Lower vehicle weight
A lightweight spring can reduce vehicle mass and leave more payload allowance.
Application & Value
GFRP Leaf Spring
Combine spring function and low mass in a load-bearing component.
Challenge
A vehicle spring must carry loads and deform repeatedly in a controlled way. Spring response, available space and cyclic loading must work together. The spring itself also contributes to vehicle weight.
Solution approach
A glass-fibre composite leaf spring uses elastic bending to absorb and release energy. Geometry and composite structure together determine its spring response. The attachments transfer forces to the chassis, making the spring part of the axle system.
The benefits
Tailored spring response
Elastic deformation can be tailored to loads and the intended suspension response.
Support and spring action
The load-bearing structure also provides the spring action. Value comes from combining these functions.
What could this mean for your product?
A composite structure can be designed for controlled flexibility. In spring components, deformation is part of the function. For other applications, this raises the question of whether a load-bearing part could also provide elastic motion or energy storage.
Value Drivers
Related applications
Every application has different requirements.
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