Vehicle Suspension Balancing Hub for Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle suspensions with zero or low warp stiffness face challenges such as reduced traction during acceleration or braking due to uneven wheel loads, discomfort caused by angular accelerations, and the need for heavy chassis components to handle large suspension forces, which also complicates the suspension geometry.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle suspension system comprising two suspension arms at each end, connected via a balancing hub that allows rotational movement to oppose forces, distributing loads and reducing angular accelerations, with optional springs and links to manage dynamic movements and resonance, allowing for flexible geometry and potential elimination of conventional dampers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional vehicle suspensions with spring connections are used, then wheel support function is provided, but wheel loads are reduced when one wheel is lifted, causing reduced traction for acceleration or braking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction consistencyVSAvoidwheel load distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is divided into independent wheel assemblies, each with its own spring and damper connected to the chassis, allowing each wheel to maintain independent contact with the road surface and preventing load transfer between wheels during vertical motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each wheel position is equipped with locally optimized suspension parameters (spring stiffness, damper characteristics) tailored to the specific traction and loading requirements of that location, ensuring consistent performance across all wheels regardless of terrain variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If zero warp stiffness suspension is used to maintain constant wheel loads, then traction is maintained, but angular accelerations increase causing driver discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel load consistencyVSAvoidangular accelerations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-roll bar acts as a counterweight mechanism that generates opposing torque to balance angular accelerations during body roll, reducing the harmful effects transmitted to the driver while preserving the zero warp stiffness characteristic that maintains constant wheel loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system incorporates dynamic elements including velocity-sensitive dampers and progressive spring rates that adapt their characteristics based on the rate and magnitude of motion, providing increased resistance to angular accelerations during rapid body movements while maintaining compliance over routine road irregularities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If heavy chassis components are added to handle large suspension forces, then suspension stability is improved, but vehicle weight increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension stabilityVSAvoidchassis weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system employs asymmetric arm configurations and strategically positioned spring and damper mounts that optimize force distribution through the chassis structure, allowing lighter chassis components to handle suspension loads more efficiently by directing forces along optimal structural pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Chassis structural components are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide suspension mounting points, act as force distribution beams, and contribute to overall vehicle structural integrity, thereby reducing the need for dedicated heavy reinforcement solely for suspension load handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 vehicle comfort and dynamic performance by maintaining consistent wheel loads, reducing angular accelerations, and minimizing chassis weight, while allowing for flexible suspension geometry and potentially eliminating the need for conventional dampers.

Implementation Method 1

a balancing hub for attachment to the vehicle body or chassis in a configuration in which at least one part of the balancing hub is free to rotate relative to the vehicle body or chassis about at least one pivot position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Data Source

PatentUS11279192B2Vehicle suspension

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 FREEDM LTD

AI summary

A vehicle suspension for supporting the body or chassis of a vehicle includes suspension arms positioned at opposite sides and at one end of a vehicle and two suspension arms positioned respectively at opposite sides and at one end of a vehicle, each arm mounted for pivotal movement about a respective hinge axis. A balancing hub is attached to the vehicle body or chassis with at least one part of the hub free to rotate relative to the vehicle body or chassis about at least one pivotal position. Each suspension arm is connected to the hub at a position of the suspension arm spaced from a respective hinge axis whereby pivotal movement of the suspension arm applies a force to the hub. In use, the force opposes the force from another suspension arm at at least one of the same side and the same end of the vehicle suspension.