Vehicle Suspension Device With Opposing Locking Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension devices for attaching heavy components to vehicle structures are inefficient for quick and ergonomic mounting and demounting, particularly when access is limited to different directions during assembly and service operations.

Innovation Solution

A suspension device with a first and second bracket, and locking arrangements that can be screwed into a common locking sleeve from opposite sides, allowing for clamping and easy separation, enabling attachment and disassembly from two different directions, and providing a stiffer connection by applying clamping and pressing forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional suspension devices are used for mounting components from above, then assembly is possible from the intended direction, but demounting becomes difficult when access is limited to underneath the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mounting and demountingVSAvoidadaptability to different access directions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking arrangements (first and second locking arrangements) that can be operated independently from opposite sides of the suspension device. This segmentation allows the assembly to be mounted from above while demounted from underneath by releasing only the lower locking arrangement, resolving the contradiction between mounting direction and demounting accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension device incorporates a universal locking system where both upper and lower locking arrangements connect to a common locking sleeve, enabling the same device to be securely mounted from above during assembly and efficiently demounted from underneath during service operations. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different operational phases and access conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If heavy components are attached to vehicle structure, then secure mounting is achieved, but the attachment process becomes time consuming and ergonomically unsound

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of component attachmentVSAvoidspeed of mounting and demounting operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arrangements are pre-positioned on the suspension device body, and the brackets are designed with predetermined engagement features that align with the locking sleeve. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid connection without complex alignment procedures, improving productivity while maintaining secure attachment through the robust locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension device incorporates movable locking arrangements that can be quickly engaged and disengaged from opposite sides of the device. The locking elements are designed to move smoothly within the locking sleeve, enabling fast mounting and demounting operations while maintaining reliable secure attachment when locked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If rigid connection is used between brackets, then load transfer is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestiffness of connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arrangements are merged with the bracket structure through integrated mounting features, where the locking elements directly engage with the brackets via the common locking sleeve. This merging creates a stiff, rigid connection for improved load transfer while avoiding additional separate components that would increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient and ergonomic attachment and detachment of components from vehicle structures, improving load transfer and reducing wear on the suspension device, allowing for secure and efficient mounting and demounting from various access points.

Implementation Method 1

the first locking arrangement and the second locking arrangement applies a clamping force on the first and second bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping force: Compression

Implementation Method 2

provides a stiffer connection and improves the transfer of load to the vehicle structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad transfer: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3571081B1A suspension device
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP3571081B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3571081B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3571081B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a suspension device (10) for removable attachment of a component (6) to a vehicle structure (8), the suspension device (10) comprising: a first bracket (100) adapted to be mounted on the component (6); a second bracket (200) adapted to be mounted on the vehicle structure (8); and a first locking arrangement (300) and a second locking arrangement (400), adapted to lock the first and second bracket (100; 200) to each other. The suspension device (10) comprises a locking sleeve (500), wherein the first locking arrangement (300) and the second locking arrangement (400) are adapted to be screwed into said locking sleeve (500) from opposite sides, such that the first locking arrangement (300) and the second locking arrangement (400) applies a clamping force (F clamp ) on the first and second bracket (100; 200). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1) comprising such a suspension device (10).