Rear Suspension Link Layout for More Battery Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle suspension systems do not efficiently utilize space within the wheelbase, limiting the range of electric vehicles and compromising driving characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A rear suspension system for a rear wheel with a rear lower link positioned rearwards from the wheel center, allowing additional space for a larger battery or reduced vehicle size, incorporating a five-link suspension system with specific link arrangements and bushing configurations to enhance stability and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If conventional suspension systems are used with traditional link arrangements, then suspension stability and comfort are maintained, but space within the wheelbase is not efficiently utilized, limiting battery size and vehicle range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery volumeVSAvoidsuspension stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the rear lower link's chassis-side hard point rearwards from the wheel center by a greater distance than other lower links. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes space utilization within the wheelbase while maintaining suspension stability, allowing for larger battery accommodation without compromising vehicle dynamics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Length of moving object

If the vehicle length is reduced to improve urban maneuverability, then parking and navigation in tight spaces improve, but space for battery accommodation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle lengthVSAvoidbattery volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension within the wheelbase by positioning the rear lower link's hard point rearwards, effectively using available space in the length dimension that would otherwise be wasted. This allows shorter overall vehicle length while maintaining adequate battery volume through optimized spatial arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If a larger battery is accommodated to increase driving range, then energy capacity increases, but vehicle weight and dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery energy capacityVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the trailing link from the conventional suspension arrangement, eliminating this component and its associated space requirements. This freed space is then utilized for larger battery accommodation, allowing increased energy capacity without proportional increases in vehicle weight and dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Volume of stationary object

If traditional suspension link arrangements are used, then comprehensive wheel control is achieved, but additional space is required within the wheelbase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailable space in wheelbaseVSAvoidwheel control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rear lower link with its extended rearward position serves multiple functions: it maintains suspension stability, enables space optimization within the wheelbase, and contributes to vehicle dynamics. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate trailing links while preserving comprehensive wheel control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4173857B1Rear suspension system
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 WUHAN LOTUS CARS CO LTD
  • EP4173857B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4173857B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4173857B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a rear suspension system for a rear wheel of a vehicle and to a vehicle having such a rear suspension system.