Tandem Axle Slipper Spring Roller Bearing Keeper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tandem axle suspension systems suffer from poor durability due to lubricated bushings failing quickly, lack of suspension alignment capability, inadequate control of spring rebound and compression energy, and diminished tire traction during hard braking due to 'axle roll up', which causes steel-on-steel friction and reduces braking effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A new tandem axle suspension system featuring slipper springs with roller bearings and a keeper that provides independent suspension, eliminating axle roll up and incorporating shock absorbers for alignment and energy control, using a U-shaped housing with multiple receivers for mounting and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lubricated bushings are used to connect moving parts, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to quick failure and steel-on-steel friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces roller bearings as an intermediary element between the moving parts (equalizer and springs). Instead of directly connecting metal parts with lubricated bushings, the roller bearing acts as a mediator that provides continuous lubrication and rolling contact, preventing steel-on-steel friction while maintaining ease of movement. This resolves the contradiction by providing both operational ease and reliability through the intermediary rolling element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional lubricated bushing mechanical system with a roller bearing system. The roller bearing uses rolling friction mechanics instead of sliding friction mechanics, fundamentally changing the mechanical interaction between parts. This substitution eliminates the quick failure mode of lubricated bushings while maintaining the desired ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional equalizer with multiple moving parts is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases with ten moving parts and ten bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into an integrated roller bearing assembly. Instead of having separate bushings, bolts, and connection elements, the roller bearing combines the bearing surface, lubrication system, and mounting structure into a single unified component. This reduces the number of moving parts and bolts while maintaining the adaptability needed for suspension operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller bearing is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides friction reduction, structural support, alignment, and ease of movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, reducing device complexity while maintaining the adaptability required for the suspension system to handle various operating conditions.
3Reliability
If a fixed center keeper is used to hold slipper ends, then reliability is improved by eliminating moving parts, but device complexity increases with housing and mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moving parts (bushings and bolts) from the connection system and replaces them with a fixed center keeper structure. The keeper is securely mounted to the frame and holds the roller bearings in a fixed position, eliminating the need for moving connection parts. This extraction of moving components improves reliability by preventing the steel-on-steel friction that plagues traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The center keeper is segmented into a housing structure that separately accommodates the roller bearings and spring retainers. This segmentation allows the fixed keeper to maintain reliability while organizing the necessary structural elements (housing, mounting brackets, retainer bolts) into distinct functional zones, making the overall device complexity more manageable and maintainable.
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 significantly enhances durability, maintains tire traction during braking, and provides effective control of spring rebound and compression energy, extending maintenance intervals and improving overall braking performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first frame support may include a first roller bearing. That second frame support may include a second roller bearing.
Implementation Method 2
The first roller bearing may be received around that first roller bearing bolt. Similarly, the second roller bearing may be received around that second roller bearing bolt.
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem axle assembly includes a first slipper spring and a second slipper spring. The two slipper springs are configured or oriented in series with the slipper ends of the two slipper springs oriented toward each other. A keeper for a tandem axle suspension assembly is also disclosed.