Segmented Spring Hanger Assembly for Stiff Trailer Frame Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring hangers for vehicle frames, particularly trailer frames, lack sufficient stiffness and strength, and their attachment to the frame rail is not optimized for durability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A spring hanger assembly comprising two sections, an inner and an outer section, with specific configurations and fastening mechanisms, such as huck fasteners, to enhance stiffness and strength, and provide secure attachment to the frame rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If spring hangers are designed as simple one-piece braces welded directly to the frame, then manufacturing is simple, but stiffness and strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring hanger is divided into multiple sections (first hanger section, second hanger section, etc.) that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for specific structural requirements, improving overall stiffness and strength while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring hanger employs composite structural design combining different geometric configurations and material properties in various sections. The assembly integrates multiple components with different structural characteristics to achieve superior mechanical properties that cannot be obtained with a simple one-piece design.
2Reliability
If spring hangers are attached to the frame rail using simple welding, then attachment is quick, but durability and flexibility are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple attachment points and fastening locations distributed along the spring hanger sections. This allows the attachment to frame rail to be optimized at each location, providing both durability through secure fastening and flexibility through distributed attachment points, while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized fastening locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring hanger design incorporates flexible attachment characteristics that allow for dynamic response to loading conditions. The multi-section construction with distributed attachment points enables the structure to adapt flexibly to varying stress conditions while maintaining durable connections to the frame rail.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring hangers use a single solid structure, then manufacturing is simple, but flexibility for load transfer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring hanger is constructed as an assembly of multiple sections rather than a single solid structure. This segmentation provides the necessary flexibility for effective load transfer between different parts of the suspension system while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction of individual sections that can be produced using standard fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring hanger design incorporates three-dimensional geometric features and spatial arrangements in the multiple sections that enable flexible load transfer paths. The modular assembly approach allows for optimized spatial configuration of each section to achieve the required adaptability for various loading conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger assembly may comprise a first hanger section and a second hanger section, formed and shaped to increase the stiffness and strength of the assembly. The first hanger section may include a first surface and a first tab portion wherein the first tab portion extends in a first direction and wherein the first surface faces a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The second hanger section may include a second surface and a second tab portion, wherein the second surface is configured to abut the first surface. The spring hanger assembly may be attached to a frame using fasteners or hucks.