Reinforcement Plate for Auxiliary Leaf Spring Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Auxiliary leaf packs in leaf spring systems of vehicles experience high vibration levels and associated noise, leading to increased maintenance needs due to fatigue from these vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement plate is integrated into the auxiliary stage leaf pack, aligned with a spacer, featuring end sections that extend beyond the axial ends, along with tip inserts and spacers made from non-metallic materials like elastomers or plastics, to mitigate vibration stress and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an auxiliary stage leaf pack is added to support heavier weights, then the load capacity of the leaf spring system is improved, but the vibration and noise levels increase leading to more frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforcement plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the auxiliary stage leaf pack and the main leaf spring. This plate absorbs and distributes vibration stresses, preventing them from directly affecting the auxiliary leaf pack. The reinforcement plate acts as a mediator that isolates the auxiliary leaf pack from harmful vibrations while maintaining the heavy load support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate is made from composite materials that combine high strength properties to support heavy loads with vibration-damping characteristics to reduce vibration and noise. This composite material approach allows the same component to simultaneously address both the load capacity requirement and the vibration reduction need.
2Force
If the auxiliary stage leaf pack is used to support heavier weights, then the weight bearing capability is improved, but the component fatigue from vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plate serves as a protective intermediary that shields the auxiliary stage leaf pack from direct exposure to vibration-induced stresses. By positioning the reinforcement plate between the auxiliary leaf pack and the source of vibrations, it absorbs and dissipates harmful vibrations before they can cause fatigue damage to the auxiliary leaf pack, thereby extending component life.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in position to absorb and mitigate vibration stresses before they can accumulate and cause fatigue damage to the auxiliary stage leaf pack. This preventive measure protects the component from future vibration-related failures.
3Area of stationary object
If the auxiliary stage leaf pack is positioned closer to the main leaf spring to save space, then the system compactness is improved, but the vibration-induced noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plate acts as a vibration-damping intermediary positioned between the auxiliary stage leaf pack and the main leaf spring. Even when the auxiliary leaf pack is positioned close to the main leaf spring for compactness, the reinforcement plate absorbs and isolates vibration-induced noise, preventing it from propagating through the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate utilizes composite materials that provide both structural support for compact positioning and vibration-damping properties to reduce noise. The composite material structure allows the plate to maintain rigidity for space efficiency while simultaneously absorbing vibration-induced noise.
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
The reinforcement plate enhances the support of auxiliary leaf packs, reducing vibration-induced stress and noise, thereby extending the maintenance interval and improving the system's ability to handle heavier loads.
Implementation Method 1
A reinforcement plate is integrated into the auxiliary stage leaf pack, aligned with a spacer, featuring end sections that extend beyond the axial ends, along with tip inserts and spacers made from non-metallic materials like elastomers or plastics, to mitigate vibration stress and noise.
Implementation Method 2
tip inserts and spacers made from non-metallic materials like elastomers or plastics
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf spring system includes a main leaf pack having a main leaf spring including a first end, a second and a first surface and a second opposing surfaces extending therebetween. An auxiliary stage leaf pack is arranged at the first. The auxiliary stage leaf pack includes a first surface portion and a second, opposing surface portion. A spacer is arranged between the first surface of the main leaf spring and the second surface portion of the auxiliary stage leaf pack. The spacer includes first axial end, a second axial end. A reinforcement plate is arranged at the first surface portion of the auxiliary stage leaf pack substantially aligned with the spacer. The reinforcement plate includes a first end section, a second end section. At least one of the first end section and the second end section extends beyond a corresponding one of the first and second axial ends.