MacPherson Suspension Torque Absorption for Heavy-Duty Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty trailers face challenges in utilizing limited installation space for independent wheel suspensions, which must accommodate high lifting distances and torque absorption while avoiding component interference and wear.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a MacPherson wheel suspension with a piston-cylinder unit surrounded by a guide tube, where the guide tube interacts with the cylinder to absorb braking and drive torques, reducing wear and allowing for a more compact design by omitting the upper wishbone and strategically arranging components to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional independent wheel suspension with upper and lower wishbones is used, then the wheel carrier can be pivoted for steering, but the installation space is insufficient and components interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the upper wishbone from the conventional independent wheel suspension system, retaining only the lower wishbone. This simplification reduces the number of components and frees up installation space while maintaining the essential steering functionality through the remaining lower wishbone and tie rod arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower wishbone is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the primary structural support for the wheel carrier, enables steering through its connection to the tie rod, and contributes to the overall suspension geometry. This multi-functionality compensates for the removed upper wishbone, maintaining steering capability with reduced component count.
2Ease of manufacture
If the brake cylinder is arranged in the known manner, then it can be installed, but it contacts other wheel suspension components causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The brake cylinder is repositioned from its conventional location to the inner side of the wheel carrier, utilizing previously unused spatial dimensions. This strategic relocation places the brake cylinder in a zone free from interference with other suspension components while maintaining its braking function, effectively solving the interference problem through spatial optimization.
3Device complexity
If a MacPherson wheel suspension is used to reduce component count, then installation space is optimized, but the piston-cylinder unit must absorb high braking torques causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a torque absorption mechanism involving the lower wishbone and its connection points as an intermediary structure. This mechanism shares the burden of absorbing braking torques, reducing the stress and wear on the piston-cylinder unit's sealing units while maintaining the simplified MacPherson suspension design with fewer components.
4Length of moving object
If the wheel suspension provides a large stroke for high lifting distance, then the trailer can negotiate uneven terrain, but the track width changes significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement of the lower wishbone and tie rod connections to optimize the suspension geometry. This asymmetric configuration allows for a large lifting stroke while minimizing track width changes, as the connection points are strategically positioned to maintain wheel alignment and track stability throughout the suspension travel range.
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 effectively absorbs high torques, reduces wear on sealing units, and optimizes the use of limited space, enabling efficient operation with minimal interference between components, thus enhancing the trailer's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the guide tube interacts with the cylinder to absorb braking and drive torques
Implementation Method 2
a slide bearing arrangement is provided, which with the inside of the guide tube is in sliding engagement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heavy-duty trailer (10) in which at least one of the wheels (12) has a MacPherson independent wheel suspension (16). The wheel (12) can be a steered wheel, wherein the steering cylinders (94) of the steering device (40) enclose an angle (a) with the longitudinal direction (L) of the trailer. The transverse control arms (30l, 30r) can also be articulated onto the trailer frame at least in the longitudinal centre plane (E) of the trailer (10).