Variable stiffness mechanical leaf spring suspension and a method for adjusting such stiffness

This invention relates to a variable stiffness mechanical leaf spring suspension, in which between the main leaf (1) and the counter leaf (2) there are expandable pads (3) that slide lengthwise between such leaves. The purpose of the expandable pads is to create contact between portions of variable lengths of the main leaf and the counter leaf, thus determining a continuous variation of the overall stiffness of the suspension. The expandable pads are connected to an actuator (5) that is hinged at the leaf mid-point (4), which causes the pads to slide between the leaves.