Transverse Leaf Spring Support Structure for Vehicle Roll Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support arrangements for transverse leaf spring devices in motor vehicles do not effectively minimize excessive rolling movements during cornering, which can lead to undesirable body sway and compromised driving stability.

Innovation Solution

A support arrangement where the transverse leaf spring device is coupled to the vehicle body via link elements with second bearing points spaced further apart in the transverse direction than first bearing points, creating a larger lever arm to counteract rolling movements without active actuators, allowing for passive roll support and anti-roll control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the first bearing points on the structure are spaced further apart than the second bearing points on the transverse leaf spring device, then the structure provides greater transverse stability, but the rolling movement of the body during cornering increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse stabilityVSAvoidrolling movement during cornering
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by inverting the conventional bearing point spacing arrangement. Instead of having the first bearing points spaced further apart than the second bearing points, the patent configures the first bearing points to be spaced closer together while the second bearing points are spaced further apart. This asymmetric configuration creates a different mechanical leverage relationship that reduces body roll during cornering while maintaining adequate transverse stability through the articulated link elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If conventional support arrangements with equal or smaller transverse spacing at the transverse leaf spring device are used, then the structure is simpler, but excessive body roll occurs during cornering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport arrangement structureVSAvoidexcessive body roll
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the transverse spacing dimensions of the bearing points. Specifically, it changes the spacing parameter such that the distance between the second bearing points on the transverse leaf spring device is greater than the distance between the first bearing points on the structure. This parameter inversion alters the mechanical advantage and leverage arms in the support arrangement, creating passive anti-roll control that reduces body roll during cornering without requiring additional active components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If active dampers or heavy actuators are used to control body roll, then driving stability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody roll controlVSAvoidactive control components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a support arrangement that automatically controls body roll through its passive mechanical configuration. The inverted bearing point spacing creates inherent geometric relationships and leverage arms that generate counteracting forces during cornering without requiring external power sources, sensors, or active control systems. The articulated link elements with the specific bearing point arrangement self-regulate the body roll based on the vehicle's motion state, eliminating the need for active dampers or actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 significantly reduces body roll during cornering, enhancing driving stability and comfort by leveraging the distance between bearing points to generate counteracting forces and torques, thereby minimizing rolling movements without the need for active dampers or heavy actuators.

Implementation Method 1

the distance between the second bearing points running in the transverse direction of the vehicle is greater than the distance between the first bearing points running in the transverse direction of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

creating a larger lever arm to counteract rolling movements without active actuators, allowing for passive roll support and anti-roll control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2756972B1Support structure of a transverse leaf spring on the superstructure of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with such a support structure
Publication Date: 2017.03.08 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2756972B1 patent drawing
  • EP2756972B1 patent drawing
  • EP2756972B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The unit (10) has transverse leaf springs (12,16) that are supported on structure (14) through arm elements (24,26), and are spaced from each other at respective vehicle transverse direction. The first bearing points (A,B) are arranged on structure in an articulated manner and are spaced from each other in vehicle transverse direction. The second bearing points (C,D) are hingedly coupled to transverse leaf spring. The distance (D2) between the second bearing points is greater than distance (D1) between first bearing points extending in vehicle transverse direction. An independent claim is included for motor vehicle.