Linear Travel Suspension System for Reduced Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suspension systems for vehicles and load platforms often occupy more volume due to the use of pivoting components, which can lead to inefficient displacement and increased complexity, and struggle to effectively confine translational forces along a preferred linear axis while minimizing lateral displacement.

Innovation Solution

The proposed suspension system employs a linear bearing assembly with a rail and a load support member that moves along a linear displacement axis, coupled with a spring and shock absorber, which are configured to confine displacement to a preferred axis without pivoting components, allowing for reduced volume occupation and improved force management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pivoting components are used in conventional suspension systems, then the system can accommodate wheel movement and terrain variations, but the system occupies more volume and increases in complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel movement accommodationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes pivoting components from the suspension system, extracting the complexity associated with rotational joints while maintaining the essential suspension function through linear motion along a guided axis. The load support member translates linearly along the displacement axis without pivoting, eliminating the need for complex pivot mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system is segmented into distinct functional components: the rail assembly provides linear guidance, the load support member handles vertical motion, and the spring assembly manages force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the complexity of universal pivoting joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If pivoting components are used in conventional suspension systems, then the system can accommodate wheel movement, but the system occupies more volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel movement accommodationVSAvoidsuspension system volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By removing pivoting components and replacing them with linear translation along a constrained axis, the patent significantly reduces the volume required for the suspension system. The linear bearing assembly and rail structure occupy less space than equivalent pivoting mechanisms would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Force

If conventional suspension systems are designed to confine translational forces along a preferred axis, then force management improves, but lateral displacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslational force confinementVSAvoidlateral displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rail assembly and linear bearing are designed with asymmetric constraints that strongly resist forces along the preferred displacement axis while allowing controlled motion in that direction. The confining means creates an asymmetric force environment where vertical forces are managed efficiently and lateral displacement is minimized through the linear guidance geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 results in a more compact and efficient suspension system that effectively isolates and dampens shock forces, reducing lateral displacement and optimizing weight distribution, thereby enhancing vehicle stability and ride quality.

Implementation Method 1

a linear bearing assembly having a rail assembly and a load support member slidably engaged with the rail assembly along a linear displacement axis of the rail assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear bearing:

Implementation Method 2

a spring having a first spring end configured to be coupled to the load support member, and a second spring end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a shock absorber configured to be coupled to the load support member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorber: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8113526B2Linear travel suspension system

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Suspension systems and methods of assembling suspension systems for weight-bearing structures are presented. The suspension system can have linearly translating load-bearing or load support members that confine displacement of a weight-bearing body or member to a longitudinal axis or displacement axis rather than a lateral axis or not coincident with the longitudinal axis, comprising a rail and bridge assembly. The linear bearing assembly can comprise a rail and a bridge slidably movable along the longitudinal axis of the rail.