Single fastener strut top mount and method of optimizing same

Abstract

A strut top mount is optimized to provide a resilient response to jounce and rebound load rates that is symmetrical and linear over a predetermined range of travel. An annular tower is formed of the body structure. A central bracket has adhered thereto an outer resilient element that abuts the tower, and has adhered oppositely thereto an inner resilient element. A bearing is supported by the central bracket, and a spring seat is supported by the bearing. A sleeve is received by a strut shaft and adhered to the inner resilient element A lower washer abuts a lower end of the inner resilient element. An upper washer abuts an upper end of the inner resilient element. A retention washer is mounted onto the strut shaft, wherein a periphery thereof has a retention washer resilient element. The components are collectively tuned to provide the optimization.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a MacPherson strut type motor vehicle suspension system, in particular to an upper bearing of a single fastener MacPherson strut. Background technique [0002] Motor vehicle suspension systems are constructed so that the wheels follow changes in height of the road surface as the vehicle travels along the road surface. When a rise in the road surface is encountered, the strut responds with a "jounce", wherein the wheels are able to move upward relative to the vehicle frame. On the other hand, when a drop in the road surface is encountered, the strut responds as a "rebound", wherein the wheels are able to move downward relative to the overall body / frame structure of the vehicle. During up or rebound springs (ie, coil springs, leaf springs, torsion springs, etc.) engage the body structure to provide a resilient response to the corresponding vertical movement of the wheels relative to the vehicle body structure. However, to preve...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, when loaded under the vehicle's own weight, the design height position of the strut upper mount 10 in the prior art varies with the vehicle weight, making it difficult to use this design for multiple vehicle applications (i.e., requiring differentiating each Determination of rubber chemistry or hardness of two inner and outer rubber parts, where the outer rubber part is adjusted relative to the vehicle weight to provide the required retaining washer clearance relative to the strut tower, and the inner rubber part is adjusted to how much the bearing velocity is adjusted)

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