Tandem Suspension Pivot Assembly Angular Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tandem suspension systems face issues with elastomeric bushings that wear out quickly due to major angular deflections, limiting their operational life and effectiveness in load distribution, as they can only deflect up to 10°, whereas they need to accommodate up to 20° for improved driver comfort and load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A pivot assembly design featuring balancers with offset pins and elastomeric assemblies that allow for greater angular displacement, including a connector linking the balancers of front and rear leaf springs, enabling load distribution beyond the conventional 10° limit, with elastomeric elements that absorb vibrations and deform under tension while preventing tearing and bulging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional elastomeric bushings are used in pivot assemblies, then they can absorb minor shocks and oscillations, but they wear out quickly due to major angular deflections exceeding their 10° limit
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a rigid pivot support structure, a separate elastomeric bushing for vibration absorption, and a balancer mechanism with offset pin for angular movement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize - the bushing handles minor oscillations while the balancer accommodates major angular deflections up to 20°, preventing bushing failure
Solution Approach 2:
The balancer with offset pin acts as an intermediary mechanism between the leaf spring extremity and the pivot assembly. It mediates the angular deflection by converting the rotational movement into a mechanism that reduces stress on the elastomeric bushing, allowing the bushing to remain within its safe deflection range while the overall system achieves greater angular capability
2Strength
If the elastomeric bushing is fixed to both the pivoting member and chassis bracket, then it provides stable mounting, but it tears and splits under major angular deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric bushing is extracted from the load-bearing path of major angular deflections. It is mounted only to the chassis bracket and receives the pin, but the balancer mechanism carries the primary angular movement loads. This extraction allows the bushing to maintain its mounting stability while being protected from the harmful major angular deflections that cause tearing and splitting
3Reliability
If the pivot assembly accommodates only 10° deflection, then the bushing remains protected, but load distribution effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assembly incorporates a balancer mechanism with offset pin that dynamically accommodates angular deflections up to 20°. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt its angular capability based on loading conditions, enabling effective load distribution during major deflections while the elastomeric bushing remains protected within its 10° safe operating range
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 pivot assembly is more robust, extends the operational life of the suspension system, and effectively absorbs both minor shocks and major angular deviations, enhancing load distribution capabilities and reducing wear, thus improving driver comfort and vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric element extending between the outer surface and the inner surface for absorbing vibrations, wherein the pin is rotatable with respect to the elastomeric element or the elastomeric element is rotatable with respect to the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.