Tunable Compact Spring Aid for Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension systems for vehicles and equipment lack tunability, compactness, and configurability, which limits their ability to effectively manage varying loads and movements.
Innovation Solution
A highly tunable and compact suspension element, referred to as a spring aid, featuring a compliant tower with rings and window frames, a core, and a movable rod, which can be integrated into existing suspension systems to enhance damping and compliance without requiring additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suspension systems are used, then they provide basic suspension function, but they lack tunability and configurability for varying loads and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tower structure compliant rather than rigid, allowing it to deform and adapt to varying loads. The window frames are designed with specific geometries that enable controlled compliance in different directions, providing tunable suspension characteristics without requiring multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the window frames (angles, lengths, shapes) to tune the suspension characteristics. By adjusting these parameters during design, the same basic structure can be adapted to different load conditions and movement requirements, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If damping and compliance are enhanced through additional components, then performance is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damping function into the tower structure itself by designing the window frames to provide compliant behavior. Instead of adding separate dampers and springs, the tower's geometric configuration inherently provides both structural support and damping, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible geometric configurations in the window frames that act as compliant elements. These thin-walled structures provide damping and compliance through their geometry rather than through bulky mechanical components, achieving reliable damping performance within compact dimensions
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 element provides improved damping and compliance, allowing for tailored performance across different applications, including vehicles, industrial equipment, and buildings, by adjusting to various loads and movements while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A compliant tower 22, which may be formed from a compliant material including, without limitation: rubber or urethane
Data Source
AI summary
A spring aid for a vehicle suspension includes a compliant tower attachable to elements undergoing suspension travel. The tower defines an axis of travel or center axis and includes a plurality of rings and a plurality of window frames connecting the rings. The rings are perpendicular to, and spaced along, the axis, and define a cylindrical cavity. The window frames define a plurality of windows between the rings. The suspension element may also include a core, which substantially fills the cylindrical cavity of the compliant tower. A rod may be disposed within the core and movable within the hole of the shelf.