Wishbone Linkage Suspension for Steering Axle Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems, particularly those with leaf springs, face challenges in reducing weight and complexity while maintaining ride comfort and roll stability, especially in steering axle configurations where packaging constraints and undesirable steering kinetics are issues.
Innovation Solution
A four-point wishbone-shaped linkage suspension system that connects the vehicle chassis to the axle, providing roll stiffness without the need for a stabilizer bar, and is designed to fit within limited packaging spaces, incorporating air springs and shock absorbers for improved handling and ride comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If leaf springs are used to control axle motions, then ride comfort is improved, but weight and complexity of the suspension system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple leaf springs into a single integrated wishbone-shaped linkage component. This merging of functions reduces the total weight of the suspension system while maintaining the necessary ride comfort characteristics through the geometric design of the linkage.
Solution Approach 2:
The wishbone-shaped linkage component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls vertical axle motion, provides roll stability, and manages lateral axle movements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate leaf springs and stabilizer bars, reducing overall system weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If leaf springs are used with a stabilizer bar to improve roll stability, then handling is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wishbone-shaped linkage integrates the roll stability function that would traditionally require a separate stabilizer bar into the main linkage structure. The geometric configuration of the wishbone linkage inherently provides roll resistance, eliminating the need for additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage component simultaneously handles vertical motion control, lateral motion control, and roll stability. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple suspension functions into a single integrated component.
3Weight of moving object
If a torque box configuration is used in steering axle suspension, then weight is reduced, but packaging space constraints and steering kinetics issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The wishbone-shaped linkage uses a triangular geometric configuration that efficiently utilizes three-dimensional space around the steering axle. This dimensional arrangement allows the suspension components to be positioned within available packaging space without interfering with engine compartment components.
4Weight of moving object
If a torque box with compliant bushing arrangement is used, then weight is reduced, but undesirable oversteer effect occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The wishbone-shaped linkage employs an asymmetric geometric configuration with specifically positioned attachment points and linkages. This asymmetric design creates favorable steering kinetics that prevent oversteer effects while maintaining weight reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the linkage system, including link lengths, attachment point positions, and angular relationships. These parameter changes optimize the steering characteristics to eliminate undesirable oversteer while preserving the lightweight advantage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A four-point wishbone-shaped linkage is disclosed for use in a suspension system The wishbone-shaped linkage includes a base and two limbs extending away from the base creating a large mouth open area between the limbs and base The base includes a bar and bushing assembly extending laterally therethrough Also disclosed are suspension systems incorporating the aforementioned linkage The suspension system connects an axle to a vehicle chassis that has a first frame member extending longitudinally on one side of the chassis and a second frame member extending longitudinally on the opposite side of the chassis The first and second frame hangers are mounted to the first and second frame member, respectively A cross member connects the first and second frame hangers In addition to the wishbone-shaped linkage, the suspension system includes first and second air spπngs connected to first and second frame members respectively and to the axle.