Shock Absorber Mounting Assembly for Leaf Spring Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RV and cargo trailer suspensions lack adequate space for effective positioning of hydraulic shocks due to geometry constraints, leading to inefficient shock absorber operation, especially in underslung spring orientations where the lower shock mount is too high relative to the upper mount, resulting in reduced shock effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber mounting assembly for leaf spring suspension trailers featuring a first bracket secured to the trailer frame and a second bracket with a tie plate, an elongated mounting lug, and an adjustable suspension alignment feature, including an adjustment gear and gear receptacle, allowing for fore/aft adjustment and optimal shock positioning to correct axle alignment and improve shock absorber efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spring suspension is used with limited space, then the suspension structure is compact, but the shock absorber cannot be positioned in an effective operation position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal/planar shock mounting to a vertical three-dimensional mounting configuration. The shock absorber is positioned vertically between the upper mounting bracket on the frame and the lower mounting bracket on the axle, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve optimal shock operation geometry within limited space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adjustable mounting system with multiple hole positions in both upper and lower brackets, allowing the shock absorber mounting location to be dynamically adjusted. This enables optimization of shock angle and length based on specific application requirements, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic, adaptable one.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lower shock mount is positioned high relative to the upper mount in underslung spring orientation, then the suspension geometry is simplified, but shock absorber effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lower mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the axle and the shock absorber. This bracket provides a lower mounting position that maintains adequate distance from the upper bracket, enabling effective shock operation while preserving the simplicity of underslung spring geometry. The intermediary bracket acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between geometric simplicity and shock effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shock absorber is angled significantly from vertical, then mounting flexibility is increased, but shock absorber effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic mounting system with multiple adjustable hole positions in both brackets, allowing the shock absorber angle to be optimized for each specific application. This adjustable system enables mounting flexibility while maintaining the ability to achieve near-vertical shock orientation for maximum effectiveness, resolving the trade-off between adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber mounting assembly is provided for a trailer incorporating a leaf spring suspension. That mounting assembly includes a first shock absorber mounting bracket secured to a frame of the trailer and a second shock absorber mounting bracket secured to an axle of the trailer. The second shock absorber mounting bracket includes of tie plate, an elongated shock absorber mounting lug extending from the tie plate and an adjustable suspension alignment feature.