Torsion Spring Suspension Stiffness Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension systems for vehicle seats lack an efficient mechanism to adjust stiffness dynamically, which affects the comfort and stability of the ride, especially in varying terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A seat support assembly featuring a base with suspension arms and torsion springs, where an adjustment mechanism allows for simultaneous movement of abutment points along the torsion spring's length, altering the moment arm distances to change the stiffness of the suspension system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system uses fixed moment arm distances, then the structure is simple, but the stiffness cannot be adjusted dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the moment arm distances adjustable rather than fixed. The bearing surfaces are positioned on movable elements that can change their position along the torsion spring, allowing the moment arm distances to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the suspension stiffness to be adapted to different loading conditions and terrain requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by introducing controlled mobility to key geometric parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the moment arm distances (first and second moment arm distances) to adjust the suspension characteristics. By changing the position of the bearing surfaces relative to the torsion spring axis, the system modifies the mechanical parameters of the suspension. This allows continuous adjustment of stiffness without fundamentally changing the suspension structure, achieving adaptability through parameter variation rather than structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing surfaces are positioned to maximize moment arm distance, then the suspension is softer, but the adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the adjustment from a single point adjustment to simultaneous adjustment of two bearing surfaces along the torsion spring. The first bearing surface moves along the first end of the torsion spring while the second bearing surface moves along the second end, both in directions substantially perpendicular to the torsion spring axis. This two-dimensional adjustment approach provides broader suspension characteristic control and reduces the precision requirement at any single abutment point by distributing the adjustment across multiple degrees of freedom.
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 configuration provides an infinitely adjustable suspension system that can be made stiffer or softer depending on load requirements, enhancing ride comfort and stability by dynamically altering the resistance to pivotal movement.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion spring has a first end defining a length, a second end defining a length, and a coil between the first and second ends
Data Source
AI summary
A seat support assembly includes a base, a plurality of arms each mounted at a first end to the base for movement with respect to the base, and mounted to a seat at a second end opposite the first end for movement with respect to the seat. A torsion spring has a first end defining a length, a second end defining a length, and a coil defining an axis. A first bearing surface abuts the first end of the torsion spring at a first abutment point to define a first moment arm distance. A second bearing surface abuts the second end of the torsion spring at a second abutment point to define a second moment arm distance. An adjustment mechanism simultaneously causes relative movement between the torsion spring and the bearing surfaces to simultaneously change the first moment arm distance and the second moment arm distance.