Leaf Spring Suspension Structure for Lightweight Stable Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension structures in vehicles are characterized by high cost, heavy weight, and complex structure, which hinder improvements in lightness of weight and stability.
Innovation Solution
A suspension structure comprising a leaf spring assembly with two leaf spring components arranged transversely, a connecting bracket with a ball pin, and a steering knuckle, which replaces the conventional lower swing arms to achieve lightweight and stable suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional suspension structure with stand-alone elastic element and lower swing arm is used, then the suspension can provide basic cushioning function, but the structure becomes complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lower swing arm and elastic element into an integrated leaf spring assembly. The leaf spring components serve dual functions: acting as the elastic element for cushioning and as the lower swing arm for steering linkage. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall structure complexity and weight while maintaining the required cushioning and steering functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It provides elastic cushioning through its inherent spring properties while also serving as the structural lower swing arm that connects to the steering knuckle. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall suspension structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional suspension structure is used, then basic suspension function is provided, but cost increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lower swing arm and elastic element into a single leaf spring assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces part costs, and lowers assembly complexity while maintaining all necessary suspension functions.
3Strength
If leaf spring components are arranged transversely with connecting bracket, then connection strength and transverse stiffness are enhanced, but structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring assembly is divided into multiple leaf spring components arranged in a transverse direction. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall connection strength and transverse stiffness. The connecting bracket integrates these segmented components while maintaining a relatively simple structural form, achieving enhanced strength without excessive complexity.
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 proposed suspension structure achieves a lightweight design while enhancing the connection strength and transverse stiffness, leading to improved stability and comfort during vehicle travel.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element is typically a spring, a leaf spring, or the like... cushion the impact load transmitted to the frame due to a uneven road surface, and attenuate vibration of the vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension structure and a vehicle are disclosed. The suspension structure includes: a leaf spring assembly, a connecting bracket, and a steering knuckle. The leaf spring assembly includes two leaf spring components arranged along a front-to-back direction. Each of the leaf spring components is arranged transversely relative to a main structure. A middle of each leaf spring component is fixedly connected to the main structure. Two free ends are disposed along a length direction of each leaf spring component. The free ends include a mounting portion. The connecting bracket includes a bracket body and a ball pin. The bracket body includes a first arm body and a second arm body. The first arm body intersects one end of the second arm body, and is connected to the ball pin at an intersecting end.