Torsion Spring Arrangement for Motor Vehicle Wheel Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torsion spring assemblies for motor vehicle wheel suspensions are complex and costly due to their reliance on torsionally loaded spring elements and multiple actuators, which complicate the design and increase installation space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The spring element is designed to undergo exclusive translational deflection, converting rotational movements into tangential translations, allowing it to function solely as a bending spring, and the actuators are simplified as spindle drives with plain bearings for cost-effective and space-efficient construction, enabling a more straightforward and cost-effective torsion spring assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring element is loaded with torsion as in prior art, then the torsion spring assembly achieves the required suspension function, but the structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the loading parameter of the spring element from torsion to bending by modifying the bearing arrangement. The spring element is now loaded exclusively with bending forces instead of torsion, which simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the suspension function. This parameter change allows for a more straightforward design of the spring element and associated actuators.
2Reliability
If torsionally loaded spring elements are used, then the suspension performance is achieved, but the actuators become complex and occupy more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the spring element loading from torsion to bending, the patent enables the use of simpler actuator designs. The bearing position is designed to allow straightforward adjustment of the spring element's end position without requiring complex mechanisms to handle torsional loads, thereby reducing the space required for actuators and simplifying their construction.
3Reliability
If the spring element is subjected to torsional stress, then the series spring action with torsion bars is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stress parameter of the spring element from torsion to bending. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process because bending springs are generally easier and less costly to manufacture than torsion springs. The bearing arrangement is specifically designed to apply only bending loads to the spring element, eliminating the need for complex torsion-resistant constructions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used for adjusting spring length and pre-tension, then the suspension adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the spring element loading from torsion to bending, the patent enables the use of simpler actuator mechanisms. The bearing position can be adjusted more straightforwardly to control spring length and pre-tension, as bending-loaded springs respond more simply to positional adjustments than torsion-loaded springs, thereby reducing actuator complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 design reduces the complexity and cost of the torsion spring assembly by allowing the spring element to be embodied as a bending spring and the actuators to be constructed with simpler spindle drives, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective wheel suspension system that saves installation space.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is exclusively stressed by bending and not—as in the prior art according to DE 10 217 698—substantially by torsion
Implementation Method 2
the bearing position mounting the spring element on the motor vehicle body side be formed as a plain bearing displaceable with respect to the spring element in the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
the first actuator for adjusting the effective spring length of the spring element and a second actuator for adjusting the spring pre-tension of the spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A torsion spring assembly for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, including two torsion bars arranged coaxially one inside another and also a spring element, which is arranged axially-parallel to the two coaxial torsion bars, and can be mounted on the motor vehicle body via a bearing position, wherein the radial outer hollow-cylindrical torsion bar can be mounted on the motor vehicle body side and is connected in a rotationally-fixed manner to an output lever fastenable on a wheel guiding element and the radial inner torsion bar is connected in a rotationally-fixed manner to the outer torsion bar and is connected in a rotationally-fixed manner via a coupling to the spring element.