Independent Rear Suspension with Stabilizer Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing independent rear suspension systems face challenges in providing a compact design that allows for ample space for a third row seat and foot well, while maintaining desirable axle and suspension clearance, and reducing confounding between toe-in and camber adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The design features a cross member between frame rails with a wheel support knuckle, a trailing arm, an upper link, a lower control arm, and a toe link bar, allowing for independent toe-in and camber adjustments without confounding, with a stabilizer bar connected between the toe link and upper link, and a lower control arm more than twice the length of the toe link to achieve a shock ratio of less than or equal to 1.3:1, optimizing space and suspension efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lower control arm length is reduced to compact the suspension, then the shock ratio increases and loads on the frame increase, but the suspension becomes more compact
Solution Approach 1:
The lower control arm is configured with a specific geometric arrangement and angular orientation that optimizes the shock ratio. By carefully selecting the attachment points and arm orientation, the system achieves a shock ratio of less than 1.3:1 while maintaining compact dimensions, effectively resolving the contradiction between compactness and frame load reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies precise parameter ranges including the lower control arm length being more than twice the toe link length, and the shock ratio being less than 1.3:1. These parameter optimizations allow the suspension to maintain compact size while keeping frame loads within acceptable limits
2Device complexity
If the shock and spring are located near the third row passenger's feet, then the suspension structure is simplified, but the foot well space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber and spring are positioned in the transverse dimension between the lower control arm and the frame, rather than extending forward into the foot well space. This spatial arrangement maintains structural simplicity while preserving passenger foot well area
3Volume of moving object
If divergent toe links and lower control arms are used due to space limitations, then the suspension fits in compact space, but toe-in during braking and throttle off conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The toe link and lower control arm are configured with specific angular orientations that differ from each other, creating a non-parallel arrangement optimized for both compact space utilization and maintaining adequate toe-in during braking and throttle-off conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies that the lower control arm length is more than twice the toe link length, and defines specific angular orientations for these components. These parameter optimizations enable the system to achieve compact dimensions while preserving the necessary toe-in characteristics for safe braking operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable camber links and toe links are added to permit wheel position adjustment, then wheel alignment flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper link and toe link are designed as adjustable components that can modify both camber and toe-in angles. This multi-functional design allows wheel alignment adjustment without requiring separate dedicated adjustment mechanisms for each parameter, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An independent rear suspension system is provided that has a trailing arm connected between a frame rail and a wheel support knuckle. A lower control arm is connected between a frame cross member and the knuckle. The suspension system also includes an upper link that extends between the frame rail and the knuckle. The toe link and upper link are generally vertically aligned. A stabilizer bar extends between the toe link and upper link and is connected to the lower control arm outboard of the shock and spring to reduce space requirements for the suspension system forward of the wheel support knuckle. The lower control arm is elongated and attached to the frame cross member inboard of the frame rails to improve the ratio of wheel travel to shock travel.