Transverse Leaf Spring Pendulum Support Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transverse leaf spring arrangements in motor vehicle suspensions face issues with relative movement in the Y-direction, leading to inadmissible forces and potential buckling, which are not effectively compensated by the material structure, and require complex coupling methods that can lead to component failure and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle axle design featuring a transverse leaf spring with a pendulum support that is positively held by the prestressing of the leaf spring, utilizing a contoured receiving surface and a T-shaped or Y-shaped pendulum support to prevent slipping or shearing, eliminating the need for additional positive connections and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the transverse leaf spring is rigidly connected to the link, then the structural integrity is improved, but inadmissible forces are introduced into the leaf spring due to Y-direction relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pendulum support as an intermediary element between the transverse leaf spring and the link. This pendulum support acts as a mediator that allows controlled relative movement in the Y-direction while transmitting forces, thereby preventing inadmissible forces from being introduced into the leaf spring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pendulum support is designed to pivot dynamically in the Y-direction, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic, adaptive connection. This allows the system to accommodate relative movements between the leaf spring and link while maintaining structural integrity under load.
2Reliability
If additional positive connections are used to secure the pendulum support, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse leaf spring's own prestressing force is utilized to secure the pendulum support in the longitudinal direction. The leaf spring's prestressing automatically provides the necessary retention force, eliminating the need for additional positive connections such as bolts or clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The pendulum support serves as an intermediary that is retained by the leaf spring's prestressing, creating a self-securing mechanism where the primary component (leaf spring) provides the retention force for the intermediary component (pendulum support).
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
This design ensures secure and durable coupling of the pendulum support with the transverse leaf spring, effectively compensating for Y-direction movements while preventing component failure and reducing assembly costs, maintaining the structural integrity and durability of the suspension system.
Implementation Method 1
The transverse leaf spring cannot compensate for a change in length without possibly buckling. However, this situation must be avoided.
Implementation Method 2
the pendulum support is positively held between the end of the transverse leaf spring and the link by the pretension of the transverse leaf spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~3d
AI summary
The motor vehicle axle (1) has a transverse leaf spring (2), an arm (3) and a connecting element, which is arranged between an end (4) of the transverse leaf spring and the arm. The connecting element is formed in the form of a pendulum support (5). The pendulum support is held between the end of the transverse leaf spring and the arm in form-fit manner. The end of the transverse leaf spring has a retaining surface (7) for the pendulum support. The retaining surface has a bead-like circumferential edge (8). An independent claim is included for a method for manufacturing a transverse leaf spring of a motor vehicle.