Air Spring Cover Ribbing and Buffer Slot Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of ribbed plastic covers for air springs with internal stop buffers is problematic due to buffer damage from inwardly-oriented ribs during impact, and the risk of foreign body or water collection in the cover cavities leading to potential destruction.
Innovation Solution
A plastic air spring cover with inwardly-oriented ribbing and a stop buffer featuring slot-shaped recesses that match the cover ribs, allowing the ribs to rest in the slots and transmit impact forces to the cover base, preventing buffer damage and maintaining a smooth outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a ribbed plastic cover is used to stiffen the cover, then the cover strength is improved, but the stop buffer is damaged by the inwardly-oriented ribs during repeated impact
Solution Approach 1:
The stop buffer is segmented with slot-shaped recesses that correspond to the cover ribs. This segmentation allows the ribs to be received in the slots, separating the stiffening function of the ribs from the impact absorption function of the buffer, preventing the ribs from damaging the buffer while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot-shaped recesses act as an intermediary structure between the cover ribs and the stop buffer. The slots receive the ribs and provide a controlled interface that prevents direct damaging contact between the rigid ribs and the buffer material, allowing force transmission without structural damage.
2Weight of moving object
If the cover is made completely of plastic to save weight, then the vehicle weight is reduced, but the cover cannot withstand buffer forces without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic cover is provided with localized stiffening ribs at specific positions where structural support is needed. This local quality enhancement provides the necessary strength to withstand buffer forces while maintaining the overall plastic construction and weight savings, avoiding the need for complete metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly combines plastic material with strategic ribbing structures to create a composite-like structure that provides both weight savings and necessary strength. The plastic base material provides weight reduction while the integrated ribs provide localized reinforcement where mechanical loads are applied.
3Reliability
If ribbing is arranged on the outside of the cover to avoid buffer damage, then buffer durability is improved, but foreign bodies or water can collect in the cavities formed by the ribs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing ribs on the outside of the cover, the ribbing is inverted to face inwardly toward the buffer. The slot-shaped recesses in the buffer correspond to these inward-facing ribs, creating a configuration where the ribs are protected from damaging the buffer while the smooth outer surface prevents foreign body and water accumulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly for an air spring for vehicles includes a cover (1) and a buffer (2) in the cover (1). The cover (1) is made from plastic and has reinforcing ribs (3) on the inside. The stop buffer (2) has slots on the side thereof facing the cover (1) in a manner corresponding to the reinforcing ribs (3) of the cover (1). The ribs (3) of the cover (1) are inserted into the slots (8). Damage to the buffer (2) by impact of the ribs (3) on the buffer (2) is thus avoided.