Walking Beam Suspension Linkage for Lower Bushing Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems face inefficiencies in absorbing shocks and vibrations due to high forces applied to elastically deformable members, particularly in under-frame configurations, leading to inadequate damping and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
A walking beam suspension assembly with pivoting linkages and elastically deformable members, incorporating air bags or rubber ride members, which compress and expand relative to a central body surface, and additional pivot points to reduce forces and enhance shock absorption, combined with a snubber assembly to limit excessive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional under-frame suspension configurations are used, then the structure is simple, but high forces are applied to elastically deformable members leading to inadequate damping and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent linkages (first linkage, second linkage, third linkage) that can articulate independently. Each linkage contains elastically deformable members that absorb shocks locally, distributing the force burden and reducing peak forces on individual components while improving overall shock absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkages are designed with pivot points that allow dynamic articulation and rotation during suspension operation. This dynamic movement enables the elastically deformable members to compress and expand in response to varying road conditions, optimizing shock absorption while reducing transmitted forces through the system.
2Force
If additional pivot points and linkages are added to reduce forces, then shock absorption improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple linkages are merged into an integrated assembly where the first, second, and third linkages work together as a coordinated unit. The beam portion serves as a common structural element connecting all linkages, consolidating multiple components into a unified suspension system that achieves force reduction without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable members serve multiple functions: they provide shock absorption, allow articulation between linkages, and accommodate relative movement between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving force reduction.
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 system effectively reduces the forces applied to elastically deformable members by half, providing enhanced shock absorption and vibration damping, while allowing independent articulation of axle members, thus improving ride comfort and reducing wear.
Implementation Method 1
elastically deformable members configured to compress and expand as a linkage rotates about a linkage pivot
Data Source
AI summary
A walking beam suspension assembly may include, but is not limited to: a beam portion including: a central body portion; and at least one mounting bushing disposed through the beam portion; a linkage rotatably coupled to the frame portion via at least one linkage pivot bushing; and one or more elastically deformable members coupled to the linkage and configured to abut the central body portion.