Vehicle Suspension Shear Spring Load Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspensions with single spring rates compromise either roll stability or ride quality, as they require a fixed spring rate that cannot adapt to varying loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension system with shear springs and a load cushion that provides a continuously increasing spring rate, utilizing a design with V-shaped surfaces and elastomeric materials to compress and decompress shear springs efficiently, allowing for adaptable load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed spring rate is used in single spring rate suspensions, then the suspension can provide either comfortable ride or adequate roll stability, but not both simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static fixed spring rate to a dynamic variable spring rate system. The main spring and auxiliary spring work together to provide different spring rates based on load conditions, allowing the suspension to adapt dynamically between comfortable ride and adequate roll stability without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring rate parameter is changed based on load conditions. The auxiliary spring is engaged or disengaged to change the overall spring rate of the suspension system, allowing optimization for different operating conditions (light load for comfort, heavy load for roll stability) without increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple springs are used to achieve variable spring rate, then the suspension can adapt to different loads, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is segmented into a main spring and an auxiliary spring that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the auxiliary spring to be engaged or disengaged based on load conditions, providing variable spring rate capability while keeping the overall system relatively simple through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary spring serves multiple functions: it provides additional support under heavy loads to increase roll stability, and can be disengaged under light loads to maintain comfortable ride quality. This multi-functionality allows a single auxiliary spring component to address multiple performance requirements without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
The system maintains both roll stability and ride quality by adjusting spring rate in response to changing loads, enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the suspension.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a design with V-shaped surfaces and elastomeric materials to compress and decompress shear springs efficiently
Data Source
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AI summary
A suspension having a frame attachment portion having an opening with a spring mount positioned therein, and a first shear spring positioned between a wall of the spring mount and a side wall of the opening, and a second shear spring positioned between another wall of the spring mount and another wall of the opening. The first spring mount comprises an inboard part and an outboard part with a first through-hole positioned therein adapted to allow passage of a first connecting rod therethrough, wherein the first connecting rod connects the inboard and outboard parts together, and wherein the first shear spring is compressed between a wall of the spring mount and a wall of the opening, and wherein the second shear spring is compressed between a wall of the spring mount and a wall of the opening.