The role of leaf springs in automobiles

One end of the leaf spring is articulated with the frame, which transmits various forces and moments and determines the runout trajectory of the wheel. At the same time, it also has a certain friction damping effect. It is not only an elastic element of the suspension, but also a guide to the suspension. Leaf springs are still widely used in various automobiles.

It consists of multiple steel plates of varying lengths and curvatures. After installation, the ends naturally bend upwards. When the impact of the road surface is transmitted to the wheels, the steel plate will deform, which acts as cushioning and damping vibration. When it is arranged vertically, it also plays the role of guiding and transmitting force. Most non-independent suspensions use leaf springs as elastic elements, eliminate guides and shock absorbers, and are structurally simple.

Leaf springs are the most widely used elastic element in automotive suspensions. It is an elastic beam with approximately equal strength, consisting of several alloy spring plates of equal width but unequal length (thickness can be equal or unequal). When leaf springs are installed in a car suspension and the vertical load they are subjected to is positive, each spring plate is deformed by force and tends to arch upward. At this point, the axles and racks are close to each other. When the axle and frame are far apart, the forward vertical load and deformation of the leaf spring will gradually decrease, sometimes even in reverse. The main lifting lug is severely stressed and the strength is weak. To improve the stress state of the main lug, the end of the second lug is usually bent into a lug and wrapped around the outside of the main lug, called a wrapped lug. In order for each workpiece to slide relative during elastic deformation, a large gap is left between the roller lugs of the main workpiece and the lugs of the second workpiece. In some suspensions, instead of making rolling lugs at both ends, leaf springs use other support connection methods, such as rubber support pads. Flat rectangular steel plates have a curved shape. The chassis consists of several springs. One end is mounted on the hanger with a pin, and the other end is connected to the main beam with lifting lugs so that the spring can be retracted.

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