that would otherwise result from the low mounted upper control arm configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a double link arm suspension with low mounted upper link arm is used to improve camber compensation, then camber stiffness is improved, but the instantaneous centre of rotation is located lower which adversely affects longitudinal stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage rod serves as an intermediary force transmission path that bypasses the limitation of the low instantaneous centre of rotation. By connecting the upper and lower control arms, it creates an additional load path for longitudinal forces, allowing the suspension to maintain high camber stiffness while compensating for the reduced longitudinal stiffness caused by the low mounted upper control arm.
3Ease of operation
If vertical wheel travel is increased to improve ride comfort, then ride comfort is improved, but packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension geometry is optimized by positioning the upper control arm connection point within the wheel rim area, effectively utilizing the three-dimensional space available in the wheel well. This spatial arrangement allows adequate vertical wheel travel for ride comfort while maintaining compact packaging that does not encroach on engine compartment or wheel housing space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a front wheel suspension assembly for a vehicle, comprising a lower control arm which at a vehicle wheel connection end is hingedly connectable to a lower end of a vehicle wheel carrier, and which at a vehicle frame connection end is hingedly connectable to a vehicle frame, an upper control arm which at a vehicle wheel connection end is hingedly connectable to an upper end of said vehicle wheel carrier, and which at a vehicle frame connection end is hingedly connectable to said vehicle frame, wherein said vehicle wheel connection end of said upper control arm is adapted to be located generally within a vehicle wheel rim, and a shock absorber which is connectable to a vehicle body and is hingedly connected to one of said upper and lower control arms. Said front wheel suspension assembly further comprises a linkage rod which is hingedly connected between said lower control arm and said upper control arm.