Multi-link Axle Adjustable Link for Ground Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle systems face issues with level changes due to varying loads, affecting aerodynamics, headlight illumination, suspension damping, wheel alignment, and ground clearance, as soft springs compromise comfort while hard springs minimize load effects.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link axle design featuring a wheel suspension with transverse links, a leaf spring, and an adjustable link element connected to both the upper transverse link and the leaf spring, allowing for actuator-controlled adjustment of ground clearance without compromising comfort through reduced spring deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft springs are used in the suspension system, then vehicle comfort is improved, but ground clearance is significantly affected by loading changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adjustable link element that can dynamically change its length to compensate for load-induced ground clearance changes. The link element's adjustability allows the suspension geometry to adapt to different loading conditions, maintaining consistent ground clearance while preserving the comfort benefits of soft springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of the link element length to compensate for variations in ground clearance caused by loading. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system maintains stable ground clearance characteristics regardless of whether the vehicle is lightly or heavily loaded.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hard springs are used in the suspension system, then ground clearance stability is improved, but vehicle comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using hard springs, the patent uses soft springs combined with a dynamically adjustable link element. This allows the system to maintain ground clearance stability through geometric adjustment rather than spring stiffness, preserving comfort while achieving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable link element acts as an intermediary mechanism that decouples the relationship between spring stiffness and ground clearance stability. It provides a separate control path for maintaining ground clearance that does not require compromising comfort through hard springs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If height-adjustable spring seats or pneumatic suspension are used, then ground clearance adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable link element serves multiple functions: it maintains ground clearance stability, influences wheel alignment, and works with the existing spring suspension system. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate height-adjustment mechanisms while achieving ground clearance control.
Solution Approach 2:
The link element's adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing suspension geometry, allowing the system to self-regulate ground clearance through the natural movement and adjustment of the link element rather than requiring external pneumatic systems or complex adjustable spring seats.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle multi-link axle having wheel suspension including a lower transverse link and an upper transverse link. A leaf spring extending transversely to a direction of travel of the vehicle and below the upper transverse link. A link element connects an end of the leaf spring to the upper transverse link. The link element having a first connection, connected to the upper transverse link, and a second connection, connected to the leaf spring. The link element adjustable to vary the distance between the first connection and the second connection. The multi-link axle may also include a connecting element that connects the second connection point of the link element to a connection point of the leaf spring, with the connecting adjustable to vary the distance between the second connection point of the link element and the connection point of the connecting element to the leaf spring.