Multi-Link Suspension Decoupling Loads via Ball Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension systems for off-road vehicles fail to effectively decouple vertical and horizontal loads, leading to increased driver fatigue and reduced comfort due to inadequate spring and shock control, particularly in multi-link configurations where the shock or spring assembly is mounted to a single link point.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link suspension system with four independent links connected to the knuckle via spherical ball joints, allowing for individualized movement and pivot, with a spring and damper linkage mounted between two links to distribute forces and maintain optimal shock assembly positioning, thereby reducing feedback to the steering system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the shock or spring assembly is mounted to a single link point in multi-link configurations, then the suspension system structure is simplified, but the vertical and horizontal loads cannot be effectively decoupled leading to increased driver fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly is divided into separate mounting points on different suspension links. The shock body mounts to one link while the shock eye mounts to a different link, separating the control functions and enabling independent optimization of vertical and horizontal load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical ball joints serve as intermediary elements between the links and the shock assembly. These ball joints enable the decoupling of vertical and horizontal loads by allowing independent rotation and movement in multiple directions, facilitating the separation of load paths.
2Ease of operation
If multiple independent links with spherical ball joints are used, then steering forces are reduced and driver fatigue is decreased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical ball joints provide dynamic adaptability, allowing the links to rotate and pivot independently based on terrain conditions. This dynamic movement enables the suspension to automatically optimize its geometry for reducing steering forces while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical ball joints add rotational freedom in multiple dimensions, transforming the rigid link structure into a dynamically adaptable system. This dimensional freedom allows the suspension to navigate complex terrain while maintaining optimal steering characteristics.
3Strength
If the spring and damper linkage is mounted between two links, then the forces are distributed and shock positioning is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring and damper linkage is segmented into separate mounting points on different links, distributing the force paths through multiple structural members. This segmentation reduces stress concentration and optimizes the mechanical advantage while maintaining manufacturability of individual components.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-link suspension systems for vehicles are described having various linkages or links that connect to distinct points of a wheel mount or knuckle. Each of the linkages are preferably coupled to the wheel mount via a spherical ball joint and mounted such that they can independently move or rotate with respect to the other linkages. A shock assembly is preferably mounted between two of the linkages on a separate link and is rotatably mounted to each of the two linkages.