Vehicle with an improved suspension system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for heavy or commercial vehicles equipped with electric traction modules are inadequate due to increased volume and oscillating mass, which compromises their mechanical performance.
Innovation Solution
A compact and optimized suspension system design featuring an independent arrangement between wheel hubs, utilizing a metal elastic cross member with damping elements and connecting structures to maintain mechanical properties, allowing for efficient energy exchange and damping of road forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric traction modules are added to heavy vehicles, then energy efficiency and emissions are improved, but the volume around the frame and oscillating mass increase, degrading suspension performance
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into independent suspension units for each wheel hub, with each unit containing its own damping elements and elastic cross member. This segmentation allows the suspension to be optimized for each wheel independently, accommodating the increased mass from electric traction modules while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system employs elastic cross members with controlled elasticity and damping elements that can dynamically adjust to varying loads and road conditions. The elastic cross member (7) in each suspension unit provides dynamic response to oscillations, adapting to the increased oscillating mass from electric motors and batteries.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electric batteries are placed near electric machines, then energy exchange efficiency is improved, but the volume around the frame increases, compromising suspension design
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system utilizes the vertical dimension with elastic cross members extending vertically from the frame, and the independent suspension units are arranged to optimize space utilization. This dimensional approach allows accommodation of increased volume requirements for battery modules near electric machines without compromising horizontal space or suspension performance.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact suspension design is implemented, then space utilization is improved, but the mechanical properties and suspension capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system employs elastic cross members made from materials with optimized mechanical properties, combining strength and flexibility. The damping elements are designed with composite structures that provide both structural integrity and damping capability, maintaining mechanical properties while achieving compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each suspension unit is designed with locally optimized components, where the elastic cross member (7) and damping elements are specifically configured for their local functional requirements. This allows compact design in non-critical areas while maintaining full mechanical properties in load-bearing regions.
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 suspension system effectively dampens vertical, transverse, and longitudinal movements while maintaining excellent mechanical properties, accommodating electric traction modules and ensuring high suspension capacity, versatility, and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a metal elastic cross member (7)
Implementation Method 2
equipped with damping elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
Suspension system (1) of a vehicle configured to connect at least one electric traction module (2; M) to a frame (3) of the vehicle, the vehicle extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and the electric traction module (2; M) being placed along a transverse axis (B) inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (A), the suspension system (1) comprising for each left and right side: a support element (7) comprising a front portion and a rear portion (7a, 7b) each operatively connected to the frame (3) and an intermediate portion (7c) comprised between the latter; a damping unit (8), a pair of longitudinal retaining elements (15, 17) and a transverse retaining element (18) operatively interposed between the support element (7) and the frame (3); the suspension system (1) comprising a stabilizer bar (29) which is operatively interposed between the left and right side.