Progressive Shear Spring Suspension for Adaptive Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspensions with single spring rates compromise either roll stability or ride quality, as they require a fixed setting that cannot accommodate varying load conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension design featuring shear springs with a continuously increasing spring rate, achieved through a modular structure with tapered surfaces and elastomeric components, allowing for adaptive compression and improved load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spring rate is used in the suspension, then the suspension structure is simple, but either roll stability or ride quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static single spring rate to a dynamic variable spring rate system. The progressive spring rate design allows the suspension to automatically adjust its stiffness characteristic based on the applied load, providing optimal roll stability and ride quality across varying operating conditions without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spring rate parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that progresses with load. The progressive spring rate is achieved through the specific geometry and material properties of the elastomeric spring, allowing the stiffness to increase as the load increases, thereby maintaining both roll stability and ride quality across different loading scenarios.
2Device complexity
If a fixed spring rate is selected, then the suspension design is simple, but the suspension cannot accommodate varying load conditions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static single spring rate to a dynamic variable spring rate system. The progressive spring rate design allows the suspension to automatically adjust its stiffness characteristic based on the applied load, providing optimal roll stability and ride quality across varying operating conditions without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spring rate parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that progresses with load. The progressive spring rate is achieved through the specific geometry and material properties of the elastomeric spring, allowing the stiffness to increase as the load increases, thereby maintaining both roll stability and ride quality across different loading scenarios.
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
Enhances both roll stability and ride quality by providing a progressive spring rate that adjusts to changing loads, thereby extending the life of the suspension components and improving overall vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each spring comprises layers of elastomeric material inter-leaved with and bonded to reinforcing elements
Implementation Method 2
shear springs with a continuously increasing spring rate, achieved through a modular structure with tapered surfaces and elastomeric components, allowing for adaptive compression
Implementation Method 3
a first spring mount is positioned within the opening of the first spring module, and a first shear spring is positioned between a first side wall of the first spring mount and said first side wall of the opening of the first spring module
Data Source
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AI summary
A suspension having a frame attachment portion having an opening with a spring mount positioned therein, and a first shear spring positioned between a wall of the spring mount and a side wall of the opening, and a second shear spring positioned between another wall of the spring mount and another wall of the opening. The first spring mount comprises an inboard part and an outboard part with a first through-hole positioned therein adapted to allow passage of a first connecting rod therethrough, wherein the first connecting rod connects the inboard and outboard parts together, and wherein the first shear spring is compressed between a wall of the spring mount and a wall of the opening, and wherein the second shear spring is compressed between a wall of the spring mount and a wall of the opening.