Vehicle Suspension Spreader Means for Ball Joint Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steered-axle suspensions for road vehicles require large, costly ball joints to handle suspension loads, and alternative solutions that distribute loads evenly across multiple joints face space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with spreader means, including a lever and transfer link, that generates induced forces on both upper and lower ball joints, allowing a single suspension element to distribute the load more evenly without the need for oversized ball joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If one ball joint takes all suspension loads, then the ball joint can be designed specifically for high load capacity, but the ball joint size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension load is segmented and distributed to multiple ball joints (both upper and lower ball joints) through the spreader means, rather than concentrating all loads on a single ball joint. This allows each ball joint to be smaller while collectively handling the same total load.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the suspension element and the ball joints. It transfers and distributes the suspension load to multiple ball joints, enabling load sharing and reducing the size requirement for each individual ball joint.
2Strength
If separate suspension elements are provided for each ball joint to distribute loads evenly, then ball joint sizing is optimized, but the number of suspension elements doubles creating space problems
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suspension functions (supporting both upper and lower ball joints) are merged into a single spreader means component. This single element performs the work of what would traditionally require separate suspension elements for each ball joint, reducing part count while maintaining load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader means is a multi-functional component that simultaneously supports both the upper and lower ball joints, distributing loads to both joints. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized suspension elements.
3Device complexity
If a single suspension element is used without spreader means, then the structure is simpler, but one ball joint must be oversized to handle all loads
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader means serves as an intermediary that connects a single suspension element to multiple ball joints, enabling load distribution without requiring multiple suspension elements. This intermediary component achieves load sharing while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 the use of standard-sized ball joints, reducing costs while maintaining effective load distribution, thus addressing the size and cost issues of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the spreader means comprise a lever, a first end of which is secured to the suspension element and the other end of which is intended to be articulated to the body shell of the road vehicle
Implementation Method 2
capable of generating a first induced force on the lower ball joint and a second induced force on the upper ball joint when the suspension element exerts a single force on these spreader means, the value of each induced force being markedly lower than that of the single force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
This suspension comprises a steering knuckle (2) that can be secured to a hub (4) supporting a wheel of the vehicle, and two ball joints, these being an upper ball joint (6) and a lower ball joint (16) providing the connection between the body shell of the vehicle and the steering knuckle. This suspension further comprises at least one suspension element, particularly a suspension buffer (12), and spreader means (14, 18) capable of generating a first induced force on the lower ball joint and a second induced force on the upper ball joint when the suspension element exerts a single force on these spreader means, the value of each induced force being markedly lower than that of the single force.