Elastic annular device and application method thereof in vehicle suspension system

Abstract

The invention relates to an elastic annular device. The elastic annular device is provided with a slit penetrating in the radial direction. The slit is configured such that: when an external force is applied to separate its opposite edges, the width of the slit increases, thereby allowing one of a plurality of coils of a coil spring of a vehicle suspension system to enter the central opening of the elastic annular device; the elastic annular device is configured to change at least one characteristic of the coil spring by interacting with the coil spring so that the coil spring cannot reach its maximum amount of compression. The invention also relates to an application method of the elastic annular device in a vehicle suspension system, comprising: applying a force to a slit extending radially through the elastic annular device, separating opposite edges of the slit, passing one of a plurality of coils of a coil spring through the slit and into a central opening of the elastic annular device; the applied force is removed, restoring the opposite edges of the slit to the original position, thereby transitioning the resilient annular device from the open state to the closed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle suspension system, and more specifically, to an elastic ring device and its application method in a vehicle suspension system. Background Technology

[0002] Every car has its own unique suspension system designed to provide a smooth driving experience. When a vehicle is turning or going over a speed bump, the coil springs in the suspension system located on either side of the wheels bear the load. Without coil springs, the driver would experience a bumpy ride, which could be uncomfortable for some.

[0003] Prior art CN2886200Y discloses an end-opening automotive coil spring damper. This damper has a cylindrical groove on its upper and lower planes to allow it to be fitted into a spring, and several disc-shaped through holes on the middle side of the damper. However, this damper is bulky and its design makes it unsuitable for long-term use under the compressive stress of the suspension system.

[0004] Prior art US3806150A discloses a vehicle suspension spring system in which a spring is disposed between the sprung and unsprung components of a vehicle suspension. The spring comprises a helical metal wire and a plurality of annular non-metallic dampers arranged side-by-side on the wire. Each annular damper is radially displaceable relative to the wire but does not deform itself; the dampers are configured to dampen spring vibrations. However, the displaceability of the dampers is not an ideal characteristic, and this solution fails to address the compressive stress experienced by the helical spring during vehicle operation.

[0005] Prior art USD842170 discloses a commercially available vehicle spring washer design. This washer is positioned between the coils of a coil spring to provide additional support height or form an incompressible spring length. However, this washer is prone to breakage or ejection from the coil spring.

[0006] Therefore, it can be seen from the existing technology that there is a need to provide a solution to replace the helical spring washer in order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide an elastic ring device configured as an alternative to a coil spring washer, arranged around a coil spring in a vehicle suspension system, to withstand the compressive force applied from the coil spring.

[0008] The present invention relates to an elastic ring device having a radially penetrating slit; wherein the slit is configured such that when an external force is applied to separate its relative edges, the width of the slit increases, thereby allowing one of a plurality of coils of a coil spring of a vehicle suspension system to enter the central opening of the elastic ring device; The elastic ring device is configured to alter at least one characteristic of the coil spring by interacting with it, thereby preventing the coil spring from reaching its maximum compression.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the elastic ring device integrates a mesh structure system, the mesh structure system comprising: a first mesh structure extending radially from the inner circumferential surface of the elastic ring device toward the periphery of the elastic ring device; and a second mesh structure located between the first mesh structure and the periphery of the elastic ring device, wherein when the elastic ring device is subjected to compressive force from the helical spring, the first mesh structure and the second mesh structure provide load-bearing support for the elastic ring device.

[0010] Furthermore, a limiting block protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the elastic ring device; the limiting block is configured to contact one of the multiple coils of the helical spring to secure the elastic ring device to one of the multiple coils of the helical spring in place.

[0011] Furthermore, a lug extends outward from one end of the slit; the lug is detachable and operable to separate the opposite edges of the slit, thereby increasing the width of the slit.

[0012] Furthermore, the lug is provided with a structure for accommodating a locking mechanism; the locking mechanism is configured to fix the elastic annular device in a closed state.

[0013] Furthermore, at least one characteristic of the helical spring is a mechanical characteristic, including spring stiffness and maximum compression length.

[0014] Furthermore, multiple elastic ring devices can be attached to the same helical spring to collectively limit the helical spring from reaching its maximum compression.

[0015] Furthermore, the structural density of the first grid structure is greater than that of the second grid structure.

[0016] A method for applying an elastic ring device in a vehicle suspension system, utilizing any one of the aforementioned elastic ring devices, specifically includes the following steps: A force is applied to a slit that extends radially through the elastic ring device, causing the relative edges of the slit to separate, thereby changing the elastic ring device from a closed state to an open state; Pass one of the coils of the helical spring through the widened slit and place it into the center opening of the elastic ring device; Remove the force applied to the slit, allowing the relative edges of the slit to return to their original positions, thereby changing the elastic ring device from the open state to the closed state.

[0017] Furthermore, the locking mechanism is attached to the lug of the elastic ring device to secure the elastic ring device in a closed state.

[0018] In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, a locking mechanism is attached to the lug of the resilient annular device to secure the resilient annular device in the closed configuration.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: In this invention, the elastic ring device is installed on the coil spring to prevent the coil spring from reaching its maximum compression, providing an "incompressible" length, thereby enhancing the rigidity of the suspension system and improving the vehicle's stability in scenarios such as turning and going over speed bumps.

[0020] In this invention, the inner circumference of the elastic ring device is provided with a protruding limiting block that is in close contact with the coil of the helical spring, preventing the elastic ring device from sliding along the spring during vehicle vibration or stress, and ensuring long-term accurate positioning.

[0021] In this invention, the elastic ring device is provided with a lug with a locking mechanism, which can fix the device after it is closed, so as to prevent the device from accidentally opening or falling off due to material fatigue or long-term vibration.

[0022] In this invention, the elastic ring device integrates a double-layer mesh system with a structural density that decreases from the inside to the outside. This provides sufficient rigid support while also possessing a certain degree of elasticity, effectively dispersing and bearing the compressive force from the helical spring. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible ring device with a slit.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view of an elastic ring device with a slit and a limiting block.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible ring device with lugs.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first and second grid structures within the elastic ring device.

[0028] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an elastic ring device installed along the coil springs of a vehicle suspension system.

[0029] In the figure: 100 - Elastic ring device; 110 - Slit; 120 - Limiting block; 130 - Lug; 150 - First grid structure; 160 - Second grid structure; 200 - Helical spring. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The invention is described in detail below with reference to non-limiting embodiments. Examples of the mechanisms, systems, and methods described above are further described in detail below. The following description provides details that will help in understanding the embodiments. However, the invention may be practiced without some of these details and may include additional features not explicitly described. To avoid obscuring the essential aspects of this disclosure, well-known structures or functions have not been shown or described in detail.

[0031] Vehicle owners may consider modifying their vehicle's suspension system to create a personalized driving experience or to prevent the suspension from being overstressed by aggressive driving or handling. Conventional solutions such as shims provide temporary fixes because they are loosely positioned between adjacent coil springs 200 within the vehicle's suspension system. These conventional shims can easily shift along the coil springs 200 while the vehicle is in motion, or worse, pop out of the coil springs 200. While the driver may notice the change in driving experience when this happens, they cannot take any action until the vehicle is stopped for repairs.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an elastic ring device in a closed state is shown. Preferably, the elastic ring device 100 is made of an elastic material, such as an elastomer, polymer, or composite, which deforms when subjected to a force that causes it to separate and returns to its original shape after the force is removed.

[0033] The elastic annular device 100 has a radially penetrating slit 110; the slit 110 is configured such that its width increases when an external force is applied to separate its relative edges. At this time, the elastic annular device 100 changes from a closed state to an open state, and the increased width of the slit 110 forms a gap or opening sufficient to allow a section of the coil spring 200 of the vehicle suspension system to enter the central opening of the annular device 100. This section of the coil spring 200 can be at any location along any of the multiple coils of the coil spring 200 itself.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, when a vehicle is in motion, the coil spring 200 may experience compression and subsequent vibration. Under prolonged exposure to constant force and vibration, other spring dampers on the market may shift along the coil spring 200, resulting in poor performance as a shim on the coil spring 200. Figure 2 A top view of the elastic ring device 100 is shown, in which a limiting block 120 can be seen protruding from the inner circumferential surface facing the central opening of the elastic ring device 100. The limiting block 120 is configured to contact a section of the coil spring 200 covered by the inner circumferential surface. Upon contact, the limiting block 120 acts as a stop, fixing the elastic ring device 100 in place relative to the coil spring 200. Therefore, when the vehicle is in motion, the elastic ring device 100 will not displace along the coil spring 200.

[0035] Figure 3 Another perspective of the resilient ring device in its closed state is shown. A lug 130 extends outward from one end of the slit 110; the lug 130 is detachably configured. Furthermore, the lug 130 provides a more comfortable gripping surface for the user when a separation force is applied. The lug 130 is connected to the slit 110 such that when the lug 130 is separated, the opposite edges of the slit 110 also separate. This allows the slit 110 to widen easily and allows the resilient ring device 100 to be more easily mounted onto the coil spring 200. Additionally, the lug 130 is provided with a structure for receiving a locking mechanism configured to secure the resilient ring device 100 in the closed state. Once the resilient ring device 100 is exposed to the heat, forces, and vibrations of the vehicle suspension system for an extended period, it is likely to lose its elastic properties, or the slit may no longer close. The locking mechanism 140 prevents the resilient ring device 100 from ejecting from the coil spring 200 after prolonged use. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 140 is a lock. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 140 is a screw and nut assembly. The lug 130 has an opening for receiving a lock or screw that secures the resilient ring device 100.

[0036] Figure 4A mesh structure system disposed within the inner cavity of an elastic ring device 100 is shown. A first mesh structure 150 is disposed along the inner circumference of the elastic ring device 100, facing the inner cavity and extending toward the outer periphery of the elastic ring device 100. A second mesh structure 160 is located between the first mesh structure 150 and the periphery of the elastic ring device 100. Both the first mesh structure 150 and the second mesh structure 160 can be configured to have the same or different mesh configurations. Furthermore, the first mesh structure 150 is configured to have a denser structure than the second mesh structure 160. The relatively soft second mesh structure 160 provides flexible support for the elastic ring device 100 under slight compression, while the first mesh structure 150 provides stable support due to its denser structure. Moreover, when the elastic ring device 100 is subjected to compressive force from the helical spring 200, both the first mesh structure 150 and the second mesh structure 160 can withstand strong compressive forces due to the stacking of the two mesh structures, thereby providing load-bearing support within the elastic ring device 100.

[0037] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates how an elastic ring device 100 is mounted on a coil spring 200. Furthermore, the user can mount multiple elastic ring devices 100 on the coil spring 200. When the elastic ring device 100 interacts with the coil spring 200, it prevents the coil spring 200 from reaching its maximum compressed length. The height of the elastic ring device 100 itself provides an incompressible length for the coil spring 200. Therefore, the height to which the coil spring 200 is lifted is equal to the height of the elastic ring device 100. Furthermore, the elastic ring device 100 prevents the coil spring 200 from being fully compressed, which in turn increases the spring stiffness characteristics of the coil spring 200.

[0038] like Figure 5 The elastic ring device 100 shown serves as an alternative to address the problems faced by conventional coil spring washers. Conventional washers are poorly designed; they are simply placed between adjacent coils and lack other forms of material or mechanical design to withstand prolonged compressive forces. Therefore, users may find that conventional washers frequently pop out of the coil spring 200. The elastic ring device 100 acts as a spring damper, providing the advantages of conventional washers. Furthermore, the elastic ring device 100 can be held in place and withstand compressive pressure.

[0039] The present invention also discloses a method for applying an elastic ring device in a vehicle suspension system, comprising: applying force to a slit 110 extending radially through the elastic ring device 100 to separate the relative edges of the slit 110, thereby changing the elastic ring device 100 from a closed state to an open state. One of the coils of the helical spring 200 is passed through the widened slit 110 and placed into the central opening of the elastic ring device 100; The force applied to slit 110 is removed, causing the opposite edges of slit 110 to return to their original positions, thereby changing the elastic annular device 100 from the open state to the closed state.

[0040] The method also discloses that includes attaching a locking mechanism to a lug 130 of the resilient ring device 100 to secure the resilient ring device 100 in a closed state.

[0041] In this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" mean that the described features, structures, or characteristics are included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The same phrases used in different places do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, features described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used herein have their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art. Examples and alternative expressions are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In case of any inconsistency, the definitions and interpretations in this specification shall prevail.

Claims

1. An elastic ring device, characterized in that, The elastic ring device (100) is provided with a radially penetrating slit (110); wherein the slit (110) is configured such that when an external force is applied to separate its relative edges, the width of the slit (110) increases, thereby allowing one of the multiple coils of the coil spring (200) of the vehicle suspension system to enter the central opening of the elastic ring device (100); The elastic ring device (100) is configured to alter at least one characteristic of the helical spring (200) by interacting with it, thereby preventing the helical spring (200) from reaching its maximum compression.

2. The elastic ring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic ring device (100) has an integrated mesh structure system within its inner cavity, the mesh structure system comprising: A first mesh structure (150) extends radially from the inner circumferential surface of the elastic annular device (100) toward the periphery of the elastic annular device (100); and A second mesh structure (160) is located between the first mesh structure (150) and the periphery of the elastic ring device (100), wherein the first mesh structure (150) and the second mesh structure (160) provide load-bearing support for the elastic ring device (100) when the elastic ring device (100) is subjected to compressive force from the helical spring (200).

3. The elastic ring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A limiting block (120) protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the elastic ring device (100); the limiting block (120) is configured to contact one of the plurality of coils of the helical spring (200) to secure the elastic ring device (100) and one of the plurality of coils of the helical spring (200) into place.

4. The elastic ring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A lug (130) extends outward from one end of the slit (110); the lug (130) is separable and operable to separate the opposite edges of the slit (110), thereby increasing the width of the slit (110).

5. The elastic ring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lug (130) is provided with a structure for accommodating a locking mechanism; the locking mechanism is configured to fix the elastic ring device (100) in a closed state.

6. The elastic ring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one characteristic of the helical spring (200) is a mechanical characteristic, including spring stiffness and maximum compression length.

7. The elastic ring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple elastic ring devices (100) can be attached to the same helical spring (200) to collectively limit the helical spring (200) to reach its maximum compression.

8. The elastic ring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The structural density of the first grid structure (150) is greater than that of the second grid structure (160).

9. A method for applying an elastic ring device in a vehicle suspension system, characterized in that, The method of implementation using any one of the elastic ring devices according to claims 1-8 specifically includes the following steps: A force is applied to the slit (110) that extends radially through the elastic ring device (100), causing the relative edges of the slit (110) to separate, thereby changing the elastic ring device (100) from a closed state to an open state; One of the coils of the helical spring (200) is passed through the widened slit (110) and placed into the center opening of the elastic ring device (100); Remove the force applied to the slit (110) to restore the relative edges of the slit (110) to their original positions, thereby changing the elastic ring device (100) from the open state to the closed state.

10. The application method of the elastic ring device in a vehicle suspension system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking mechanism is attached to the lug (130) of the elastic ring device (100) to fix the elastic ring device (100) in the closed state.

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