J-Shaped Deflection Limiting Element in Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems, such as the Hotchkiss drive and de Dion tube arrangements, face issues with high unsprung mass and lack of independent suspension, leading to vertical deflection and wind-up during heavy cornering and acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A dual leaf suspension system with a J-shaped deflection limiting element is introduced, which is coupled between primary and secondary leaf springs to control the distance between them, reducing wind-up stress and increasing stiffness without significantly increasing unsprung mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a solid axle with Hotchkiss drive is used, then axle control is achieved, but vertical deflection and wind-up occur during heavy cornering and acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The solid axle is segmented into two independent half-axles, each connected to the chassis through separate leaf spring assemblies. This segmentation allows independent movement of each wheel, eliminating the coupled motion that causes wind-up and vertical deflection in solid axle systems, while maintaining axle control through the resilient connection of each half-axle to the chassis.
2Reliability
If parallel leaf spring arrangement is used, then power hop is reduced, but unsprung mass remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring assemblies are designed with controlled flexibility, allowing dynamic deflection under load. The springs can flex independently to absorb power hop forces, reducing the need for excessive spring stiffness that would increase unsprung mass. The resilient connection allows the system to adapt dynamically to varying load conditions while maintaining lightweight construction.
3Weight of moving object
If de Dion tube suspension is used, then unsprung weight is reduced, but camber changes occur during suspension unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring assemblies are designed with specific geometric parameters and mounting configurations that maintain wheel camber angle during suspension movement. By carefully selecting the spring mounting points and dimensions, the system achieves near-constant camber operation while keeping unsprung weight low, eliminating the camber change issue associated with de Dion tube suspension.
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 J-shaped deflection limiting element effectively reduces wind-up stress and increases stiffness by a factor of 4.41, improving ride characteristics while maintaining low unsprung mass.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection limiting element coupled to said leaf spring element at an intermediate location thereof, wherein said deflection limiting element comprises a J-shaped spring element
Implementation Method 2
a resilient element attached to said J-shaped spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension arrangement for a vehicle including a leaf spring element having a substantially longitudinal configuration. Also included is a deflection limiting element coupled to said leaf spring element at an intermediate location thereof, wherein said deflection limiting element comprises a J-shaped spring element. Further included is a resilient element attached to said J-shaped spring element.