Transverse Leaf Spring Suspension for Lower Vehicle Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems using coil springs limit the ability to lower the floor height of the vehicle body due to the upward/downward width of the coil spring.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with a transverse leaf spring unit and a link connecting the arm part and the leaf spring unit, allowing the first and second rotation axes to vary in direction, enabling the floor height of the vehicle body to be lowered without spring constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a coil spring is used in the suspension, then the suspension can absorb vibrations effectively, but the floor height of the vehicle body cannot be lowered below a certain height due to the upward/downward width of the coil spring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional coil spring orientation by using a leaf spring that extends in the leftward/rightward direction (transverse to the arm rotation axis) instead of the conventional upward/downward direction. This inversion allows the spring to function effectively while reducing its impact on floor height, as the spring now operates perpendicular to the traditional vertical axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the spring's operational dimension from the vertical axis (upward/downward) to the horizontal axis (leftward/rightward). By making the leaf spring extend transversely and rotate about an axis perpendicular to the arm rotation axis, the system achieves vibration absorption in a different dimensional orientation, thereby clearing the vertical space needed for floor height reduction.
2Ease of operation
If the upper end of the coil spring is installed to support a lower portion of the vehicle body, then the suspension can function properly, but the height of the floor of the vehicle body is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional spring support configuration by having the leaf spring's fixed end attached to the lower portion of the vehicle body while the free end connects to the arm via a link. This reversed arrangement allows the spring to provide support functionality while occupying minimal vertical space, enabling lower floor height design.
3Length of moving object
If a transverse leaf spring unit with variable rotation axis direction is used, then the floor height can be lowered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link component serves multiple functions: it connects the arm to the leaf spring, transmits forces between them, and enables the variable rotation axis direction. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent achieves floor height reduction without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the variable rotation axis direction, allowing the suspension to adjust its operational characteristics based on movement conditions. This dynamic feature enables floor height reduction while maintaining suspension effectiveness through adaptive force transmission rather than through complex fixed-geometry mechanisms.
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 suspension system effectively lowers the vehicle body floor height while maintaining the durability and noise reduction capabilities of traditional suspension systems.
Implementation Method 1
a transverse leaf spring unit including a fixed leaf end, of which a relative position to the arm rotation axis is fixed, and a free leaf end that is moved in a direction crossing the arm rotation axis with respect to the fixed leaf end
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension for a vehicle includes an arm part including a first arm end revolvable about an arm rotation axis, a transverse leaf spring unit including a fixed leaf end, of which a relative position to the arm rotation axis is fixed, and a free leaf end movable in a direction crossing the arm rotation axis with respect to the fixed leaf end, and a link connecting the arm part and the transverse leaf spring unit, wherein the first arm end is rotatable about a first rotation axis with respect to a first link end, the free leaf end is rotatable about a second rotation axis with respect to a second link end opposite the first link end, and a direction in which either the first or second rotation axis extends varies to be parallel to or cross a direction in which the other extends.