Independent Suspension Leaf Spring Assembly for Large Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of independent front suspension systems in large trucks is challenging due to engine placement, which complicates the installation of independent suspension components, leading to undesirable suspension characteristics where bumps affect the entire front axle and vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An improved independent suspension and steering system for large trucks, featuring a transversely extending leaf spring assembly, knuckle carriers, steering knuckles, and control arms, allowing vertical displacement and damping, with a steering unit that includes a relay rod, tie rods, and steering gears to manage wheel movement and steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rigid axle suspension system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but bumps affect the entire front axle and vehicle causing poor suspension characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid axle is divided into two independent suspension assemblies, each handling one wheel independently. The knuckle carriers are separated and can move vertically relative to the chassis, allowing each wheel to respond to road irregularities independently while maintaining overall structural integrity through the chassis frame.
2Reliability
If independent front suspension components are installed, then suspension performance improves, but engine placement complicates installation due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension components are arranged in a vertical dimension rather than horizontal, with the engine positioned between the chassis frame members and the suspension components located above the engine in the vertical space. This dimensional reorganization allows independent suspension components to be installed without horizontal space conflicts with the engine.
3Ease of operation
If the knuckle carriers are vertically moveably mounted, then vertical movement is dampened improving ride quality, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring assembly's physical parameters (length, thickness, material properties) are optimized to provide the required damping characteristics. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the leaf springs achieve the desired vertical movement damping without requiring additional complex damping mechanisms.
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 system enables effective independent suspension and steering for large trucks, improving load capacity and reducing the impact of road irregularities on the vehicle, allowing for better handling and stability by isolating wheel movement and maintaining constant wheel orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a transversely extending leaf spring assembly... each of the opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly being pivotally coupled with a respective one of the knuckle carriers whereby vertical movement of the knuckle carriers is dampened
Data Source
AI summary
An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.