FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure discloses a suspension assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure discloses the suspension assembly having pair of springs disposed concentrically with each other.

BACKGROUND

Generally, several types of vehicles include a suspension assembly operably positioned between one or more wheels of the vehicle and a body of the vehicle. Further, control of the vehicle is improved by the suspension assembly as it absorbs bumps, or any other irregularities experienced by the vehicle while moving/traversing on a surface. The suspension assembly includes a front suspension assembly and a rear suspension assembly. The front suspension assembly is assembled between a front wheel and the body of the vehicle. The rear suspension assembly is assembled between a rear wheel and the body of the vehicle.

Conventionally, the suspension assembly can be a monoshock suspension assembly or and a dual shock suspension assembly. The monoshock suspension assembly includes a single shock absorber while the dual shock suspension assembly has two shock absorbers disposed parallely, on each side of the vehicle. The monoshock suspension assembly is typically mounted in line with a central plane of the vehicle and can be oriented in a several different positions within that plane. Further, the monoshock suspension assembly has advantages, for example, lower weight, consistent tuning, over the dual shock suspension assembly.

The suspension assembly in the vehicle plays an important role in impacting performance of the vehicle as well as for determining comfort of the driver/rider while traversing the vehicle. However, the suspension assembly, disclosed conventionally, installed in the vehicle has disadvantages that the load applied on the suspension system and deformation of a spring of the suspension assembly is equal. This configuration may gradually decrease the life of the suspension assembly as the load/force is experienced by the single spring provided in the suspension assembly. Further, the configuration is not compatible for carrying excess load. Therefore, there is a need to have an overall optimum layout of the suspension assembly which is compatible to take load experienced by the vehicle and also provides an optimal ride at any speed of the vehicle.

Typically, in known arts, a suspension assembly having an air cushion is disclosed. The air cushion changes spring rate by altering pressure of air in the air cushion. However, this configuration has its own disadvantages that the assembly as disclosed is voluminous and requires lot of energy to operate as compressed air pumped and regulated in the air cushion. Further, failure rate of air cushion is higher than failure rate of metal spring used in shock absorber of the suspension assembly.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a suspension assembly in a vehicle having a pair of springs disposed concentrically with each other, which provided optimal riding experience to a rider/driver at any speed of a vehicle while maintaining the life of the pair of springs.

In an embodiment, a suspension assembly for the vehicle, that has, a first damper, a first spring, a second damper, a second spring, a height adjuster, is disclosed. The first damper is mounted to a chassis of the vehicle. The first spring is adapted to be attached to the first damper. The second damper is adapted to be mounted to a suspension arm of the vehicle. The second spring is disposed concentrically outside the first spring and is attached with the second damper. The height adjuster has a mounting plate. The mounting plate comprises a first through hole, a second through hole. The first through hole is adapted to receive a coil of the first spring. The second through hole is adapted to receive a coil of the second spring. The mounting plate is adapted to move axially along a height of the suspension assembly to vary a spring length of each of the first spring and the second spring.

In another embodiment, the vehicle, that has a chassis, a suspension arm, a suspension assembly, is disclosed. The suspension assembly is installed between the chassis and the suspension arm. The suspension assembly comprises a first damper, a first spring, a second damper, a second spring, a height adjuster, is disclosed. The first damper is mounted to a chassis of the vehicle. The first spring is adapted to be attached to the first damper. The second damper is adapted to be mounted to a suspension arm of the vehicle. The second spring is disposed concentrically outside the first spring and is attached with the second damper. The height adjuster has a mounting plate. The mounting plate comprises a first through hole, a second through hole. The first through hole is adapted to receive a coil of the first spring. The second through hole is adapted to receive a coil of the second spring. The mounting plate is adapted to move axially along a height of the suspension assembly to vary a spring length of each of the first spring and the second spring.

According to the present disclosure, the assembly as disclosed vary a spring length of each of the first spring and the second spring through the height adjuster. This ensures optimal riding experience to the rider/driver at any speed of the vehicle as the height adjuster adjust the spring length and accordingly, transfers load between each of the first spring and second spring. This configuration requires less energy to perform the same. This configuration also increases life of the first spring and the second spring. Further, the present configuration is a compact assembly.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1A illustrates an assembled view of a suspension assembly with a wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1B illustrates an assembled view of a suspension assembly with a suspension arm of the wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of the suspension assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2B is a perspective view of the first spring and the second spring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 2C is an exploded view of the height adjuster having mounting plate with grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that as per one embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Figure 1A illustrates an assembled view of the suspension assembly 100 with a wheel 120 of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B illustrates an assembled view of the suspension assembly 100 with a suspension arm 117 of the wheel 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The suspension assembly 100 is installed in the vehicle to absorb force experienced by the vehicle while traversing on bumps or any irregular surfaces. The present disclosure discloses a suspension assembly 100 having a first spring 106 and a second spring 105 for providing optimal riding condition at any speed of the vehicle.

Referring Figure 1A-1B, the suspension assembly 100 is installed between a chassis 101 and a wheel 120 of the vehicle. More precisely, the suspension assembly 100 is installed between a chassis 101 and a suspension arm 117 of the wheel 120 of the vehicle. In one implementation, the suspension assembly 100 includes a first damper 107, the first spring 106, a second damper 104, the second spring 105, a height adjuster 119. The first damper 107 is mounted to the chassis 101 of the vehicle. Further, the first spring 106 is attached to the first damper 107 of the suspension assembly 100, where the first spring 106 has a predetermined spring rate. On the other hand, the second damper 104 is mounted to a suspension arm 117 of the vehicle. Further, the second spring 105 is disposed concentrically outside the first spring 106 and is attached with the second damper 104. The second spring 105 has a predetermined spring strength different from the first spring 106. The height adjuster 119 is installed around the first spring 106 and the second spring 105 to vary a spring length, of each of the first spring 106 and the second spring 105. The spring length is defined as an actual length of the spring without any sort of load or force being placed on the spring,

Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of the suspension assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a perspective view of the first spring 106 and the second spring 105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2C is an exploded view of the height adjuster 119 having mounting plate 211 with grooves 218, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figure 2A-2B, the height adjuster 119 has the mounting plate 211, a housing 203, a plurality of electromagnets 214, a plurality of magnets 208. Further, the mounting plate 211 has a first through hole 216 and a second through hole 215. Furthermore, the first through hole 216 receives a coil of the first spring 106. More precisely, the first spring 106 includes a first end 106A and a second end 106B. The first end 106A is attached with the first damper 107. The second end 106B, opposite to the first end 106A, is guided through the first through hole 216 of the mounting plate 211. Further, the second end 106B of the first spring 106 is supported by a first elastic member 213 on the second damper 104. This configuration restricts lateral vibration in the first spring 106 and prevent resonance, unintended interference in the suspension assembly 100.

Similarly, the second spring 105 comprises of a first end 105A and a second end 105B. The second end 105B is attached with the second damper 104. The first end 105A, opposite to the second end 105B, is guided through the second through hole 215 of the mounting plate 211. Further, the first end 105A of the second spring 105 is supported by a second elastic member 212 on the first damper 107. This configuration restricts lateral vibration in the second spring 105 and prevent resonance, unintended interference in the suspension assembly 100.

In one example, the first through hole 216 and the second through hole 215 are helical through holes which confirms with a profile of the coil of the first spring 106 and the second spring 105 respectively. The coil of the first spring 106 is guided by the first through hole 216 in such a manner that a portion of the coil is fixed inside the first through hole 216, where the mounting plate 211 act as an intermediate end of the first spring 106. Similarly, the coil of the second spring 105 is guided by the second through hole 215 in such a manner that a portion of the coil is fixed inside the second through hole 215, where the mounting plate 211 act as an intermediate end of the second spring 105. This configuration ensures that the first spring 106 and the second spring 105 forms a lead screw mechanism with the mounting plate 111.

Further, when the load is experienced by the suspension assembly 100 of the vehicle due to a pothole or a speed breaker, the load is transmitted from wheel 120 to the suspension arm 117 and finally to the mounting plate 211, the first spring 106, and the second spring 105. Further, the coil of the second spring 105 inside the second through hole 215 is unaffected by the load experienced by the second spring 105, hence, the effective spring length of the second spring 105 which can undergo compression and expansion is L1, i.e., between the second end 105B and the mounting plate 211.

Similarly, the coil of the first spring 106 inside the first through hole 216 is unaffected by the load experienced by the first spring 106, hence, the effective spring length of the first spring 106 which can undergo compression and expansion is L2, i.e., between the first end 106A and the mounting plate 211. In one implementation, the effective length L2 of the first spring 106 and the effective length L1 of the second spring 105 can be adjusted before beginning of the travel of the vehicle. In another implementation, the effective length L2 of the first spring 106 and the effective length L1 of the second spring 105 can be adjusted as the vehicle is travelling.

Further, now, the load experienced by the suspension assembly 100 is directly transferred from the suspension arm 117 to the mounting plate 211 through the second spring 105. The mounting plate 211 is static in nature, as the mounting plate 211 is attached to the chassis 101 through the first spring 106. Thus, while experiencing the load from the suspension arm 117, the second spring 105 is compressed/deforms as per the predetermined spring rate of the second spring 105 and till the effective spring length L1 of the second spring 105. Further, the mounting plate 211 moves axially along with the deformed second spring 105 in the suspension assembly 100, increasing the effective length L1 of the second spring 105 and decreasing the effective length L2 of the first spring 106. Accordingly, the first spring 106 compresses as per effective spring length L2 of the first spring 106. This results in variation of the effective spring length L1, L2 of the second spring 105 and the first spring 106, respectively. This leads to transfer of load from the second spring 105 to the mounting plate 211 and from the mounting pate 211 to the chassis 101 of the vehicle, leading to optimal transfer of the load in the suspension assembly 100.

According to the present disclosure, more precisely, the mounting plate 211 moves axially (as shown with arrow) along a height of the suspension assembly 100, to vary spring length (effective spring length) L2 and L1 of the first spring 106 and the second spring 105 respectively to vary the amount of load the suspension assembly 100 can take. In other words, the mounting plate 211 can move axially to the suspension assembly 100 either stiff or soft. More precisely, the movement in the mounting plate 211 to vary spring length (effective spring length) of each of the first spring 106 and the second spring 105 is effected by magnetic forces applied by the height adjuster 119.

Referring now to Figure 2A, the housing 203 of the height adjuster 119 is installed concentrically around the mounting plate 211. The plurality of electromagnets 214 is housed in the housing 203 making it as the stator. In one example, the housing 203 is made up of nonferrous material. On the other hand, the plurality of magnets 208 is installed circumferentially on a periphery of the mounting plate 211, making it as the rotor. In one example, upon energising the electromagnets, the resultant magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnets on the mounting plate 211 causing it to rotate. As the mounting plate 211 rotates, the coils provided in their respective through holes cause the mounting plate 211 to move axially along the height of the suspension assembly 100.

Further, the housing 203, acting as a stator, has plurality of slots 110 to hold a guide member 102. The guide member 102 is attached with the chassis 101 of the vehicle. The guide member 102 restricts rotation of the housing 203 and provides axial movement to the housing 203. Thus, the mounting plate 211 along with the housing 203 travels axially to vary the spring length L2, L1 of the first spring 106 and the second spring 105 respectively to provide optimal ride at any speed of the vehicle. In an example, rotation of the mounting plate 211 in clockwise direction makes the mounting plate 211 to move in one direction which reduces the effective length L2 of the first spring 106 while increasing the effective length L1 of the second spring 105. Similarly, when the mounting plate 211 rotates in anti-clockwise direction, then effective length L2 of the first spring 106 increases while decreasing the effecting length L1 of the second spring 105.

As described in previous paragraphs, the mounting plate 211 moves axially along the height of the suspension assembly 100 upon actuation of the plurality of electromagnets 214. In one implementation, the mounting plate 211 moves axially along the height of the suspension assembly 100 to vary effective length L2 of the first spring 106 and the effective length L1 of the second spring 105 to transfer the load from the second spring 105 to the first spring 106. More precisely, the mounting plate 211 having the first through hole 216 and the second through holes 215 acts like a nut and profile of the first spring 106 and the second spring 105 act as a thread of a bolt. Accordingly, the rotation of the mounting pate 211 causes the mounting plate 211 to move axially along the height of the suspension assembly 100 varying the effective spring length L2 of the first spring 106 and effective spring length L1 of the second spring 105 to transfer the load from the second spring 105 to the first spring 106 and maintaining the optimal load in the suspension assembly 100.

Similarly, the mounting plate 211 having the first through hole 216 and the second through holes 215 acts like a nut and profile of the first spring 106 and the second spring 105 act as a thread of a bolt. So, the rotation of the mounting pate 211, move the mounting plate 211 axially along the height of the suspension assembly 100 varying the effective spring length L1 of the second spring 105 and effective spring length L2 of the first spring 106 to transfer the load from the first spring 106 to the second spring 105 and maintaining the optimal load in the suspension assembly 100.

In one implementation, the effective length of the first spring 106 and the second spring 107b is same and equal to spring length between the suspension arm 117 and the chassis 101. Thus, the force from the suspension arm 117 is transferred to the chassis 101 of the vehicle.

Further, referring to Figure 2C, the suspension assembly has a seal member 109 mounted over the mounting plate 111 to seal a groove 118 provided in the mounting plate 111 for lubricating oil. The lubricating oil lubricates the first through hole 216 and the second through hole 215 so that minimum friction is experienced between the through holes 215, 216 and the coils of the springs 105, 106. Further, the seal member 109 prevents the leaking of the lubricating oil.

As would be gathered, the suspension assembly 100 of the present disclosure offer a comprehensive approach for transferring load from one spring to another spring of the suspension assembly 100. This configuration ensures optimal riding of the vehicle at any speed. The configuration as disclosed is a compact and reliable assembly with variable spring length which provides a flexibility to adjust spring length while transferring force from the one spring to another ensuring better riding comfort for the rider and also increases life expectancy of the springs. As the effective spring length is adjusted by electromagnetic force, thus this requires less energy for operation.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

We Claims:

1. A suspension assembly (100) for a vehicle, comprising:
a first damper (107) adapted to be mounted to a chassis (101) of the vehicle;
a first spring (106) adapted to be attached to the first damper (107);
a second damper (104) adapted to be mounted to a suspension arm (117) of the vehicle;
a second spring (105) disposed concentrically outside the first spring (106) and is attached with the second damper (104); and
a height adjuster (119) having a mounting plate (211), the mounting plate (211) comprising:
a first through hole (216) adapted to receive a coil of the first spring (106); and
a second through hole (215) adapted to receive a coil of the second spring (105),
wherein the mounting plate (211) is adapted to move axially along a height of the suspension assembly (100) to vary a spring length of each of the first spring (106) and the second spring (105).

2. The suspension assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first through hole (216) and the second through hole (215) are helical through holes.

3. The suspension assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the height adjuster (119) comprising:
a housing (203) installed concentrically around the mounting plate (211);
a plurality of electromagnets (214) housed in the housing (103); and
a plurality of magnets (108) installed circumferentially on a periphery of the mounting plate (211), wherein the mounting plate (211) travels axially upon actuation by the plurality of electromagnets (214).

4. The suspension assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing (203) has a plurality of slots (210) to hold a guide member (102), wherein the guide member (102) is attached with the chassis (101) of the vehicle and adapted to provide axial movement to the housing (203).

5. The suspension assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first spring (106) comprising a first end (106A) attached with the first damper (107) and a second end (106B), opposite to the first end (106A), is guided through the first through hole (216) of the mounting plate (211)

6. The suspension assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second end (106B) of the first spring (106) is supported by a first elastic member (213) on the second damper (104).

7. The suspension assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second spring (105) comprising a second end (105B) attached with the second damper (104) and a first end (105A), opposite to the second end (105B), is guided through the second through hole (215) of the mounting plate (211).

8. The suspension assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first end (105A) of the second spring (105) is supported by a second elastic member (212) on the first damper (107).

9. The suspension assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a seal member (209) to seal a groove (218) provided in the mounting plate (211) for lubricating oil.

10. A vehicle comprising:
a chassis (101);
a suspension arm (117); and
a suspension assembly (100) installed between the chassis (101) and the suspension arm (117), comprising:
a first damper (107) adapted to mounted to the chassis (101) of the vehicle;
a first spring (106) adapted to attach to the first damper (107);
a second damper (104) adapted to mounted to the suspension arm (117) of the vehicle;
a second spring (105) disposed concentrically outside the first spring (106) and is attached with the second damper (104); and
a height adjuster (119) comprising a mounting plate (211), the mounting plate (211) comprising a first through hole (216) adapted to receive a coil of the first spring (106) and a second through hole (215) adapted to receive a coil of the second spring (105), wherein the mounting plate (211) is adapted to move axially along a height of the suspension assembly (100) to vary a spring length of each of the first spring (106) and the second spring (105).