Suspension Adaptor Assembly for Bolt-On Vehicle Height Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying vehicle suspensions from OEM leaf spring suspensions to modular wheel suspensions or raising vehicle height is labor-intensive and time-consuming, limiting market availability.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly and method utilizing adaptors with mounting portions that align and couple to existing vehicle mounting brackets, allowing for easy installation of new suspensions or height adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional suspension modification methods (cutting and welding) are used, then suspension conversion is achieved, but labor intensity and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adaptor as an intermediary component that connects the existing OEM suspension mounting brackets to the new modular wheel suspension. This adaptor eliminates the need for cutting and welding by providing a bolt-on interface, thereby reducing labor intensity and installation time while achieving suspension conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension conversion system is segmented into separate modular components: the existing mounting brackets, the new modular wheel suspension, and the adaptor. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly without permanent modifications, reducing both labor intensity and installation time
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional suspension modification methods (cutting and welding) are used, then suspension conversion is achieved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as a mediator that interfaces with existing mounting brackets using standard bolt connections, eliminating the need for skilled welding operations and heavy cutting tools, thereby significantly reducing labor intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor design allows for straightforward self-installation using common hand tools (wrenches or socket sets), enabling customers or technicians to perform the conversion without requiring specialized welding equipment or highly skilled labor
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly for a vehicle having a first suspension coupled to a frame of the vehicle by a plurality of mounting brackets. The suspension assembly includes an adaptor having a plurality of mounting portions configured to align with and be coupled to the plurality of mounting brackets of the frame. A method for modifying a suspension of a vehicle includes uncoupling a first suspension from mounting brackets secured to a frame of the vehicle, coupling adaptors to the mounting brackets, and coupling a second suspension to the adaptors.