Variable Spring Rate Truck Suspension Weight Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of vehicle customization leads to increased manufacturing costs and inventory complexity due to varying power requirements across different vehicle models, necessitating a solution for efficient motor distribution and suspension systems that can adapt to different traction needs.
Innovation Solution
A truck assembly with a first spring system having a non-linear effective spring rate and a second spring system with a linear effective spring rate, allowing dynamic weight distribution between powered and un-powered axles, enabling improved traction and ride quality by selectively adjusting the suspension mode based on operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motors are distributed among all axles to improve wheel traction, then traction performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and inventory complexity increase due to varying power requirements across different vehicle models
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a suspension mechanism and a weight transfer mechanism. By making the suspension system multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate traction control devices, thereby improving wheel traction without adding component complexity or increasing inventory variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system dynamically adjusts weight distribution between axles based on operating conditions. Through variable spring rates and adjustable suspension characteristics, the system can shift weight to powered axles when traction is needed, providing adaptive traction control without requiring different motor configurations for different vehicle models.
2Ease of manufacture
If a linear spring system is used for suspension, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but traction performance during high power demands is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable spring rates that change based on suspension deflection or operating conditions. By changing the spring rate parameter from constant (linear) to variable (non-linear), the system maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the necessary weight transfer characteristics for improved traction performance during high power demands.
3Reliability
If weight is transferred to powered axles for improved traction, then wheel traction is enhanced, but stress on the vehicle frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system dynamically controls weight transfer to match actual traction demands. By adjusting suspension characteristics in real-time, the system transfers weight to powered axles only when needed, avoiding excessive or unnecessary weight transfer that would increase frame stress, thereby maintaining an optimal balance between traction enhancement and frame load management.
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 allows for enhanced traction during increased power demands while maintaining a smoother ride at higher speeds, reducing stress on the frame and enabling the use of motors of similar power ratings across different locomotive models.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring system that couples a first axle carrier to a truck frame element, and a second spring system that couples a second axle carrier to the truck frame element, wherein the first spring system has a substantially non-linear effective spring rate, and the second spring system has a substantially linear effective spring rate
Data Source
AI summary
Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate.