, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a suspension assembly for a vehicle. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose a damper used for mounting a coil spring in the suspension assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Suspension and its components form a crucial role in the movement of a vehicle. A vehicle in motion tends to receive undue vibrations due to the contact of wheels on undulations arising from surfaces of the road. Suspension systems come in various forms and requirement based on the application use of the vehicle. As an example, light utility vehicles like cars, are equipped with softer suspension in order to provide effective traction of the wheels and comfort to the passengers. Heavy transport vehicles such as pick-up trucks, semi-trucks, tipper trucks which are used to carry heavier loads may be equipped with stiffer suspension systems.

Various types of suspension systems are mounted to the vehicle, based on the configuration and requirement. One such configuration of the suspension systems are coil spring suspension systems. The coil spring suspensions are commonly used in light utility vehicles like passenger cars, multi utility vehicles and sport utility vehicle. The coil spring suspension includes a helical spring where, one end of the spring is fixed to the bottom metallic spring seat, while the other end is fixed to the top spring seat. When the vehicle experiences an undulation, the load is transferred from the axle of the vehicle to the helical spring. The helical spring attenuates the undulations due to its deflection, thereby cancelling out the shock received from the axle of the vehicle. The helical spring suspension systems are calibrated such that, they are capable of supporting a predetermined load that the vehicle can carry.

Conventional helical spring suspension system arrangement involves, connecting one end of the spring directly on to the metallic spring seat. Further, the spring may be oriented to the pre-defined angle on the spring seat using some reference points. One such reference point may include paint marks marked on the spring turns and the spring SEAT. During operation of the spring under loading conditions, the end of the spring rubs against the surface of the spring seat hence, resulting in creaking noise which thereby, offers an uncomfortable riding dynamic to the passenger. Further, excessive loading on the suspension system may cause fouling of the spring which, may result in rupture of the spring. Rupture of coil spring renders the vehicle to lean on the ruptured suspension side, disabling the vehicle. Such rupturing of the leaf spring member, may cause accidents and in other cases capsizes the vehicle carrying the load. Another disadvantage of conventional spring suspension system is that, it involves tedious process for mounting the coil with required orientation onto the metallic spring seat.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above and any other limitations associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a damper for mounting a coil spring in a suspension system of a vehicle is disclosed. The damper comprises of a base member defined with a hole to accommodate an external hub of a spring seat. Further, the damper comprises a seating portion defined on at least a portion of the base member along the circumference of the hole, for accommodating at least a portion of a turn of the coil spring. Additionally, the damper comprises a protrusion extending on at least a portion of a remaining portion of the base member such that end face of the protrusion is configures to act as a stopper for the coil spring. The seating portion and the protrusion is configured to orient the spring in a predetermined angle on the spring SEAT.

In an embodiment, a plurality of pips are provided on the end face of the protrusion to dampen the contact between the coil spring and the end face of the protrusion.

In an embodiment, the seating portion is defined with a depth decreasing from the first end to a second end

In an embodiment, the damper comprises supporting hub defined along a circumference of the hole.

In an embodiment, the damper comprises a LUG extending from a bottom portion of a base member, the LUG is adapted to reside in a provision in the spring seat. Further, the LUG comprises a locking member for securing the base member with the spring seat.

In an embodiment, the predetermined angle of orientation of the coil spring ranges from about 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the angle between a bisecting point of horizontal axis of the spring seat and the contact point of the coil spring with the end face.

In an embodiment, the protrusion extends from the second end of the seating portion to the first end of the seating portion on the base member. Further, the damper is made of polymeric materials.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an arrangement for mounting a coil spring in a suspension system of a vehicle is disclosed. The arrangement comprises, a spring seat connectable to the frame of the vehicle. A damper positioned with a hole to accommodate an external hub the spring, wherein the damper comprises a seating portion defined along the circumference of the hole for accommodating at least a portion of a turn of the coil spring, a protrusion extending on at least a portion of a remaining portion of the base member. Further, the end face of the protrusion is provisioned to accommodate plurality of pips. Additionally, the seating portion and the protrusion are adapted to orient the coil spring in a predetermined angle.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates perspective view of a damper, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates magnified view of portion A of figure.1.

Figure. 3 illustrates bottom perspective view of a damper of figure.1.

Figure. 4 illustrates top view of the spring orientation on the damper, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 5 illustrates perspective view of the arrangement for mounting a coil spring in a suspension system of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a suspension system of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various constructions of the damper used in the suspension system and which may vary from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a damper for mounting a coil spring in a suspension system of the vehicle. Conventionally, the coil spring was mounted directly on to the spring seat, wherein one end of the spring is in direct contact with surface of spring seat. During action of the spring, the spring end rubs against the metallic surface causing a creaking noise. The rubbing action generates heat due to friction and results in wear and tear of the spring. This phenomenon occurring due to the rubbing of the spring end on the surface of spring seat leads to reduction of service life of the spring. Since, eliminating metal to metal contact results in optimizing the service life of the spring, the present disclosure, aims to provide a damper to eliminate metal to metal contact between end of the spring and the spring seat.
Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose, a damper for mounting a spring in a suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed. The damper is configured to reside on the spring seat which may be a metallic member. In an embodiment, the damper is configured to support the spring in a particular orientation for efficient performance. The damper is prone to receive a portion of the load or stresses acting on the spring during movement of the vehicle. The damper is provisioned with a seating portion for receiving a portion of turn of a coil spring, and a protrusion extending from one end of the seating portion with gradual increase in its width up to the other end of the seating portion. End of the protrusion is configured as a stopper for the coil the spring. In an embodiment damper is equipped with a locking system for securing the damper on to the spring seat firmly without any displacement of the damper under operation conditions.

The present disclosure also provides a suspension system for a vehicle. The suspension system comprises a bottom spring seat, a damper, a coil spring and a top spring seat. The damper may be mounted on the bottom spring seat and optionally on top spring SEAT, which in turn is residing on the axle of the spring. The damper may be configured to accommodate one end of the spring at a pre-determined orientation for efficient function of the spring.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In the Figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. In the figures vehicle is not illustrated for the purpose of simplicity.
Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates a perspective view of the damper (100) connectable to the spring seat (108) for mounting a spring (109) in a suspension system of the vehicle. The damper (100) comprises a base member (103) defined with a central hole (110) for accommodating within the spring seat (108). The damper (100) may be configured in any geometrical shape including circular, rectangular and the like depending upon the type of suspension system used in the vehicle. The base member (103) is also defined with consist of a seating portion (101) provisioned from the first end (104a) up to the second end (104b) along the circumference of the central hole (110). The seating portion (101) is further defined with a depth gradually decreasing from the first end (104a) up to the second end (104b) on the base member. As an example, the seating portion may be a semi-circular groove formed on the base member (103). In an embodiment, the seating portion may be configured in a substantial portion of the base member (103). Further, the base member (103) may consist a protrusion (111) extending outwardly from the second end (104b) and extending linearly up to the first end (104a) with gradually increase in the width. The damper (100) further includes a supporting hub (102) protruding along the circumference of the hole for firm adherence of the damper (100) with the spring seat (108). The damper (100) may be made of any polymeric material like rubber or composition of rubber with other additives owing to good resilient properties.

Now referring to figure.2 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating magnified view of portion A in figure 1. As shown in Figure.2 the protrusion (111) extends upwardly on the base member (103) from the second end (104b) and up to the first end (104a), such that an end face (111a) of the protrusion adjoins the first end (104a). In an embodiment, the protrusion may be provided only in at least a portion of remaining portion which is not covered by the seating portion (101) on the base member (103). Further, the protrusion (111) is configured such that the width of the protrusion gradually increases from beginning to the end face (111a) in a radial direction of the damper (100). The end face (111a) includes a vertical surface (106) which may be configured as a stopper for the coil spring (109) such that an end of the coil spring may butt onto the vertical surface (106). In an embodiment, the vertical face (106) is provisioned with a plurality of pips (105) or ribs. The pips (105) may be positioned either vertically or horizontally or an any suitable configuration on the vertical face (106) to accommodate one end of the spring, in order to absorb the undulations transferred from the vehicle axle in an efficient and effective manner. Thus, the provision of the plurality of ribs or pips (105) may dampen the contact between the coil spring (109) and the protrusion (111), thereby eliminate the noises or vibrations which may be generated during operation of the vehicle. It is to be noted that, the ribs or pips (105) may be provided in one or more other locations on the base member to dampen the vibrations without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ribs or pips (105) may be made of resilient material such as polymeric, polyurethane, and the like, and may be configured to be softer than the material of the damper (100).
Now referring to figure.3 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates bottom perspective of the damper (100). The damper (100) is configured with a base member (103) having a flat bottom surface which resides on the spring seat (108). The bottom surface may be provided with one or more LUGs (107) protruding therefrom. The one or more LUGs (107) may reside in a provision provided on the spring seat (108). The one or more LUGs (107) may facilitate fastening of the damper on to the spring seat (108). The one or more LUGs (107) may accommodate a lock (107a) which fits into the recess provided on the spring seat (108) for firm adherence of the damper (100). Additionally, the lock (107a) may be provided with plurality of grooves in order to provide flexibility for inserting the lock (107a) in to the recess provided on the spring seat (108).

Figure. 4 illustrates top view of the spring assembly showing orientation of the spring on the spring seat (108). The configuration of the damper (100) allows the spring (109) to achieve optimum orientation angle when the end of the spring (109) is brought in contact with the protrusion (111) for efficient and effective performance. The orientation of the spring is defined by the angle between the horizontal axis (A-A) and an imaginary line (B-B) passing through the contact point of the spring end with the protrusion (111). This orientation may be within a range of 25 degrees to 35 degrees for effective performance of the spring under loading conditions. As an example, the angle of orientation of the spring may be 30 degrees on the spring seat (108).

Now referring to figure.5 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates the perspective view of an arrangement (500) for mounting a coil spring in a suspension system. The arrangement (500), comprises of a spring seat (108) which may be connected to frame of the vehicle or an axle of the vehicle. The spring seat (108) may be a metallic member and is configured to accommodate a damper (100). The spring seat (108) may include an external hub (108a) in a substantially centre portion. In an embodiment, the external hub may be circular in shape and extends upwardly on the spring seat (108). The damper (100) comprises a base member (103) with a central hole (110) which accommodates the external hub (108a). The coil spring (109) may be positioned on the damper (100) such that, at least a portion of one turn of the coil spring resides in the seating portion (101) defined on the base member (103) of the damper. Also, an end of the coil spring (109) is adapted to butt to vertical surface of the protrusion (111) provided on the base member (103) of the damper (100). The damper (100) is configured such that the coil spring (109) may be fixed from only one side, thereby facilitating poka-yoke fitment. The seating portion (101) on the base member (103) is defined with a depth gradually decreasing from the first end (104a) up to the second end (104b), such that the coil spring is elevated from the end, and thereby maintains the coil spring in a predetermined angle of orientation. As an example, the predetermined angle of orientation may be 30 degrees. As shown in FIG. 5, the spring (109) is mounted on the damper (100) such that, the end of the spring is brought in contact with pips (105) provided on an end face (111a) of the protrusion so that the pips (105) absorb the stresses or loads acting on the spring (109) during undulations of the vehicle. This eliminates any noises which may be generated due to contact of spring (109) with the protrusion (111).

Now referring to figure.6 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates the perspective view of the complete suspension system (600) which may be employed in a vehicle as front or as a rear suspension. The suspension system (600) comprises an axle (112) which is a platform for accommodating spring seat (108), and all other components in the suspension system. The spring seat (108) is configured to accommodate the damper (100) on to which the spring (109) is mounted. The spring (109) is oriented at an optimum angle for efficient performance of the spring (109). When the vehicle is in motion the undulations on the roads may be transferred on to the axle (112), which in turn are transferred on to the spring (109). The spring (109) being a resilient member absorb the stresses and loads and regains its properties. Additionally, the damper (100) provided below the spring absorbs some portion of stresses acting on the spring (109), thus eliminates the chances of spring failure and improves the life of the spring. As shown in the Figure. 6, the suspension system (600) may include two coil springs (109) and two arrangements (500) for mounting the coil springs (109) among other components.

It is to be noted that, the figures illustrate the use of damper in the bottom spring seat of the suspension system. However, the same should not be considered as limitation. One can provide the damper on top spring seat or between any two metallic components in the suspension system without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the damper used for mounting the coil spring in a suspension system of vehicle is simple in construction and may be retro-fitted.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the damper used for mounting the coil spring in a suspension system of vehicle orients the spring in predetermined angle thereby ensures optimum efficiency of spring.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the damper used for mounting the coil spring in a suspension system of vehicle prevents metal to metal and metal to hard surface contact, and thereby eliminates the noise, vibration is the vehicle.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerals:
Referral numeral Description
100 Damper
101 Seating provision
102 Supporting hub
103 Base member
104a First end of seating provision
104b Second end of seating provision
105 Pips
106 Stopper
107 LUG
107a Lock
108 Spring seat
108a External hub
109 Coil spring
110 Central hole
111 Protrusion
111a End face
112 Axle
500 Arrangement
600 Suspension system
A-A Horizontal axis
B-B Imaginary line
Claims:1. A damper (100) for mounting a coil spring (109) in a suspension system (600) of a vehicle, the damper (100) comprising:
a base member (103) defined with a hole (110) to accommodate an external hub (108a) of a spring seat (108);
a seating portion (101) defined on at least a portion of the base member (103) along a circumference of the hole (110), the seating portion (101) accommodates at least a portion of a turn of the coil spring (109); and
a protrusion (111) extending on at least portion of a remaining portion of the base member (103), wherein an end face (111a) of the protrusion (111) adjoins a first end (104a) of the seating portion (101) such that the end face (111a) of the protrusion (111) acts as a stopper for the coil spring (109);
wherein, the seating portion (101) and the protrusion (111) are adapted to orient the coil spring (109) on the spring seat (108) in a predetermined angle.
2. The damper (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a plurality of pips (105) on the end face (111a) of the protrusion (111) to dampen the contact between the coil spring (109) and the end face (111a) of the protrusion (111).

3. The damper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seating portion (101) is defined with a depth gradually decreasing from the first end (104a) to a second end (104b).

4. The damper (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a supporting hub (102) defined along a circumference of the hole (110).

5. The damper (100 as claimed in claim 1, comprises a LUG (107) extending from a bottom portion (103a) of the base member (103), wherein the LUG (107) is adapted to reside in a provision in the spring seat (108).

6. The damper (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the LUG (107) comprises a locking member (107a) for securing the base member (103) with the spring seat (108).

7. The damper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle of orientation of the coil spring (109) ranges from about 25 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the angle between a bisecting point of horizontal axis (A-A) of the spring seat (108) and an imaginary line (B-B) passing through the contact point of the coil spring (109) with the end face (111a).

8. The damper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protrusion (111) extends from the second end (104b) of the seating portion (101) to the first end (104a) of the seating portion (101) on the base member (103).

9. The damper (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein width of the protrusion (111) gradually increases from the second end of the seating portion (108) to the first end (104a) of the seating portion (101).

10. The damper (100) as claimed in claim 1 is made of a polymeric material.

11. An arrangement (500) for mounting a coil spring (109) in a suspension system (600) of the vehicle, the arrangement (500) comprising:
a spring seat (108) connectable to a frame of the vehicle; and
a damper (100) positioned on the spring seat (108), the damper (100) comprising:
a base member (103) defined with a hole (110) to accommodate an external hub (108a) of a spring seat (108);
a seating portion (101) defined on at least a portion of the base member (103) along a circumference of the hole (110), the seating portion (101) accommodates at least a portion of a turn of the coil spring (109); and
a protrusion (111) extending on at least portion of a remaining portion of the base member (103), wherein an end face (111a) of the protrusion (111) adjoins a first end (104a) of the seating portion (101) such that the end face (111a) of the protrusion (111) acts as a stopper for the coil spring (109);
wherein, the seating portion (101) and the protrusion (111) are adapted to orient the coil spring (109) on the spring seat (108) in a predetermined angle; and fff ffff a plurality of pips (105) provided on the end face of the protrusion to dampen the contact between the coil spring (109) and the end face of the protrusion (111).

12. A vehicle comprising an arrangement for mounting a coil spring in a suspension system as claimed in claim 11.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a suspension assembly for a vehicle. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose a damper used for mounting a coil spring in the suspension assembly of the vehicle.