Twist-Beam Axle Bushing Mounting for Stiff Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems, particularly those with twist-beam axles, face challenges such as restricted mounting of the main bearing due to the need for free space and the heaviness of Watt linkage holders, which limits the stiffness and positioning of the suspension components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a mounting device on the trailing arm with a bushing and connecting element that allows for a stiffer body connection, higher bushing positioning, and a more compact, lighter Watt linkage holder, along with a torsionally soft cross brace and strategically placed spring absorber devices to enhance stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the main bearing is mounted higher in the vehicle body, then the spring suspension is improved, but the free space requirement restricts the mounting position
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing's longitudinal axis is oriented horizontally rather than vertically, changing the mounting dimension from vertical to horizontal. This allows the bushing to be positioned higher in the vehicle body without requiring additional vertical free space, as it extends horizontally from the vehicle body instead
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid Watt linkage holder is used, then the Watt linkage is stable, but the holder becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire Watt linkage holder rigid and heavy, the patent applies local reinforcement only where needed - specifically adding reinforcing ribs to the holder in critical areas. This provides the necessary stability for Watt linkage operation while minimizing the overall weight and complexity of the holder structure
3Ease of operation
If the bushing is positioned higher in the vehicle body, then lateral force understeer is reduced, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the bushing higher in the vehicle body to reduce lateral force understeer, provides a stable mounting structure through the holder and reinforcing ribs, and enables horizontal orientation of the bushing axis. By integrating these functions into a single mounting device assembly, the patent achieves the performance benefits without proportionally increasing complexity
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 reduces lateral force understeer, allows for improved spring suspension, and achieves a stiffer, lighter body structure while maintaining comfort and reducing noise transfer, thereby enhancing the vehicle's handling and loading capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing is fastened to a holder, which can be connected to the vehicle body, and the bushing with its longitudinal axis is arranged in a horizontal vehicle plane
Implementation Method 2
strategically placed spring absorber devices to enhance stability and comfort
Implementation Method 3
torsionally soft cross brace
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension is provided for a vehicle axle, with a twist-beam axle having two trailing arms interconnected via a cross brace, of which each trailing arm comprises a mounting device for the rotatable fastening of the twist-beam axle to a vehicle body, which includes, but is not limited to a bushing and a connecting element, which is formed on the trailing arm and in which the bushing is received such that the twist-beam axle can be pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the bushing. The bushing is fastened to a holder, which can be connected to the vehicle body, and the bushing with its longitudinal axis is arranged in a horizontal vehicle plane.