Rear Suspension Link for Toe and Camber Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear suspension systems for motor vehicles face challenges in controlling the toe-in and camber angle of wheels without adding a point of attachment to the chassis, which requires additional space and reinforcement.

Innovation Solution

A rear suspension system featuring a longitudinal arm with a fixed arm connected via an elastic articulation to a connecting rod, which extends to the shock absorber, allowing control of toe-in and camber angle through an elastic connection, and utilizing rubber rings for vibration filtration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an attachment point on the chassis is used to control toe-in and camber angle, then wheel alignment control is achieved, but additional space and chassis reinforcement are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel alignment controlVSAvoidchassis attachment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of wheel alignment control and shock absorption into a single integrated link structure. The link simultaneously controls toe-in and camber angle while housing the shock absorber, eliminating the need for separate chassis attachment points and reinforcement structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The link serves multiple functions: it acts as a control arm for wheel alignment, a mounting structure for the shock absorber, and a structural component of the suspension system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated attachment points on the chassis.

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

2Strength

If the shock absorber and suspension spring assembly is transferred to the rear of the vehicle, then wheel arch reinforcement and floor lowering are avoided, but control of toe-in and camber angle becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel arch structural integrityVSAvoidwheel alignment control
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the shock absorber and suspension spring assembly in the rear portion of the vehicle along the longitudinal axis, utilizing the longitudinal dimension rather than requiring vertical space or wheel arch reinforcement. This spatial reconfiguration maintains structural integrity while enabling alignment control.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system is segmented into distinct functional components: the link for alignment control, the shock absorber for damping, and the spring assembly for suspension. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables effective control of wheel alignment without additional chassis attachments, improving vehicle handling by filtering vibrations and maintaining the vehicle's structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the first opening carries a rubber ring ensuring an elastic connection between the rod and the tenon of the fixed arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the second opening carries a rubber ring or several annular rubber segments ensuring an elastic connection between the link and the body of the shock absorber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2234827B1Motor vehicle rear suspension with toe and camber control, and link tailored to such a suspension
Publication Date: 2011.09.07 RENAULT SA
  • EP2234827B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2234827B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle rear suspension comprising a longitudinal arm (1) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, one of the ends (1a) of which arm is articulated to the vehicle chassis and the other end (1b) of which arm is connected in an articulated manner to the lower end (4a) of a damper (4)/suspension spring (5) assembly and to one end (7a) of a transverse arm (7) which extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal arm (1), this longitudinal arm (1) carrying a wheel axle (3), characterized in that the longitudinal arm (1) comprises a fixed arm (6) of which the end (6a) is connected by an elastic articulation to a link (8) of which the end opposed to this elastic articulation is connected to the damper (4). The invention also relates to a link (8) intended to connect a fixed arm of the longitudinal arm to the damper of a rear suspension according to the invention.