Telescopic Trailing Axle Assembly for Obstruction-Free Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle suspension assemblies lack flexibility in adjusting the length of trailing arms, leading to instability in storage positions and potential obstruction issues when transitioning between operative and storage configurations.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle suspension assembly with retractable and extendable trailing arms that change their longitudinal axis length, allowing for orientation from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration, enabling a greater range of motion and avoiding obstructions during storage by moving the trailing axle along an arcuate path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the trailing arm length is fixed, then the structure is simple and stable during operation, but the vehicle cannot achieve proper storage positioning without obstructing components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidtrailing arm structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trailing arm incorporates a telescopic mechanism with movable sections that allow the arm length to dynamically adjust between extended and retracted configurations. This dynamic structure enables the arm to adapt its length based on operational requirements, providing proper clearance during storage positioning while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the trailing arm is extended to provide proper storage positioning, then the vehicle can store without obstructing components, but the trailing arm may obstruct vehicle components during transition between operative and storage configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage positioningVSAvoidcomponent obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The trailing arm is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the arm to navigate around vehicle components during transition movements, reducing obstruction risks while achieving proper storage positioning. The segmented structure provides greater operational flexibility compared to a solid trailing arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the trailing arm length is adjusted dynamically, then the vehicle can optimize weight distribution and avoid obstructions, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidtrailing arm mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic trailing arm employs a nested structure where smaller arm sections are housed within larger sections. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage when retracted and extended configuration when needed, providing configuration flexibility without excessive complexity. The nested design efficiently manages the mechanical components required for length adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11827072B2Retractably extendable trailing axle

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 HOLCOMBE CVI LLC

AI summary

A vehicle suspension assembly includes a trailing axle carried by a frame of the assembly. The frame can retract to a retracted state from an extended state and extend from the retracted state to the extended state. The retraction and extension can occur along a longitudinal axis of the frame. An operator can pivotally raise and lower a free end of frame in the retracted or extended state along an arcuate path when the vehicle suspension assembly connects to a vehicle.