Resilient Connecting Element for Vehicle Wheel Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel suspension systems require complex and costly bearing bushings to achieve desired properties, such as load absorption and reduced vibration, which increases weight and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A wheel suspension system utilizing a resilient connecting element with conical or triangular configuration and rotary joints, allowing for reduced dimensions and potential elimination of bearing bushings, enabling lighter, less expensive, and more agile suspension systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connecting elements with resilient bearing bushings are used, then load absorption and wheel suspension kinematics are achieved, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of rigid connecting elements and resilient bearing bushings into a single resilient connecting element with elastomeric material. This merging eliminates the need for separate bearing bushings while maintaining both load absorption capabilities and wheel suspension kinematics, directly reducing manufacturing complexity and weight
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient connecting element uses elastomeric material that combines the properties of rigidity for structural support and resilience for load absorption. This composite material approach allows the single element to replace both the rigid connecting element and the resilient bearing bushing, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining performance
2Strength
If bearing bushing dimensions are increased to absorb maximum loads, then load absorption improves, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using elastomeric material with specific viscoelastic properties that allow the connecting element to absorb loads effectively. This parameter change enables the element to maintain load absorption capabilities while using less material, thereby reducing weight compared to traditional rigid connecting elements with large bearing bushings
3Object-affected harmful factors
If resilient bearing bushings are used to reduce vibration, then vibration transmission is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration reduction function of bearing bushings into the resilient connecting element itself. The elastomeric material inherently provides vibration damping properties, eliminating the need for separate bearing bushings and simplifying the suspension system structure while maintaining vibration reduction capabilities
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 solution reduces the weight and manufacturing complexity of wheel suspension systems while maintaining necessary kinematic properties and load absorption, allowing for improved steering and stability with reduced bearing bushing dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
resilient connecting element made of elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
resilient connecting element productively having at least one joint element
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel suspension system of the type including a wheel support. A resilient connecting element connects the wheel support to a vehicle frame element. The resilient connecting element having a wheel support side and a frame element side. At least one joint element connects the wheel support side of the resilient element to the wheel support and at least two rotary joints connect the frame element side of the resilient element to the frame element.