Vehicle Wheel Suspension Link Segmentation for Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel suspensions for vehicle front axles are inadequate in crash performance, particularly in small overlap crash tests, where the front wheel can intrude into the passenger's foot space due to insufficient energy absorption and distribution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional element between two-point links to form a block configuration during a crash, which enhances the support base and absorbs more crash energy, mimicking the behavior of a three-point link, thereby preventing wheel intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two-point links are used in the wheel suspension, then the configuration freedom of wheel suspension kinematics is improved, but the crash performance deteriorates due to insufficient energy absorption and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The link is segmented into two distinct parts: a first link connecting the wheel carrier to the vehicle body, and a second link connecting the first link to the vehicle body. This segmentation allows each link to be optimized for specific functions - the first link for kinematic configuration and the second link for crash energy absorption, thereby resolving the contradiction between configuration freedom and crash performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The second link acts as an intermediary element between the first link and the vehicle body. During a crash, this intermediary link absorbs and distributes impact forces, protecting the wheel carrier and passenger compartment while allowing the first link to maintain its kinematic function. The intermediary second link thus enables both configuration freedom and improved crash performance.
2Reliability
If a three-point link is used to improve crash performance with a larger support base, then the crash performance is improved, but the configuration freedom of wheel suspension kinematics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single three-point link that would constrain kinematics, the solution segments the link into two separate links. The first link provides the necessary support base for crash performance, while the second link adds an extra degree of freedom that preserves kinematic configuration flexibility. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between crash performance and configuration freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-link configuration introduces dynamic adaptability to the suspension system. During normal operation, the links can move relative to each other, providing configuration freedom. During a crash, the links work together to form a stable support structure, dynamically adapting to the loading conditions and thus achieving both configuration freedom and crash performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the transverse link is designed to break off at its bearing point during a crash, then the wheel pivoting movement is achieved to prevent intrusion, but the energy absorption capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second link is designed as a sacrificial element that is pre-positioned to absorb crash energy before the first link breaks off. This preliminary action of energy absorption by the second link reduces the impact forces, allowing the first link to break off more cleanly and achieve the wheel pivoting movement more effectively, thus resolving the contradiction between intrusion prevention and energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The second link serves as a beforehand cushioning element that absorbs and dissipates crash energy prior to the main break-off event of the first link. This prior cushioning effect protects the vehicle body and passenger compartment from excessive forces while still enabling the necessary wheel pivoting movement, thus achieving both intrusion prevention and energy absorption.
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 solution significantly improves crash performance by redirecting crash energy into the vehicle body, preventing wheel intrusion and enhancing passenger safety by shifting the wheel outside the vehicle during a collision.
Implementation Method 1
absorbs more crash energy
Implementation Method 2
joined together in a force-transmitting manner
Implementation Method 3
the first and second links are mutually supported in the event of a crash
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel suspension for a vehicle axle, in particular a front axle, of a two-track vehicle, having a wheel carrier carrying a vehicle wheel, this carrier being linked via a link assembly to a vehicle body, which link assembly has at least two links that are linked to the wheel carrier at bearing points on the side of the wheel carrier and to the vehicle body at bearing points on the body side. In the event of a head-on collision, in particular with a small lateral overlap, the vehicle wheel can be shifted rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and specifically with a pivoting movement of the crash-facing first link and with deformation of the crash-remote second link.