Leaf Spring Attachment with Elastomer Clamp and Split Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leaf spring attachments to motor vehicle axles or frames face issues with surface pressure loss and dislocation due to loose connections and require additional components that weaken the leaf spring or increase weight.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight leaf spring attachment using elastomer bodies connected to the leaf spring via a material joint, with a split clamp design and retention plates for secure attachment to the axle, minimizing surface pressure and eliminating the need for extensive screwing, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screwed connections are used to connect the leaf spring to the axle, then the leaf spring can be secured to the axle, but the surface pressure increases and the connections become loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastomer bodies as intermediary elements between the clamp and the leaf spring. These elastomer bodies distribute the clamping force over a larger area, reducing surface pressure while maintaining secure connection. The elastomer material deforms elastically to accommodate settling without losing connection integrity, preventing the loosening problem of conventional rigid screwed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal (conventional clamps) to elastic elastomer material. This parameter change allows the clamp to adapt its contact pressure dynamically - initially providing high clamping force, then maintaining secure connection through elastic deformation as the system settles, thereby reducing sustained surface pressure while preventing loosening.
2Reliability
If holes are drilled in the leaf spring to fix its position, then the position can be secured, but the cross section is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer bodies serve as intermediary elements that provide positioning and securing functions without requiring direct mechanical attachment to the leaf spring through holes. The elastomer material conforms to the leaf spring surface and provides friction-based retention, eliminating the need for drilling holes that would compromise the leaf spring's structural integrity.
3Reliability
If tensioning clips and screw bolts are used to maintain the leaf spring under tension, then the connection can be secured, but the device becomes more massive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple separate components (tensioning clips, multiple screw bolts, complex adjustment mechanisms) by integrating their functions into a single clamp assembly with elastomer bodies. The elastomer material inherently provides both tensioning and securing functions through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for separate tensioning devices and reducing overall mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (clamping, tensioning, positioning, and cushioning) into a single integrated clamp assembly with elastomer bodies. This consolidation replaces multiple separate components with one unified structure, reducing the number of parts, decreasing weight, and simplifying the overall attachment system while maintaining or improving connection security.
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 solution provides a reliable, lightweight, and cost-efficient attachment that maintains leaf spring position without weakening the cross-section, compensates for settling losses, and reduces the risk of dislocation, while allowing for easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp maintaining the leaf spring under tension between elastomer bodies, with at least one of the elastomer bodies connected to the leaf spring by a material joint
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the elastomer bodies connected to the leaf spring by a material joint
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf spring attachment for connecting a leaf spring to an axle or frame of a motor vehicle includes a clamp to maintain the leaf spring under tension between elastomer bodies. At least one of the elastomer bodies is connected to the leaf spring by a material joint. The clamp is split to define an upper clamp member and a lower clamp member in opposition to the upper clamp member. The upper clamp member has a U-shaped configuration to embrace a topside and opposite length sides of the leaf spring. The lower clamp member includes a plurality of retention plates in spaced-apart relationship for connection with the axle by material joint. Screw fasteners are provided to secure legs of the upper clamp member to the lower clamp member.