Tandem Steer Load Equalizer Assembly for Even Axle Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tandem steer suspension systems fail to effectively equalize load distribution between front and rear axles, leading to uneven weight distribution and potential driveline vibrations when encountering road irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A load equalizer assembly with pivotally connected equalizer brackets and a mounting bracket, allowing the equalizer brackets to pivot about a defined axis, thereby distributing load evenly between the front and rear leaf springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing tandem steer suspension systems are used, then the structure is simple, but load distribution between axles is uneven and driveline vibrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into separate functional components: front leaf spring assembly, rear leaf spring assembly, equalizer beam, and mounting brackets. Each component performs a specific function, allowing independent optimization of load distribution while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The equalizer beam acts as an intermediary component between the front and rear leaf spring assemblies. It mediates the load distribution by providing a pivotally connected structure that allows the rear spring to move relative to the front spring, equalizing the load on both axles without requiring complex active control systems
2Object-generated harmful factors
If rectilinear movement of axles is ensured, then driveline vibrations are reduced, but the suspension system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The equalizer beam creates a load-balancing mechanism that maintains equal potential energy states for both axles. By pivotally connecting the rear leaf spring assembly to the front assembly via the equalizer beam, the system automatically adjusts to keep both axles at equivalent load positions, preventing the twisting motions that cause driveline vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the pivotally connected equalizer beam and leaf spring assemblies. The system can dynamically adapt to road irregularities while maintaining rectilinear axle movement, allowing the rear assembly to pivot relative to the front assembly in response to load changes without creating harmful vibrations
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
Ensures rectilinear movement of axles to maintain equal load sharing, reducing driveline vibrations and improving weight distribution across tandem steer axles.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot tube is configured to facilitate pivoting of the first and second equalizer brackets with respect to the mounting bracket about a pivot axis defined by the fastener
Implementation Method 2
The front leaf-spring assembly has a front end pivotably connected by a pin to the vehicle frame and a rear end connected by a shackle to the front end of the equalizer beam. The rear leaf-spring assembly has a front end pivotably connected by a pin to the rear end of the equalizer beam and a rear end connected by a shackle to the frame of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A load equalizer assembly for a vehicle comprises a mounting bracket configured to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle, the mounting bracket having a downwardly extending arm. An equalizer bracket is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket by way of the arm. The equalizer bracket comprises a laterally facing side having a stepped surface with an inwardly stepped portion and an outwardly stepped portion. The arm is received laterally adjacent to the inwardly stepped portion of the equalizer bracket.