Air Spring Contact Section Segmentation and Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air spring apparatus faces issues with the slide plate detaching and peeling off from the support section during sliding contact, and using a resin material for both sections compromises durability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an engaging section in the contact section that is supported by the support section, allowing for controlled relative movement in both axial and radial directions, and forming the support section with a metallic material to enhance durability while using a resin material for the contact section with a lower coefficient of friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the slide plate and support section are integrally formed of the same resin material, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the strength decreases and creeping occurs which affects durability
Solution Approach 1:
The contact section is segmented from the support section, allowing them to be made of different materials. The contact section uses resin material for low friction, while the support section uses metallic material for high strength and durability, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material construction where the contact section is made of resin material and the support section is made of metallic material. This combination allows each component to be made of the material best suited for its specific function, achieving both low friction and high durability.
2Force
If the contact section is made of resin material to reduce the coefficient of friction, then the friction between contact sections is reduced, but the contact section tends to detach and peel off from the support section during sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The contact section is designed as a separate component from the support section, allowing it to be made of resin material for low friction while maintaining structural integrity through proper segmentation and connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement section extends in the axial direction to provide engagement surfaces that prevent detachment. This adds a dimensional element (axial extension) to the design that prevents peeling while allowing radial sliding motion.
3Force
If the contact section is made of resin material, then the coefficient of friction is reduced, but the contact section becomes weak in controlling relative movement in axial and radial directions
Solution Approach 1:
The contact section is segmented with an integrated engagement section that provides structural support for controlling relative movement, while the main contact surface maintains resin material properties for low friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement section provides metallic structural support for movement control, while the contact surface uses resin material for low friction, combining the advantages of both materials in their respective functional zones.
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 configuration effectively prevents the contact section from detaching from the support section, maintains durability by using a metallic support, and simplifies manufacturing through injection molding, ensuring reliable operation and reduced friction.
Implementation Method 1
an engaging section that is provided in the contact section and controls respective relative movements of the contact section with respect to the support section in each of the axial line direction and the radial direction by being engaged with an engagement section that is provided in the support section
Implementation Method 2
the slide plate is formed of a resin material so as to reduce a coefficient of friction between the slide plate and the sliding surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an air spring apparatus 1 that includes a diaphragm (5) that has an upper member (2), a lower member (3), and a cylindrical membrane member (4) having both open end sections (4a, 4b) connected to both members and sealed therewith, the upper member (2) and the lower member (3) being provided with contact sections (11, 18) that slidably come into contact with each other in an exhaust state in which the interior of the diaphragm (5) is exhausted, wherein at least one of the upper member (2) and the lower member (3) having the contact sections (11), which are formed of a resin material, includes a support section (12) that supports the contact section (11) from the exterior of the diaphragm (5) disposed in an axial line O direction and engaging sections (22A, 22B) that are provided in the contact section (11) and control relative movement of the contact section (11) with respect to the support section (12) in each of the axial line O direction and a radial direction by being engaged with engagement sections (21A, 21B) that are provided in the support section (12).