Vehicle Suspension Spring System Weight Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in maintaining tractive force due to weight transfer issues between powered and unpowered axles, particularly when reversing direction, as they require additional actuators and components that increase complexity and cost, and are ineffective when tractive effort is applied in opposite directions.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with unpowered and powered axle spring systems that generate separation forces with specific rate characteristics, allowing weight transfer from unpowered to powered axles, maintaining tractive force in both directions without additional powered components, using primary and secondary springs with varying effective spring rates to adjust separation forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic weight transfer systems with actuators are used, then weight transfer control is improved, but device complexity and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system automatically adjusts weight distribution between powered and unpowered axles through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for external actuators or control systems. The system self-regulates based on the separation distance between the truck frame and axle carriers, providing adaptive weight transfer control without adding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spring rate parameter dynamically through its mechanical design. The effective spring rate varies based on the separation distance between the truck frame and axle carriers, allowing the system to provide different levels of weight transfer control under different operating conditions without requiring active control mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If linear-acting passive weight transfer systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but effectiveness in opposite directions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is designed with asymmetric mechanical characteristics that allow it to function effectively in both directions of travel. The geometry and configuration of the spring elements create different effective spring rates depending on the direction of separation, enabling the system to provide weight transfer control whether the vehicle moves forward or in reverse.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static spring configuration to a dynamic one where the effective spring rate changes based on operating conditions. The mechanical design allows the spring system to adapt its characteristics in real-time based on the separation distance and direction of force application, providing bidirectional effectiveness without active control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuators and linkages are added, then weight transfer adjustment is improved, but packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the weight transfer control function directly into the existing suspension spring system, eliminating the need for separate actuators and linkages. By integrating the adjustment mechanism into the spring elements themselves, the system achieves weight transfer control without requiring additional packaging space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the active control elements (actuators, linkages) from the system and replaces them with a passive mechanical solution. The weight transfer adjustment capability is achieved through the spring system's inherent mechanical properties rather than through separate control components, reducing packaging space requirements.
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 effectively increases tractive force on powered axles by transferring weight from unpowered axles, maintaining performance in both forward and reverse directions while reducing packaging space and complexity by eliminating the need for additional actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a primary spring having a first effective spring rate. The primary spring may be configured to engage a truck frame at all times. The spring system may also include a secondary spring having a second effective spring rate. The secondary spring may be configured to engage the truck frame only after the truck frame expands past a threshold, to thereby resist further expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle suspension systems including a truck and a spring system for an axle are provided. In one example, a truck includes an unpowered axle spring system that is configured to generate an overall unpowered axle separation force between a truck frame and an unpowered axle carrier. The overall unpowered axle separation force has a rate of decrease that increases past a first separation distance between the truck frame and the unpowered axle carrier. A powered axle spring system is configured to generate a powered axle separation force between the truck frame and a powered axle carrier. The powered axle separation force has a rate of decrease that decreases past a second separation distance between the truck frame and the powered axle carrier.