Tandem Axle Suspension Layout for Trailer Tire Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailer suspension systems face challenges in maintaining tire alignment and ride quality during towing, leading to uneven wear and poor ride experiences.
Innovation Solution
A tandem axle trailer suspension system is designed with a first and second suspension assembly, each comprising a pair of springs and axles, where the springs are rotatably attached to a location bracket fixed to the trailer frame, allowing for independent movement and alignment of the axles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rigid suspension system is used, then structural stability is maintained, but tire alignment deteriorates and ride quality worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the suspension system movable and adaptable rather than rigid. The eyes of the first and second springs are rotatably mounted on the trailer frame, allowing the suspension assembly to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to road conditions. This enables the system to maintain proper tire alignment while absorbing shocks and bumps, thereby improving both tire alignment reliability and ride quality simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If the trailer uses a fixed axle configuration, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but tire wear becomes uneven and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed axle configuration into a dynamic system where the springs can rotate about fixed axes. This allows the axles to self-align with the road surface and maintain proper tire orientation during towing, preventing uneven tire wear without complicating the manufacturing process. The rotatable eye mounting provides the necessary adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension system uses fixed spring mounting, then structural stability is improved, but ride quality deteriorates due to transmitted bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by allowing the spring mounting points to rotate about fixed axes rather than being completely fixed. The rotatable eyes provide rotational freedom that allows the suspension to absorb vertical bumps and shocks while the fixed rotational axes maintain lateral structural stability. This dynamic mounting approach filters out road irregularities to improve ride quality without sacrificing the structural integrity needed for stable towing.
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 configuration improves tire alignment and ride quality by allowing the axles to move independently, reducing sway and transmitting road bumps more effectively, thereby enhancing the towing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The second spring end of the first spring is rotatable about a first rotational axis that is fixed relative to the trailer frame. The third spring end of the second spring is rotatable about a second rotational axis that is fixed relative to the trailer frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer including a trailer frame, and a trailer suspension including a first and second suspension assemblies and a pair of axles. Each of the first and second suspension assemblies includes a first spring including first and second spring ends, and a second spring including third and fourth spring ends. The second spring end of the first spring is positioned adjacent to the third spring end of the second spring, and the second and third spring ends are disposed between the first and fourth spring ends. The second spring end is rotatable about a first rotational axis that is fixed relative to the trailer frame. The third spring end is rotatable about a second rotational axis that is fixed relative to the trailer frame. The first spring end and the fourth spring end of the second spring are movable relative to the trailer frame.