Nonlinear Damper-Spring Assembly for Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional damper-spring assemblies in vehicle suspension systems intrude into the passenger and luggage compartments, compromising interior space while aiming to maintain ride comfort and performance.
Innovation Solution
A nonlinearly-shaped damper-spring support member is positioned between the inner and outer tire planes, with a coaxial damper-spring assembly mounted to a platform that overlaps the tire, allowing the load path to intersect at the tire contact patch, thereby minimizing space intrusion and optimizing ride characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damper-spring assembly is mounted in-board with an inward angle towards the vehicle centerline, then ride comfort and vehicle performance are maintained, but interior space in the passenger and luggage compartments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the damper-spring assembly laterally outward from the vehicle centerline rather than symmetrically inward. The assembly is mounted with its outer end closer to the vehicle centerline and its inner end extending outward, creating an asymmetric configuration that clears interior spaces while maintaining suspension performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional in-board mounting to an out-board mounting scheme, utilizing the lateral dimension differently. By positioning the assembly outer ends outward and using a substantially horizontal orientation, the design exploits spatial reconfiguration in the lateral dimension to resolve the space intrusion problem.
2Area of stationary object
If the damper-spring assembly is positioned to clear interior spaces, then interior space is increased, but the load path and mounting geometry become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The nonlinearly-shaped support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the damper-spring assembly, defines the lateral outward positioning, establishes the substantially horizontal orientation, and creates the proper load path geometry. This multi-functional element simplifies the overall mounting system despite the unconventional positioning.
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
The solution increases passenger and luggage compartment width by aligning the damper-spring assembly with the tire contact patch, enhancing ride comfort and performance while reducing interior space intrusion.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring interposed between the spring seat and the vehicle body
Implementation Method 2
resiliently supporting the trailing arm with a coil spring
Implementation Method 3
A damper, located behind the coil spring, extends between the corresponding trailing arm and the vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel suspension system that achieves increased width in the passenger and/or luggage compartment is provided. The suspension system utilizes a (i) a wheel support member that is positioned between the inner and outer tire planes; (ii) a nonlinearly-shaped damper-spring support member that is rotatably attached to the wheel support member; (iii) a damper-spring mounting platform that is positioned above, and at least partially overlaps, the tire, and that is rotatably attached to the nonlinearly-shaped damper-spring support member; and (iv) a damper-spring assembly mounted to the damper-spring mounting platform and coupled to a vehicle body structure.