Spring Axle Pivot Bearing External Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring axles for road vehicles face challenges in maintaining optimal wheel control, directional stability, and driving safety due to limitations in independent suspension and pivot bearing design, particularly in motor vehicle trailers and light commercial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed spring axle design features a pivot bearing mounted on the outside of the axle bracket, which can be independently fastened to the bulkhead, incorporating an elastic compensating element to absorb positional deviations and distortions, ensuring precise alignment and stability during assembly, and is suitable for various vehicle configurations including trailers and commercial vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the pivot bearing is integrated inside the axle tube, then the structure is compact, but the wheel guide and directional stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing is separated from the axle tube and mounted independently on the axle bracket. This segmentation allows the bearing to be positioned optimally for wheel guidance while maintaining a compact overall structure. The bearing is attached to the axle bracket at a location that provides better directional control compared to integration within the axle tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot bearing is repositioned from a radial/axial arrangement inside the axle tube to an external mounting on the axle bracket. This dimensional relocation enables the bearing to provide improved wheel guidance and directional stability by changing the geometric relationship between the bearing, axle tube, and wheel assembly.
2Reliability
If the pivot bearing is externally mounted on the axle bracket, then the wheel guide and directional stability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing is integrated with the axle bracket assembly rather than being a completely separate component. The bearing is mounted directly on the bracket structure, combining the support function with the existing axle mounting system. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly compared to a fully independent external bearing installation.
3Strength
If rigid fastening is used for the pivot bearing, then the attachment is secure, but positional deviations cause assembly difficulties and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic compensating element is incorporated into the pivot bearing assembly to preemptively accommodate positional deviations between the axle tube and axle bracket. This elastic element acts as a cushion that absorbs misalignment stresses before they can cause assembly damage or excessive wear, while still maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from purely rigid connection to a semi-flexible connection incorporating an elastic element. This parameter change in the attachment system's rigidity allows it to accommodate positional variations while maintaining sufficient strength for secure mounting. The elastic element provides controlled flexibility in specific directions while maintaining structural integrity.
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
This design enhances wheel control, maintains optimal track and camber angles, improves directional stability, and increases driving safety by allowing independent rotation of wheels and flexible attachment to the vehicle chassis, effectively addressing previous limitations in spring axle technology.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an elastic compensating element to absorb positional deviations and distortions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a suspension axle for a road vehicle (33) comprising an axle tube (4), an axle bracket (5) fixedly connected to the axle tube (4), and a suspension (8), in particular a rubber suspension, integrated into the axle tube (4), wherein a wheel rocker arm (7) connected to the suspension (8) is rotatably arranged on the axle tube (4). The wheel rocker arm (7) has a pivot bearing (9) mounted on it and attached to the axle bracket (5). The pivot bearing (9) is preferably arranged and attached to the outside (44) of the axle bracket (5).