Adjustable Suspension Slider Assembly for Variable Frame Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems for heavy-duty vehicles lack flexibility in adjusting to varying vehicle frame spacings, leading to inefficiencies in weight distribution and potential damage from misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension arrangement featuring a suspension slider assembly with slidably coupled longitudinal and lateral frame members, gusset members, and hanger brackets, allowing for adjustable positioning and support via axle members and leaf springs, enabling easy repositioning and alignment with the vehicle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed suspension system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to varying vehicle frame spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a slider arrangement that enables the suspension assembly to move longitudinally relative to the vehicle frame. This dynamic capability allows the suspension to adapt to different frame spacings while maintaining structural integrity. The slider mechanism transforms a static suspension system into a dynamic one that can adjust its position along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension assembly is segmented into distinct components including the slider assembly, suspension assembly, and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment and positioning of each component, enabling the system to accommodate varying frame spacings while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system is made adjustable for different frame spacings, then adaptability improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to pre-establish secure positioning at predetermined locations along the vehicle frame. This preliminary action feature allows the operator to quickly engage the locking mechanism at the desired position without complex adjustment procedures, maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability to different frame spacings.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider arrangement acts as an intermediary between the suspension assembly and the vehicle frame, providing a simplified interface for adjustment. This intermediary mechanism translates complex multi-dimensional positioning requirements into a single longitudinal adjustment motion, making the system easier to operate while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is achieved, then weight distribution and vehicle stability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assembly with slider arrangement is designed to self-align and self-position along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame. The mechanical interaction between the slider and frame members, combined with the spring element, automatically guides the assembly to the correct position without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures, thereby achieving precise alignment without proportionally increasing device 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
This solution provides a modular, adjustable suspension system that can be easily fitted to vehicles with varying frame spacings, enhancing weight distribution and reducing the risk of damage by allowing for precise alignment and adjustment, thereby improving vehicle stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member positioned between the suspension slider assembly and the axle member
Implementation Method 2
a first longitudinal frame member configured to be slidably coupled to a first vehicle frame member, a second longitudinal frame member laterally spaced from the first longitudinal frame member and configured to be slidably coupled to a first vehicle frame member
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension arrangement includes a suspension slider assembly including first and second laterally spaced longitudinal frame members configured to be slidably coupled to a first vehicle frame member, first and second gusset members fixed to the first and second longitudinal frame members and each including a relief, a first lateral frame member extending between the first and second longitudinal frame members, the first lateral frame member having ends received within the reliefs, an axle member configured to support a pair of wheel assemblies, and a suspension assembly configured to support the suspension slider assembly from the axle member, the suspension assembly including a spring member positioned between the suspension slider assembly and the axle member.