Transverse Leaf Spring Suspension for EV Platform Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems in electric vehicles maintain mechanical connections between the chassis and body, failing to exploit the advantages of electric vehicles and complicating packaging within the vehicle platform.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system incorporating a transverse leaf spring and independent control arm assemblies, which operate within the vehicle platform's plane, eliminating the need for additional coil springs or struts, and allowing adaptability to various vehicle bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suspension systems with coil springs and struts are used, then ride comfort is maintained, but the system extends above the vehicle platform increasing complexity and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of coil springs and struts into a single transverse leaf spring assembly that operates within the vehicle platform plane. The leaf spring provides both springing and damping functions, eliminating the need for separate coil springs and strut components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining ride comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system transitions from a vertical arrangement (coil springs and struts extending above the platform) to a planar arrangement within the vehicle platform. The transverse leaf spring is positioned horizontally across the platform, utilizing the lateral dimension to provide suspension function without vertical extension.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical connections between chassis and body are maintained, then structural stability is preserved, but weight increases and electric vehicle advantages are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional mechanical connection between the chassis and vehicle body that exists in conventional suspension systems. By eliminating this direct mechanical linkage and using the transverse leaf spring system anchored to the platform, the design reduces unnecessary weight while maintaining structural stability through the platform's inherent rigidity.
3Volume of moving object
If transverse leaf spring is used within vehicle platform plane, then packaging efficiency improves and weight reduces, but adaptability to various body types must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse leaf spring assembly is designed as a universal suspension solution that can accommodate various vehicle body types. The system's planar configuration within the vehicle platform allows it to adapt to different body styles (sedan, SUV, truck) without requiring fundamental design changes, making it a versatile platform architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring assembly incorporates adjustable mounting points and flexible connection mechanisms that allow the suspension geometry to be optimized for different body types. This dynamic adjustability enables the same basic system to adapt to various vehicle configurations while maintaining compact packaging within the platform.
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 system provides a compact, efficient suspension that maintains ride and roll stability without extending above the vehicle platform, accommodating different body types and reducing weight, while ensuring a comfortable and stable ride.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transverse leaf springs having an elongated body with a center portion and two outer portions... wherein the elongated body extends between the left and right control arm assemblies
Implementation Method 2
each of the upper and lower control arms have a first end and a second end where the first end is pivotably connected to the frame structure and the second end is rotatably connected to a wheel mount structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension system includes left and right control arm assemblies each having a wheel mount structure, an upper control arm, and a lower control arm. Each control arm includes a first end configured to be pivotably connected to a frame structure of a vehicle and a second end rotatably connected to the wheel mount structure. The vehicle suspension system also includes a transverse leaf spring having an elongated body extending between the control arm assemblies, outer mounting brackets respectively connecting left and right ends of the elongated body to the left and right control arm assemblies, and one or more inner mounting brackets located between the outer mounting brackets. The transverse leaf spring is contoured such that a contoured portion of the elongated body deviates in a downward direction in order to extend below an electric drive system disposed within an internal space between rails of the frame structure.