Adjustable Subframe Damping Element for Noise Isolation and Steering Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle subframe mounting systems face challenges in balancing noise isolation and steering accuracy, as rubber bushings provide inadequate damping for track performance while rigid mounting leads to poor noise isolation and shock transfer.
Innovation Solution
An assembly featuring a subframe and vehicle body connected via a damping element, with a linear actuator allowing for adjustable damping modes by altering the compressibility of the damping element, thereby switching between elastic and rigid connections based on driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rubber bushings are used to connect subframe to body, then noise isolation and vibration damping are improved, but steering accuracy and vehicle dynamics precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable connection system where the subframe's connection to the body can be switched between elastic (damped) and rigid states. A linear actuator adjusts the clearance in the damping element, allowing the system to adapt its stiffness in real-time based on driving conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between noise isolation and steering accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the damping element by adjusting the clearance between the subframe and body using a linear actuator. This parameter adjustment allows the damping element to transition between different operational states (damped vs. rigid), enabling the system to optimize both noise isolation and steering accuracy under different conditions.
2Measurement precision
If subframe is rigidly mounted to body, then steering accuracy and vehicle dynamics are improved, but noise isolation and shock damping deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection stiffness between subframe and body by controlling the linear actuator. When rigid mounting is needed for steering accuracy, the actuator positions the damping element to minimize clearance. When noise isolation is needed, the actuator increases clearance to enhance damping, thus resolving the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element serves multiple functions: it can operate as a rigid connector for steering accuracy or as a damped isolator for noise reduction. This multi-functionality is achieved through the adjustable clearance mechanism controlled by the linear actuator, allowing one component to address both contradictory requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable damping system is implemented, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first region for damped movement and a second region for rigid connection. This segmentation allows the single component to provide multiple damping modes without requiring multiple separate components, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator serves as an intermediary device that controls the clearance between the subframe and body. By using this single actuating mechanism, the system achieves adjustable damping modes with minimal added complexity, as the actuator mediates between the conflicting requirements of rigid and elastic connection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the vehicle to adapt damping settings for improved steering accuracy on the track while maintaining comfort and noise reduction in urban driving, by selectively directing forces past or through the damping element.
Implementation Method 1
The function of the rubber bushing is to isolate the noise and soften the impact from the vehicle's wheels by mounting the subframe to the body in an elastic manner
Implementation Method 2
a damping element comprised by the assembly, wherein the assembly comprises at least one linear actuator
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly (1) having a damping element (7). The present invention also relates to a method for setting a damping mode of a damping element (7) of such an assembly (1).