Leaf Spring Suspension Stay for Breakage Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In suspension apparatuses using leaf springs, when a leaf spring breaks at a point rear of the intermediate portion, the portion behind the break can rotate, causing the wheel to lift and potentially leading to loss of control or braking issues, especially if the failure occurs at the front or rear wheels.
Innovation Solution
A suspension apparatus design that includes a blocking mechanism, such as a stay or stopper, to prevent the rotation of the leaf spring's rear portion after a breakage, ensuring the wheel remains grounded by engaging with the stay or stopper, thereby maintaining contact and preventing partial lifting of the car.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a leaf spring is used in suspension apparatus, then the suspension system can support the vehicle weight and provide basic safety, but when the leaf spring breaks at a portion to the rear of the intermediate portion, the portion to the rear of the breaking point rotates around the supporting point and contacts the ground, causing the wheel to move away from the ground and potentially leading to loss of control or braking failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing a blocking means (such as a block or stopper) that proactively prevents the harmful rotation of the leaf spring's rear portion before breakage can occur. This blocking means is positioned in advance to engage with the frame or body when the leaf spring breaks, thereby preventing the rear portion from rotating and contacting the ground, which would otherwise cause the wheel to lift and compromise safety.
2Device complexity
If no blocking means is provided, then the suspension apparatus maintains simple structure, but when leaf spring breakage occurs, the car may become uncontrollable or braking may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing a blocking means (such as a block or stopper) that proactively prevents the harmful rotation of the leaf spring's rear portion before breakage can occur. This blocking means is positioned in advance to engage with the frame or body when the leaf spring breaks, thereby preventing the rear portion from rotating and contacting the ground, which would otherwise cause the wheel to lift and compromise safety.
3Reliability
If a blocking means is added to prevent rotation of the leaf spring's rear portion, then safety is improved by preventing wheel lift, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of using simple, inexpensive blocking means (such as blocks or stoppers) that can be easily manufactured and installed. These blocking components are designed to be straightforward mechanical elements that engage with the frame or body to prevent rotation, accepting that they may need replacement after breakage events but prioritizing cost-effectiveness and simplicity over complex, reusable mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the leaf spring is designed to be break-resistant, then safety may be improved, but the weight and cost of the leaf spring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of extraction by separating the safety function from the leaf spring itself. Instead of making the leaf spring more break-resistant (which would increase its weight and cost), the patent extracts the safety function into a separate, independent blocking means that prevents harmful rotation after breakage. This allows the leaf spring to remain lightweight while safety is provided by the additional blocking component.
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 solution effectively prevents the wheel from lifting off the ground during leaf spring breakage, enhancing safety by maintaining control and braking functionality, regardless of the wheel location.
Implementation Method 1
when the leaf spring is broken at the portion to the rear of the intermediate portion, the portion to the rear of breaking point of the leaf spring is prevented from contacting the ground since rotation of the portion to the rear of the breaking point of the leaf spring is blocked by supporting the portion to the rear of the breaking point by the stay
Implementation Method 2
the stopping member stops the engaging member moved by rotation of the eye in the case of breakage of the leaf spring at a portion to the rear of the intermediate portion
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension apparatus 100 includes a leaf spring 110 in which a front end and a rear end are rotatably supported by a frame 2 of a car and an intermediate portion thereof in a longitudinal direction is attached to an axle 3; and a stay 160 having an engaging portion 161 for blocking rotation of a portion to a rear of a breaking point of the leaf spring 110 when the leaf spring 110 is broken at a portion to a rear of the intermediate portion thereof.