Suspension Shield Deflects Debris to Protect Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension and drivetrain components are susceptible to damage from debris and foreign objects during operation, leading to reduced reliability and potential immobilization of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A protective shield is designed to be attached to vehicle suspension components, featuring a concave surface that directs debris and objects away from critical areas, providing protection to mounting portions and joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no protective shield is installed, then the vehicle structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the suspension and drivetrain components are susceptible to damage from debris and foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is divided into multiple functional portions: a first portion that shields the suspension component and a second portion that shields the drivetrain component. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific protective function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield extends in multiple directions from the suspension component - laterally to protect against side impacts and longitudinally to protect drivetrain components. This multi-dimensional extension provides comprehensive protection without requiring a complex multi-component system.
2Reliability
If a protective shield is added to shield components from debris, then component protection improves, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is implemented as a thin-walled structure that provides effective debris protection while minimizing weight addition. The shield portions extend laterally and longitudinally as thin protective barriers rather than bulky enclosures.
3Reliability
If the shield portion extends laterally to protect mounting portions, then protection coverage improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated component. The first portion protects the suspension component while the second portion protects the drivetrain component, and both are attached to the same suspension component, merging multiple protection functions into one structure.
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 protective shield effectively reduces damage to suspension and drivetrain components by deflecting debris, enhancing vehicle reliability and durability during off-road or challenging driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The cavity may face a protected component so that the surface opposite the cavity directs flow and objects away from the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A shielding element for protecting at least one suspension and/or driveline component. The shielding element is connected to a suspension component. The suspension component extends in a first axial direction and includes a mounting portion at one end for mounting the suspension component to a vehicle. The suspension component further includes a second end for mounting the suspension component to a knuckle. The second mounting portion is capable of receiving a suspension mounting component, which may be or include a ball joint. The shielding element is located near the second mounting portion. The shielding element extends from a surface of the suspension component in a second direction different from the first direction. The portion of the protection element that extends in the second direction may protect at least one of the mounting point, the suspension mounting component, and the driveline component from contact with debris.