Leaf Spring Suspension Height Adjustment Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leaf spring suspension systems require significant work and time to adjust or replace for varying vehicle heights, compromising lateral stability and increasing complexity and cost, especially when trying to raise or lower the vehicle for loading or towing.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring suspension system with pivotable leaf members and a link member that can be adjusted in angular orientation relative to the chassis, allowing for height changes without compromising lateral stability, using a shackle and locking mechanism for secure positioning, and optionally incorporating an airbag for load support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional leaf spring suspension system is removed and modified or replaced to achieve a different vehicle height, then the vehicle height can be adjusted, but the work required is considerable and the vehicle is off the road for a number of days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the link member adjustable in its angular orientation relative to the chassis. The link member can be pivoted between multiple fixed angular positions, allowing the suspension system to dynamically adapt to different vehicle height requirements without requiring complete removal or replacement of the leaf spring assembly. This enables quick adjustment while the vehicle remains on the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the suspension system by separating the adjustable link member from the fixed leaf spring assembly. The link member is divided into multiple sections that can be independently adjusted, allowing height modification without affecting the entire suspension system. This segmentation enables partial adjustment while maintaining the integrity of the original leaf spring components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tensioning arrangement such as a hydraulic piston and cylinder is used to raise and lower the chassis, then vehicle height can be adjusted, but the cost and complexity of the suspension system significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the height adjustment function from complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems and implements it through a simplified mechanical linkage. By removing the need for power-assisted tensioning devices, the solution reduces system complexity while maintaining the essential height adjustment capability through purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the link member to be manually adjustable without requiring external power sources, hydraulic systems, or complex control mechanisms. The adjustment can be performed directly by the vehicle operator through simple mechanical manipulation, eliminating the need for auxiliary systems that would increase complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the link member angular orientation is made adjustable to accommodate height changes, then vehicle height can be changed, but lateral stability of the chassis may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a multi-position adjustable link member that can be set to different angular orientations depending on the required vehicle height. Each angular position is designed to maintain proper lateral stability characteristics, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different operating conditions while preserving stability through carefully engineered geometric relationships.
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
Enables easy and cost-effective adjustment of vehicle height without compromising lateral stability, allowing for quick changes in ride height to accommodate loads or trailers, reducing downtime and maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first leaf member arranged to be pivotably connected at a first end thereof to the first connection location; a second leaf member pivotably connected at a second end of said first member
Implementation Method 2
relative movement between the axle and the chassis member is resisted by the restoring force of the leaf spring
Implementation Method 3
the link member is pivotably connected to the second leaf member at a first end thereof and is connected to the chassis at a second end thereof such that the angular orientation of the link member relative to the chassis can be altered
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf spring suspension system for supporting a vehicle chassis (104) relative to a vehicle axle (105), the suspension system being arranged to be connected between first and second spaced connection locations of said vehicle chassis. The suspension system comprises a first elongate leaf member (10) arranged to be pivotably connected at a first end (14) thereof to the first connection location, and a second leaf member (12) pivotably connected at a second end (16) of said first member (10). A link member (108) is connected between the second leaf member (12) and the second connection location of said chassis, wherein the link member (108) is pivotably connected to the second leaf member at a first end thereof and is connected to the chassis at a second end thereof such that the angular orientation of the link member relative to the chassis can be altered in order to accommodate raising or lowering of the chassis relative to the vehicle axle.