Shock Mount Bracket Distributes Loads to Preserve Clamp Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension systems face reduced durability and increased maintenance costs due to compromised clamp load at the shock lower mount assembly, leading to potential damage to the suspension assembly, shock absorber, hanger, or vehicle frame when using robust shock absorbers with increased damping characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber lower mount support assembly that provides a broader area of support and distributes loads from both inboard and outboard attachment points to the suspension beam, conserving clamp load and enhancing the durability of the shock absorber and mounting structure through a specific installation method involving a shock support bracket and beam mounting plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If robust shock absorbers with increased damping characteristics are used, then the vehicle's ability to absorb road forces is improved, but the clamp load at the shock lower mount assembly is compromised, leading to reduced durability and increased maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-point mounting approach to a distributed mounting system by adding a support assembly that contacts the beam at multiple locations. This dimensional expansion of the mounting interface distributes the high damping forces across a broader area, preventing clamp load compromise while enabling robust shock absorber performance
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly acts as an intermediary component between the shock lower mount assembly and the beam. It provides additional support and load distribution, mediating the force transfer to prevent clamp load loss without interfering with the primary shock absorber function
2Device complexity
If a single-point shock lower mount assembly is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the area of support is insufficient, causing clamp load compromise under heavy-duty vehicle loads
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly extends the mounting interface from a single point to a distributed structure with multiple contact points on the beam. This dimensional expansion provides adequate support area for heavy-duty loads while maintaining structural integrity without excessive complexity
3Device complexity
If the shock lower mount assembly is directly mounted to the beam, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load distribution is insufficient, leading to potential damage to suspension components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple functional components: the primary shock lower mount assembly and the secondary support assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the main assembly provides shock mounting while the support assembly distributes loads across multiple beam contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates proper load distribution. It provides additional support points on the beam, mediating the force transfer from the shock absorber to the vehicle structure and preventing component damage
Data Source
AI summary
A shock mount support assembly for a shock absorber of a suspension assembly of an axle/suspension system includes a shock support bracket formed with an opening. A fastener is disposed through the opening in the shock support bracket and an eyelet of the lower end of the shock absorber to loose-fit the shock support bracket to the shock absorber, and to the suspension assembly beam in a transverse direction. The shock support bracket includes at least one transversely elongated or oversized opening that aligns with an opening formed in the beam. A fastener is disposed through the pair of aligned openings in order to loose-fit attach the shock support bracket to the beam. During assembly, the eyelet fastener is tightened first drawing the shock support bracket transversely outboardly. The fastener disposed through the shock support bracket-to-beam attachment is tightened, rigidly attaching the shock support bracket to the suspension assembly.