Pivotable Suspension Support Lever for Vehicle Chassis Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension assemblies with leveling systems are mechanically complex, space-intensive, and costly due to the use of air springs and multiple hydraulic or leveling jacks, which are difficult to maintain and require significant space.
Innovation Solution
A compact support device with a pivotable lever connected to an actuator, a shackle device for coupling the spring, and a mechanical energy storage system, which allows for easy installation, low maintenance, and efficient actuation using a spindle and bevel gear, reducing the need for complex components and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air springs and multiple hydraulic lift or leveling jacks are used for leveling system, then the leveling function is achieved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leveling function and suspension support function into a single integrated lever device that works with the existing leaf spring suspension. The lever arm pivots about an axis and works in conjunction with the leaf spring to provide both suspension and leveling capabilities, eliminating the need for separate air springs and hydraulic lifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a suspension support element working with the leaf spring and as a leveling mechanism. By pivoting the lever arm to different positions, the device can adjust the vehicle body height while maintaining suspension functionality, making one component perform multiple roles.
2Reliability
If air springs and multiple hydraulic lift or leveling jacks are used for leveling system, then the leveling function is achieved, but the space occupation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leveling function and suspension support function into a single integrated lever device that works with the existing leaf spring suspension. The lever arm pivots about an axis and works in conjunction with the leaf spring to provide both suspension and leveling capabilities, eliminating the need for separate air springs and hydraulic lifts.
3Reliability
If air springs are used for leveling system, then the leveling function is achieved, but the maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, maintenance-intensive components like air springs and hydraulic systems with simpler mechanical elements. The lever device uses basic mechanical components (lever arm, pivot axis, links) that are more durable and require less maintenance compared to pneumatic or hydraulic systems with seals, hoses, and adjustable valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever-based leveling system is inherently more self-regulating and less prone to failure compared to active pneumatic or hydraulic systems. The mechanical linkage automatically responds to position changes without requiring complex control systems, reducing maintenance needs.
4Reliability
If multiple hydraulic lift or leveling jacks are used for leveling system, then the leveling function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leveling function and suspension support function into a single integrated lever device that works with the existing leaf spring suspension. The lever arm pivots about an axis and works in conjunction with the leaf spring to provide both suspension and leveling capabilities, eliminating the need for separate air springs and hydraulic lifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex, maintenance-intensive components like air springs and hydraulic systems with simpler mechanical elements. The lever device uses basic mechanical components (lever arm, pivot axis, links) that are more durable and require less maintenance compared to pneumatic or hydraulic systems with seals, hoses, and adjustable valves.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance suspension assembly that efficiently lifts and lowers the vehicle chassis, reducing the power requirements for actuation and allowing for compact, lightweight actuators, while maintaining the vehicle's height and absorbing dynamic forces.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical energy storage device arranged and configured to receive mechanical energy from lowering the chassis and to release mechanical energy when lifting this chassis
Implementation Method 2
the shackle device can compensate for changes in length of the spring device which can occur due to elastic deformation of the spring device under load
Data Source
AI summary
A support device is provided for supporting a suspension assembly mounted on a chassis of a vehicle, wherein the support device has a pivotable lever connected to an actuator for pivoting the lever. The lever has a support portion for supporting a spring device of the suspension assembly. The lever is arranged relative to the chassis such that pivoting of the lever lifts or lowers the chassis relative to the spring device. A suspension assembly includes a spring device, wherein the spring device is supported on at least one support device as described above.