Vehicle Suspension Subframe with Integrated Damping Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension devices for motor vehicles require significant installation space and are complex to assemble, particularly due to the need for separate support bearings that stiffen the suspension system and absorb vibration peaks.

Innovation Solution

The damping body of the support bearing is integrated into the subframe and connected to the vehicle body via a pull or push rod, allowing for preassembly on the subframe and easy connection, with the option of alignment in the vertical direction or at an angle for optimal installation and force flow, and featuring a cast subframe with stiffening ribs and cavities for protection and space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a separate support bearing with rod and bearing eyes is used to stiffen the suspension system, then the suspension system gains additional stiffness and vibration control, but the installation space requirement increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension system stiffnessVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support bearing is merged with the subframe by integrating the damping body directly into the subframe structure. The subframe serves dual purposes: as the main structural component and as the housing for the support bearing's damping body, eliminating the need for a separate support bearing assembly and reducing installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The subframe is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the drive unit and simultaneously houses the damping body of the support bearing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall suspension system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If a separate support bearing with rod and bearing eyes is used to stiffen the suspension system, then the suspension system gains additional stiffness and vibration control, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension system stiffnessVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support bearing is merged with the subframe by integrating the damping body directly into the subframe structure. The subframe serves dual purposes: as the main structural component and as the housing for the support bearing's damping body, eliminating the need for a separate support bearing assembly and reducing installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The subframe is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the drive unit and simultaneously houses the damping body of the support bearing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall suspension system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the damping body is integrated into the subframe with cavity and bearing plate, then the damping body is protected from external influences, but the subframe design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external influencesVSAvoidsubframe design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping body is nested within a cavity formed in the subframe structure. The bearing plate closes off the cavity and is firmly connected to the subframe, creating a protected environment for the damping body while utilizing the subframe's structural volume efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The subframe is designed with specific local features including a cavity for housing the damping body and a bearing plate for closure and connection. These localized structural modifications provide protection and functional integration without requiring complete redesign of the entire subframe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces installation space requirements, simplifies assembly, and provides effective vibration absorption by integrating the support bearing into the subframe, ensuring reliable damping of impermissible vibration peaks while protecting the damping body from external influences.

Implementation Method 1

The damping body itself preferably has an elastomer body with a defined spring stiffness or is formed by one

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

additional stiffen the suspension system or impermissible vibration peaks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2799269B1Suspension device for drive units of motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 AUDI AG
  • EP2799269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2799269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2799269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a suspension device for a drive assembly (22) of a motor vehicle. The suspension device has an assembly support member (16) for vibration attenuation, a housing (16a) of the assembly support member is supported on a vehicle body (10), and a support core (16d) of the assembly support member is connected with an assembly bracket (20) fixed on the power assembly (22); and the suspension device also has an auxiliary support member (18) arranged in parallel with the assembly support member (16), on the one hand, a vibration attenuation body (18a) of the auxiliary support member is connected with the assembly bracket (20), and on the other hand, is connected with the vehicle body (10). A structure convenient to assemble and install is realized through the following method: the vibration attenuation body (18a) of the auxiliary support member (18) is at least partially integrated in the assembly bracket (20), and the vibration attenuation body is indirectly or directly connected with the vehicle body (10) through a pull rod or push rod (18d).