Air Spring Bellows Connection for Airtight Lift-Safe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air spring connections between the rolling bellows and connection parts are complex, require precise machining, and are not secure during vehicle lifting, leading to potential detachment.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element, such as a screw ring or snap-fit ring, is used to create a reliable and airtight connection between the air spring rolling bellows and the air spring cover, eliminating the need for laborious flanging and allowing for simpler assembly and use of diverse materials like plastic or fiber materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flanging connection is used between air spring bellows and connection part, then airtight connection is achieved, but assembly process becomes laborious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a bead ring integrated with the bellows and a separate connecting element (clamping ring) that attaches to the connection part. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard processes, eliminating the need for complex flanging operations while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A bead ring serves as an intermediary element between the bellows and the connecting element. The bead ring provides a standardized attachment point that simplifies the connection process, acting as a mediator that transforms the complex flanging requirement into a simple attachment operation.
2Reliability
If precise machining of sealing surfaces is performed on connection part, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to interface with the bead ring through standardized geometric features rather than requiring precisely machined sealing surfaces. This homogenization of the connection interface allows for simpler manufacturing processes while maintaining connection security through the mechanical interlocking design.
3Reliability
If traditional connection method is used, then connection security is maintained, but device complexity increases due to multiple parts and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The bead ring is integrated directly into the bellows structure as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate flanging operations. The connecting element is designed as a single-piece clamping ring that combines sealing and fastening functions, reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining connection security.
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
The solution provides a robust, secure, and easy-to-produce airtight connection that prevents detachment during vehicle lifting, reducing complexity and enabling the use of new materials, while simplifying assembly and part variety.
Implementation Method 1
which is fastened to the bead ring or to the reinforced end region in a materially bonded and/or positively locking manner
Implementation Method 2
parts of the bead ring or of the air spring bellows bear against the air spring cover and are deformed in a sealing manner
Data Source
AI summary
An air spring with an air spring rolling bellows made of elastomer material with reinforcing layers embedded within the rolling bellows wall, the air spring being clamped in between a sprung and an unsprung mass, and the air spring rolling bellows, at least at one of its two open ends, having a bead ring or a reinforced end region and being fastened in an airtight manner to an air spring cover connected to the sprung mass, the rolling bellows being fastened in an airtight manner by way of its other open end to a connection part connected to the unsprung mass, and the cover, connection part and rolling bellows delimiting a working space filled with compressed air, wherein at least the airtight connection between the air spring rolling bellows and the air spring cover is effected by means of a connecting element which is fastened to the bead ring or to the reinforced end region in a materially bonded and/or positively locking manner.