Pivot-Bracket Suspension Geometry for Progressive Shock Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension assembly systems face limitations in increasing progressiveness of movement and leverage ratio due to standard suspension mounting constraints, which affects the comfort and safety of vehicle occupants, especially near extreme positions.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system design featuring a pivoting bracket and linkage system that allows angular rotation of the shock assembly, enabling a new path for the shock to achieve progressive force rates by varying leverage and velocity ratios, with adjustable support arms and mechanical connections such as hinges or ball bearings, allowing for increased damping at compressed positions and reduced shock velocities at extended positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard suspension mounting locations are used, then packaging constraints are satisfied, but progressiveness of movement and leverage ratio are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly is designed with a pivoting bracket that allows angular rotation rather than fixed mounting. This dynamic configuration enables the leverage ratio to change progressively through the range of motion, transforming the shock from extended to compressed positions, thereby increasing progressiveness while maintaining compatibility with standard mounting locations
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting bracket introduces a rotational dimension to the shock assembly mounting. Instead of linear movement only, the shock can now rotate angularly about the bracket, creating a new degree of freedom that enables progressive leverage ratio changes without requiring non-standard mounting locations
2Ease of operation
If fixed connection of shock to support arm is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but progressive force rate and velocity adjustment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between shock and support arm is changed from fixed to dynamic through the pivoting bracket. This allows the connection geometry to change continuously during operation, enabling progressive force rates and velocity adjustment as the shock moves through its range of motion
3Reliability
If angular rotation of shock assembly is enabled, then damping ability at compressed positions is improved, but mounting location requirements become more restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the shock assembly and the support arm. It enables angular rotation and progressive leverage ratio changes while interfacing with standard mounting locations, thus improving damping ability without sacrificing mounting location compatibility
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 design enhances the damping ability and comfort by providing a more progressive force rate and velocity adjustment, improving occupant safety and ride quality, particularly in off-road applications, while maintaining compatibility with standard mounting locations.
Implementation Method 1
A new leverage ratio allows the shock to have less leverage at extended positions and more leverage at or near compressed positions giving a more progressive force rate
Implementation Method 2
The change in velocity ratios similarly reduces shock velocities at extended positions and increases velocities at or near collapsed positions gives increasing damping ability
Implementation Method 3
transferring the impulses and forces to the pivoting bracket (4) through the linkage system connection point (5A) to the distal end (1B) of the shock absorbing assembly (1)
Implementation Method 4
uniquely damped by the connection (8) of the pivoting bracket (4) to the first support arm (6) and the second support arm (7) by the linkage system (5) at connection point (5B) by transferring the impulses and forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a suspension assembly system for use in a vehicle or moving object where vibration reduction and isolation is desired. The suspension assembly system includes at least two support arms connected by a linkage and a pivoting bracket. One support arm attaches to the linkage at a connection point and the linkage also attaches to the pivoting bracket at a second connection point. The second support arm is attached to a second location on the pivoting bracket. A shock absorbing assembly is also attached to the pivoting bracket near the second connection point providing an angular connection between the support arms and the shock assembly. This allows the combined movement of the support arms through actuation of a shock assembly and its connection to the pivoting bracket inducing angular rotation of the pivoting bracket. This creates a new path line for a shock mount to move independently of the support arms and improves the progressiveness of the shock assembly.The detailed description and the drawings support and describe the disclosure and provides the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claims. However, the scope of the disclosure is solely defined by the claims.