Suspension Mounting Bracket Assembly for No-Disassembly Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supplemental suspension systems for vehicles require significant disassembly of existing components, increasing installation time and complexity, and often result in the discarding of usable parts, leading to higher costs and unnecessary complexity.

Innovation Solution

A mounting bracket assembly that secures suspension components between sprung and unsprung masses using a base bracket and clamp, allowing for easier installation and reusing existing vehicle components, thereby reducing disassembly needs and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If supplemental suspension springs are mounted using known mounting arrangements, then the suspension system can be installed, but substantial disassembly of existing suspension components is required, significantly increasing installation time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension system installationVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting bracket assembly serves as an intermediary component between the supplemental suspension spring and the vehicle's existing suspension system. The bracket includes a first portion that attaches to the vehicle frame and a second portion that secures the supplemental spring, eliminating the need to disassemble existing suspension components while providing a reliable mounting solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket assembly is divided into distinct segments: a first portion for mounting to the vehicle frame and a second portion for securing the supplemental suspension spring. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently designed and installed, simplifying the overall installation process and reducing the need for disassembly of existing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If new components are supplied with the supplemental suspension system instead of reusing existing components, then the installation can proceed without modification, but the costs increase and usable parts are discarded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddiscarded components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket assembly is designed with universal applicability to work with existing suspension components without requiring modifications. The bracket's design allows it to interface with standard vehicle frame structures and existing suspension mounting points, enabling reuse of original components while maintaining installation simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention recovers and reuses existing suspension components by providing a mounting bracket that interfaces with original vehicle parts. Instead of discarding usable existing components, the bracket allows them to remain in place and continue functioning, thereby reducing waste and installation costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If existing suspension components are disassembled for installation, then the supplemental suspension system can be integrated, but the level of complexity increases beyond the capability of some self-installers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension system integrationVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket assembly acts as a mediator that simplifies the integration process by providing pre-fabricated mounting interfaces. Rather than requiring users to disassemble and modify existing components, the bracket provides ready-to-install attachment points that reduce the skill level and complexity required for proper integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If original components are modified during installation, then the supplemental suspension system can be adapted to fit, but the level of complexity and effort involved significantly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidmodification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket assembly provides adaptability through its universal design that can interface with various existing suspension configurations without requiring modifications to original components. The bracket's standardized mounting interfaces allow it to adapt to different vehicle platforms while maintaining simple installation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11897299B2Mounting bracket assemblies as well as suspension assemblies, kits and methods including same

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC

AI summary

Mounting bracket assemblies including a base bracket and a clamp. The base bracket includes a base bracket wall with a base wall portion having a first surface portion and a second surface portion. The base bracket is positioned along an existing jounce bumper mount of a vehicle with the first surface portion engaging a distal edge of the jounce bumper mount. The clamp is the base bracket and extends peripherally along a side wall portion of the jounce bumper mount in abutting engagement with an outer peripheral surface portion thereof and coextensively therewith. Suspension systems, mounting bracket kits and methods of assembling a mounting bracket assembly are also included.