Leaf Spring Suspension with Pivot Block and Half-Axle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leaf spring suspension systems face issues with high unsprung mass and coupled left/right wheel motion, leading to vertical deflection and wind-up during heavy cornering and acceleration, while parallel leaf spring arrangements do not provide independent suspension and still suffer from high unsprung mass.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring suspension system that includes a chassis rail, a pivot block rotatable relative to the chassis rail, a leaf spring coupled to the pivot block, and a half leaf spring coupled to the vehicle axle, with a hinge assembly providing stress relief and allowing for independent movement of the leaf springs relative to the chassis rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solid axle is used in the Hotchkiss drive system, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the unsprung mass becomes high and independent wheel motion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The solid axle is divided into two separate half-axles, allowing each wheel to move independently while maintaining structural simplicity. This segmentation reduces unsprung mass by eliminating the rigid connection between left and right wheels, enabling each wheel assembly to be lighter and more flexible.
2Reliability
If parallel leaf spring arrangement is used, then axle control is improved and power hop is reduced, but unsprung mass remains high and independent suspension is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel leaf spring arrangement is reconfigured by separating the axle into half-axles and allowing each leaf spring to operate independently. This maintains the control benefits of parallel springs while reducing unsprung mass through independent wheel movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system transitions from a rigid solid axle configuration to a dynamic half-axle setup where each wheel can move independently. This dynamic configuration allows the leaf springs to adapt to individual wheel conditions, improving control while reducing unsprung mass.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a solid axle with parallel leaf springs is used, then roll under steer and auto load leveling are achieved, but the system still suffers from high unsprung mass and lacks independent suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The solid axle is segmented into half-axles that allow independent wheel motion, maintaining roll control and load leveling characteristics while reducing unsprung mass. Each half-axle with its associated leaf spring can respond independently to vertical forces while the overall geometry preserves the desired handling characteristics.
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 configuration reduces unsprung mass, minimizes wind-up, and provides independent suspension by allowing the leaf springs to move freely, improving vehicle stability and control during braking and acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail
Implementation Method 2
a hinge assembly operatively coupled to the leaf spring and to the vehicle axle, the hinge assembly rotatable about the vehicle axle during displacement of the leaf spring
Implementation Method 3
a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail. Further included is a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.