Tilting Vehicle Suspension Assembly With Decoupled Wheel Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting vehicle suspension systems are complex, heavy, expensive, and prone to failures, often introducing unwanted links between different wheel movements, which complicates their operation and stability, especially in urban environments with irregular road surfaces and heavy traffic.
Innovation Solution
A tilting suspension assembly with a simpler structure featuring a rigid chassis, oscillating arms, a linear shock absorber assembly, and steering components that decouple wheel movements, including a steering shaft, shift plate, and steering rods, to maintain parallel orientation during steering and prevent mechanical interferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical solutions are adopted to guarantee correct operation of the tilting vehicle, then the vehicle stability and control are improved, but the structure becomes heavier, more expensive, and more prone to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into independent oscillating arms (right arm 26d and left arm 26s) that can move independently of each other. Each arm is hinged to the chassis element 24 and can perform vertical translation, rolling, and steering movements separately, eliminating the need for complex interconnected mechanical linkages while maintaining vehicle stability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanical linkage system to control wheel movements, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the arms to oscillate freely in multiple directions independently, with the shock absorber assembly 34 providing passive stabilization rather than active mechanical control
2Reliability
If complex mechanical solutions are adopted to guarantee correct operation of the tilting vehicle, then the vehicle stability and control are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple, modular components (chassis element 24, right arm 26d, left arm 26s, shock absorber assembly 34) that can be manufactured independently and assembled easily, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining stability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating arms 26d, 26s perform their own stabilization function through controlled oscillation without requiring complex external mechanical control systems, reducing the need for additional expensive components and simplifying manufacturing
3Adaptability or versatility
If certain kinematic configurations are used in the front axle, then the suspension functionality is achieved, but unwanted links are introduced between vertical movement and steering angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suspension system into independent oscillating arms 26d, 26s that can perform vertical translation, rolling, and steering movements independently. The right arm 26d and left arm 26s are not mechanically linked, allowing each wheel to move vertically and steer independently without unwanted coupling between movements
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating arms 26d, 26s provide dynamic independence, allowing each wheel to adapt its vertical position and steering angle separately based on road conditions, with the shock absorber assembly 34 providing passive coordination rather than rigid mechanical linkage
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 lighter, cheaper, and more reliable suspension system that maintains wheel orientation and stability without introducing unwanted links between movements, enhancing the vehicle's ability to handle urban terrain and reduce the risk of malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a linear shock absorber assembly (34) comprising an elastic element (36) and a damping element (38)
Implementation Method 2
a linear shock absorber assembly (34) comprising an elastic element (36) and a damping element (38)
Implementation Method 3
each arm (26) has an inner end (28) hinged on the chassis element (24) and an outer end (30) configured for being constrained on a wheel (32)
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly for a tilting vehicle, including: a chassis element, rigid and fixed with respect to the vehicle; right and left arms, where each has an inner end hinged on the chassis element and an outer end, configured for being constrained on a wheel, which can oscillate upwards and downwards; and a linear shock absorber assembly. In the suspension assembly, the ends of the linear shock absorber assembly are respectively hinged on the right arm and on the left arm. The suspension assembly further includes steering components having a steering shaft, a shift plate, and a right and left steering rods. The steering shaft is rotatable around a steering axis and includes a protrusion. The protrusion is hinged in the middle of the shift plate and each steering rod has an inner end hinged on the shift plate and an outer end configured for being constrained on a wheel.