Air Spring Gaiter Venting for Clean Rolling Fold Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air spring systems for motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining the cleanliness of the rolling fold due to the introduction of dirt particles through ventilation channels, which can lead to damage and vacuum-related issues.
Innovation Solution
The air spring system incorporates a ventilation path that connects the surroundings to the gaiter space through channels in the bearing seat ring and openings in the rolling piston, designed to prevent the entry of dirt particles by using meandering channels that make it difficult for contaminants to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ventilation channel is provided in the support means to replace air trapped by the gaiter with ambient air, then negative pressure in the gaiter space is prevented, but dirt particles enter the interior of the gaiter space and damage the rolling fold
Solution Approach 1:
A filter element is introduced as an intermediary component between the ventilation channel and the gaiter space. This filter allows air to pass through while blocking dirt particles, thus mediating between the need for ventilation (to prevent negative pressure) and the need to protect the gaiter space from contamination. The filter element is specifically designed to be integrated into the support means structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced. Given that filters have limited service life and will eventually become clogged or degraded, this approach allows for maintenance by simply replacing the filter rather than the entire support means assembly, making the system economically viable for long-term operation.
2Ease of operation
If the ventilation channel allows air to flow freely in and out of the gaiter space, then pressure equalization is achieved, but the rolling fold is exposed to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element serves as a mediator that enables pressure equalization while protecting the rolling fold from contaminants. It is positioned within the ventilation channel to intercept dirt particles before they can reach the gaiter space, thus maintaining both pressure balance and component integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is implemented as a thin, flexible filtering membrane that can be integrated into the support means structure. This thin-film approach allows for effective filtration while minimizing structural interference with the ventilation function and maintaining pressure equalization capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the gaiter space is sealed to protect the rolling fold, then contamination is prevented, but vacuum damage occurs during spring movement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element acts as an intermediary that provides a controlled connection between the gaiter space and the external environment. This allows the gaiter to remain substantially sealed for contamination protection while the filter provides a selective passage for air flow to prevent vacuum formation during spring compression and rebound.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter membrane provides a flexible sealing solution that maintains the integrity of the gaiter space while allowing for volume changes during spring movement. The flexibility of the thin-film filter enables it to accommodate pressure changes without compromising the sealed environment or allowing contaminant ingress.
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 effectively prevents the introduction of dirt particles into the gaiter space, maintaining the cleanliness of the rolling fold and preventing damage, while also ensuring that there is no negative pressure during compression and rebound movements.
Implementation Method 1
designed to prevent the entry of dirt particles by using meandering channels that make it difficult for contaminants to pass through
Implementation Method 2
The replacement allows these dirt particles to enter the interior of the gaiter space, damaging the rolling fold. For this reason, a ventilation channel is provided in the support means, which connects the surroundings to the gaiter space. The ventilation channel allows air from the outside to enter the gaiter space and also to flow out again. As a result, there is no negative pressure in the gaiter space during compression and rebound movements of the air spring strut.
Data Source
AI summary
An air spring for a motor vehicle comprises a first and second attachment part. An elastomeric rolling lobe is fastened in a pressure-tight manner between the two attachment parts, whereby a volume-elastic pressure chamber is delimited. The first attachment part being rotationally movably mounted via a torsion bearing ring with respect to a connector part of the motor vehicle. The torsion bearing ring for rotationally movable mounting is arranged between a bearing seat ring connected to the connector part of the motor vehicle, and the first connector part. A gaiter being is to the two connector parts to protect the rolling lobe from contamination. The gaiter delimits a varying-volume space which surrounds the rolling lobe. A ventilation path for ventilation of the gaiter leads from the surroundings of the air spring through the bearing seat ring and through the first attachment part into the space surrounded by the gaiter.