Air Spring Identification Carrier Hidden in the Bellows Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air spring marking solutions are prone to damage and mechanical stress during transport and use, making them unreliable and difficult to read, as they are exposed to environmental influences and subject to rough handling.
Innovation Solution
A displaceable identification carrier is integrated into a guide frame between the air spring bellows end and the connection plate, allowing it to be hidden and protected during transport and operation, becoming visible only when needed, with options for clamping or gluing for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a label tag is clamped between the air spring bellows end and the air spring cover, then the marking is attached to the air spring, but the label tag protrudes far from the clamping area and is exposed to environmental influences and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The marking element is nested within the connection area between the bellows end and the cover, specifically positioned between the bead ring and the cover flange. This nesting protects the marking from environmental exposure while maintaining attachment to the air spring assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking is extracted from the external surface and relocated to the internal connection area of the air spring assembly. This extraction removes the marking from harmful environmental factors while keeping it accessible for identification purposes.
2Ease of manufacture
If a marking strip is attached or glued to the air spring cover, then the marking is fixed to the component, but the strip can be damaged during transport making the marking unrecognizable
Solution Approach 1:
The marking strip is nested within the connection area between the bead ring and the cover flange, protected by these structural components. This nesting provides mechanical protection during transport while maintaining easy attachment to the air spring assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the marking is always visible, then identification is easy, but the marking is constantly exposed to environmental influences and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is positioned dynamically within the connection area, where it can be accessed for identification when needed, but remains protected from environmental exposure during normal operation and transport. The marking's position allows it to be visible when the air spring is assembled and identified, but protected when not in use.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Air spring (1) arranged between a sprung and an unsprung mass, wherein the air spring has an air spring bellows (2) which is airtightly attached at its two bellows ends to a cover or a connection plate (3) respectively, and the cover or connection plate (3)Connection plates are designed as connecting elements to the sprung or unsprung mass, wherein a marking or data carrier (8) provided with a marking or date (10) is provided in the connection area between the bellows end and the sprung or unsprung mass, preferably in the form of a film (9) having an identification marking, wherein the marking or data carrier (8) is designed to be displaceable between at least a first and a second position, wherein the marking or date (10) is concealed in the first position of the marking or data carrier (8) and is invisible or unreadable from outside the air spring and is uncovered and visible or readable in the second position.