Multifunctional Support for Cantilever Spring Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cantilever spring suspension systems for vehicles with two axles have high manufacturing costs, weight, and complex assembly due to numerous parts, which also lead to increased maintenance and repair costs, and are not optimized for torsional and lateral forces.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional support with a one-piece Π-shaped structure comprising a transversal central part, longitudinally elongated terminations, vertical arms, and horizontal pivoting extensions that integrate multiple functions, reducing the number of parts needed and optimizing force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate parts and components are used to construct the holding structure, then the suspension system can be assembled with modular components, but the total weight increases and manufacturing costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular assemblyVSAvoidholding structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate holding structure components into a single integrated multifunctional support unit. This casting integrates the central part, arms, and pivoting extensions into one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while reducing total weight and simplifying assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multifunctional support unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the holding structure, provides pivoting extensions for spring attachment, and acts as a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the suspension system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate parts and components are used to construct the holding structure, then the suspension system can be assembled with modular components, but manufacturing costs and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular assemblyVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While the main support is integrated, the design allows for segmented attachment of the cantilever springs to the pivoting extensions, enabling modular assembly of the spring components while maintaining the integrated nature of the holding structure itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional holding structure parts are used, then the suspension system can be assembled with standard components, but the structure is not optimized for torsional and lateral forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandard componentsVSAvoidforce resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The multifunctional support features locally optimized geometries with specific cross-sectional shapes and thickness variations in different regions. The central part, arms, and pivoting extensions have tailored dimensions and structural properties optimized for the specific force distributions and stress conditions in each location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting extensions are designed to rotate about a vertical axis, allowing the holding structure to dynamically adapt to lateral forces and torsional stresses. This rotational capability enables the structure to better withstand dynamic loading conditions during vehicle operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate parts and components are used in the holding structure, then the suspension system can be assembled with modular components, but maintenance and repair costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular assemblyVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated design allows the entire multifunctional support to be replaced as a single unit when worn or damaged, simplifying maintenance procedures. The cantilever springs can still be individually replaced by detaching them from the pivoting extensions, maintaining some level of component-level replaceability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2275290B1Multifunctional support for a cantilever spring suspension in a vehicle, especially with two axles

Publication Date: 2013.04.10 IVECO MAGIRUS AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

It is described a multifunctional support for a cantilever spring suspension in a vehicle, especially with two axles, the multifunctional support comprising: a transversal central part (1), with two longitudinally elongated terminations (1.2, 1.3) to be connected to respective elongated longitudinal members (2) of a frame of the vehicle; two substantially vertical elongated arms (3, 4) with respective holding termination (3.1, 4.1), under said two longitudinally elongated terminations (1.2, 1.3); two substantially horizontal pivoting extensions (5, 6) departing along the two substantially vertical elongated arms, towards the outside of the multifunctional support.