Vehicle Suspension Retaining Mechanism for Ride Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems in tracked vehicles lack an efficient method to reduce ride height, particularly for fitting into confined spaces like rail or aircraft transport, as current solutions are complex, costly, or time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A retaining mechanism that uses a latching element and resilient biasing to engage the suspension component, allowing wheels to be raised and retained in a raised position, reducing the vehicle's ride height by preventing downward displacement, which can be activated automatically as the vehicle travels over obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If complex on-board height control systems are used to reduce ride height, then the vehicle can fit into confined spaces, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the height control function from complex on-board systems and implements it through a simple retaining mechanism that can be manually positioned. The mechanism uses basic mechanical components (retaining members, latches) rather than complex control systems, achieving ride height reduction without the associated complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than investing in expensive, complex height control systems, the patent employs basic mechanical elements that provide the same functional benefit at lower cost and complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If chains and chain binders are used to bound down the suspension, then the ride height can be reduced, but the installation becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with components that naturally guide assembly. The symmetrical design and intuitive engagement features allow operators to quickly install the mechanism without requiring complex procedures or extensive training, significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism is pre-assembled as a complete unit before installation on the vehicle. This preliminary assembly of the retaining members, latches, and supporting structures allows for rapid installation on the vehicle itself, eliminating the need for complex on-vehicle assembly procedures and reducing overall installation time.
3Volume of moving object
If the suspension component is retained in a raised position, then the ride height is reduced, but the mechanism must prevent downward displacement while allowing upward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism inverts the traditional approach by allowing upward movement freely and preventing downward movement. Rather than constraining the suspension in both directions and requiring active control to move it, the mechanism is designed to passively allow raising while actively preventing lowering, simplifying the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism provides dynamic retention that adapts to the suspension's movement. The latches can engage to prevent downward displacement when the suspension is in the raised position, but can be easily disengaged to allow the suspension to return to its normal position, providing operational flexibility.
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 quick and automatic reduction of ride height without operator intervention, allowing the vehicle to fit into smaller enclosures and facilitating maintenance by raising individual or all wheels, thereby reducing the overall height effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient damping arrangement is accommodated within the arm for providing damped resilient resistance to deflection of the arm away from a static position
Implementation Method 2
providing damped resilient resistance to deflection of the arm
Implementation Method 3
the latching element is resiliently deflectable by the rising suspension component to permit passage of the suspension component towards the raised position
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel 4 mounted on a vehicle body 2 by a suspension arm 6 can be retained in a raised position by a retaining mechanism 10. The retaining mechanism 10 comprises a latching element 12 which can be disposed in a deployed position by a control element 14. When the control element 14 is moved to a position corresponding to the deployed position of the latching element 12, the latching element 12 is resiliently displaceable towards the vehicle body 2, to allow the suspension arm 6 to rise, for example when the wheel 4 is driven over an obstacle. The latching element 12 can then move to the deployed position to prevent lowering of the arm 6, so retaining the wheel 4 in the raised position. All wheels of the vehicle may be moved to the raised position, so as to reduce the ride height of the vehicle.