Suspension Equalizer Reducing Radial Load via Segmented Shock Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbing equalizers for trailer suspension systems place significant radial loads on pivot joints and are limited by height, restricting their application due to packaging constraints.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple shock absorbers and bump stops strategically positioned around the pivot arm, reducing radial loads and allowing for a more compact profile by distributing the load more evenly, enabling a wider range of applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single shock absorber is disposed between the pivot arm and the housing, then the radial load on the pivot joint is significant, but the overall height of the equalizer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single shock absorber is segmented into multiple shock absorbers (first shock absorber and second shock absorber) disposed at different locations between the pivot arm and housing. This segmentation distributes the radial load across multiple components, reducing the load on any single pivot joint while maintaining a compact overall height through strategic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple shock absorbers are combined in a compact arrangement where the first and second shock absorbers work together to provide shock absorption. By merging their functions and positioning them in close proximity, the design achieves load distribution without significantly increasing the overall height of the equalizer.
2Force
If multiple shock absorbers are disposed between the pivot arm and the housing on opposite sides, then the radial load on the pivot joint is reduced, but the overall height of the equalizer increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning shock absorbers purely in the vertical dimension (which increases height), the design utilizes horizontal positioning at different locations between the pivot arm and housing. This dimensional shift allows load distribution while maintaining a compact vertical profile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the equalizer height is reduced for packaging limitations, then the number and variety of applications are limited, but the device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compact equalizer design with multiple shock absorbers provides universal applicability across different packaging constraints. The configuration allows the same design to serve multiple applications by adapting to various space limitations while maintaining effective shock absorption and load distribution.
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 configuration reduces the overall height of the equalizer, allowing for more versatile use while maintaining effective shock absorption, and provides predictable loading and unloading of the shock absorbers, reducing material usage and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member that is compressible and decompressible between the two rigid members
Implementation Method 2
Shock absorbing equalizer for suspension system
Data Source
AI summary
An equalizer for a suspension system includes a pivot arm pivotably connected to first and second plates at a pivot point, first and second bump stops connected between the first and second plates on one side of the pivot point, and third and fourth bump stops connected between the first and second plates on the other side of the pivot point. First through fourth shock absorbers are disposed between the pivot arm and the first through fourth bump stops, respectively.