Wheel Module Suspension Architecture With Separated Spring Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension architectures for light motor vehicles are heavy and bulky, making them unsuitable for vehicles weighing less than 400 kg and traveling at reduced speeds.
Innovation Solution
A suspension architecture for wheel modules comprising a connecting piece with a bore for the rod, an upper sleeve with a flange for chassis fixation, a shock absorber, and a bellows, where the elastic suspension element is separated from the chassis connection, and a filter block is integrated into the upper sleeve, eliminating the need for a suspension stop and reducing weight and bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a classical suspension architecture with helical spring mounted around the suspension leg is used, then the suspension provides adequate support and vibration filtering, but the system becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the helical spring from the suspension leg assembly and relocates it to be mounted directly on the chassis. This separation removes the unnecessary weight of the spring from the moving suspension components while maintaining its essential function of providing elastic support and vibration filtering for the wheel module.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is segmented into distinct functional components: the chassis-mounted spring assembly and the telescopic shock absorber assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system weight while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a classical suspension architecture with cups forming relative rotation interface is used, then the suspension allows wheel rotation and movement, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex cup-based relative rotation interface from the suspension leg. Instead, the spring is directly mounted to the chassis, eliminating the bulky cup structures while preserving the necessary rotational and movement capabilities through the simplified mounting arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than mounting the spring to the moving suspension leg and allowing rotation at the cup interface, the patent inverts the approach by mounting the spring directly to the fixed chassis. This inversion simplifies the interface requirements and reduces system volume.
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 achieves a lighter and more compact suspension system suitable for light vehicles, reducing weight and size while maintaining functionality, and allowing for reduced friction and wear during steering.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic suspension element (5) and a telescopic suspension leg (6)
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorber having a rod (7) mounted telescopically in a body (8) associated with the wheel module
Implementation Method 3
a shock absorber having a rod (7) mounted telescopically in a body (8)
Implementation Method 4
a filter block which is disposed in the upper sleeve (17) at the interface between the connecting piece (13) and the wall (14)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a suspension architecture comprising a wheel module, a chassis, an elastic suspension member and a leg comprising a rod (7) mounted telescopically in a body associated with the wheel module, said architecture comprising a connecting piece (13) of the rod (7) to a wall (14) of said chassis, which includes a bore (15) surrounded by a lower skirt (16) and an upper sleeve (17) provided with a flange (22) incorporating means (23) for fixing to the wall (14), said architecture further comprising a filter block (30) disposed in the upper sleeve (17) at the interface between the piece (13) and the wall (14), as well as a shock absorber (25) and a bellows (26) each fixed to the lower skirt (16), the elastic suspension member being dissociated from the piece (13) by being associated between the wheel module and the chassis.