Air Spring Connecting Device Seal Modular Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air spring connecting devices for vehicles are complex, time-consuming, and costly to produce, with limited flexibility in adjusting spring characteristics and prone to damage, requiring secure and airtight seals that are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
An air spring connecting device with a modular design featuring a head bearing that can be rapidly combined with air spring support bearings, utilizing a press connection element and integrated sealing plane to ensure airtight connections with minimal sealing elements, allowing for easy replacement and standardization of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air spring components are bonded together by means of air technology (vulcanized or sealed by membranes), then a secure airtight seal is achieved, but the replacement and adjustment of components becomes very cost-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The air spring connecting device is divided into separate modular components: a connecting device body and a head bearing assembly. The head bearing can be detached from the connecting device body, allowing individual replacement of components without replacing the entire air spring assembly. This segmentation enables maintenance of the airtight seal while facilitating rapid component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables selective replacement of worn or damaged components (such as the head bearing or sealing elements) while retaining functional components. The sealing element can be replaced independently to restore the airtight seal without discarding the entire connecting device, thus reducing replacement time and costs.
2Strength
If conventional air springs are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but the adjustment of spring characteristic (spring rate) is complex and time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The head bearing is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities relative to the connecting device body. The head bearing can be positioned at different locations and orientations on the connecting device body, allowing dynamic adjustment of the spring characteristic and mounting configuration to suit different vehicle requirements while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device body is designed as a universal base that can accommodate different head bearing configurations and orientations. This multi-functional design allows the same connecting device body to be used with various spring characteristics and mounting requirements, enhancing adaptability without compromising mounting security.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are used to ensure airtight connections, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the device complexity and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the head bearing assembly itself, with the sealing element positioned at the interface between the head bearing and the connecting device body. This merging of the sealing function into the structural component reduces the number of separate sealing elements needed while maintaining reliable sealing through the press connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The press connection element acts as an intermediary that simultaneously provides mechanical connection and sealing function. By using the press connection element to apply controlled pressure, the sealing element achieves reliable sealing with minimal complexity, as the pressing force distributes evenly across the sealing interface.
4Reliability
If air spring components are securely bonded together, then airtightness is maintained, but individual component replacement becomes very cost-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is segmented into a body and a detachable head bearing assembly connected by a press connection. This segmentation allows the head bearing to be replaced independently while maintaining the airtight seal through the sealing element at the connection interface, significantly easing component replacement while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The press connection mechanism allows for controlled disassembly and reassembly by changing the connection parameter from locked to released state. This enables easy replacement of the head bearing while maintaining the sealing integrity through the sealing element, making component replacement cost-effective and time-efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
An air spring connecting device for mounting an air spring strut on a vehicle may include an air spring support bearing having a head bearing receiver, a head bearing having at least one cylindrical outer surface, and a piston rod that is axially guided through the head bearing and is sealed in an airtight manner relative to the head bearing. The head bearing may be positioned in the head bearing receiver of the air spring support bearing positioned coaxially relative to the piston rod. An airtight connection may be formed between the head bearing receiver and the head bearing. A press connection element may be positioned in direct contact with the head bearing receiver and the head bearing. A sealing element may be positioned in a region of the head bearing receiver between the air spring support bearing and the head bearing.