Integrated Leaf Spring Suspension for Direct Shock Absorber Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional leaf spring structures in vehicle suspension systems waste installation space due to numerous connected components and lack direct connection to the shock absorber, leading to poor vehicle comfort and stability.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring structure with overlapping leaf springs and lifting ears that connect to the steering knuckle and shock absorber, optimizing space utilization and enhancing connection strength, durability, and fatigue life, allowing direct force transmission and improved shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional leaf spring structure with multiple connected components is used, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the installation space is wasted and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (leaf spring, shock absorber, steering knuckle) into an integrated assembly where the shock absorber is directly connected to the leaf spring structure. This consolidation reduces the number of independent components and optimizes space utilization while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides suspension, shock absorption, and steering support through direct integration of the shock absorber and steering knuckle, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If shock absorber is arranged on steering knuckle or other components rather than directly connected to leaf spring, then installation flexibility is improved, but bias torque is generated reducing steering performance and shock absorber effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is directly integrated with the leaf spring structure, merging the shock absorption function with the suspension system. This direct connection eliminates bias torque generation and ensures the shock absorber acts effectively on the wheel bouncing center, improving both steering performance and shock absorption reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple components are connected to leaf spring structure, then structural stability is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the shock absorber and steering knuckle directly into the leaf spring structure, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This simplification reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while the integrated design maintains structural stability through direct load paths.
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 leaf spring structure improves vehicle stability and comfort by efficiently using installation space, reducing component count, and ensuring the shock absorber acts directly on the wheel bouncing center, enhancing its effectiveness and service life.
Implementation Method 1
As a traditional elastic element and guide means in the vehicle suspension system, the leaf spring is widely used
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf spring structure includes at least two leaf springs, a leaf spring connecting component, two first lifting ears, and two second lifting ears. The at least two leaf springs overlap in a vertical direction, and the at least two leaf springs decrease in length gradually from bottom up. The at least two leaf springs include a first leaf spring and a second leaf spring. The first leaf spring is longer than the second leaf spring. The leaf spring connecting component is configured to fixedly connect body portions of the at least two leaf springs in a length direction. The two first lifting ears are respectively disposed at two first free ends of the first leaf spring in the length direction, and the two second lifting ears are respectively disposed at two second free ends of the second leaf spring in the length direction.