Axial Contour Spring Element for Smooth Force Take-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring elements in automobile chassis face challenges in achieving a smooth start of force take-up and have limitations in stability and production efficiency due to their geometrical design, particularly with peripheral bending lips and undulation forms.
Innovation Solution
A spring element with a concentric basic geometry featuring axially symmetrical constrictions and widenings along the spring axis, allowing for varied force take-up and improved stability, where the constrictions act as filling channels for faster elastomer filling during molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peripheral bending lips are used to achieve smooth start of force take-up, then the smoothness of force take-up is improved, but the production complexity and reject rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial bending lips to axial contour elements. Instead of modifying the spring element in the radial direction (peripheral bending lips), the invention introduces constrictions and widenings along the axial direction (parallel to the spring axis). This dimensional change allows the elastomer to be guided during molding, achieving smooth force take-up without the production problems associated with radial bending lips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the continuous spring element into segments with varying wall thicknesses along the axial direction. The contour elements create distinct constricted regions and widened regions, which segment the elastomer flow path during molding. This segmentation guides the elastomer filling process and enables smooth force take-up while simplifying production.
2Ease of operation
If peripheral bending lips are used to achieve smooth start, then the smoothness is improved, but the stability under high loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the smooth-start mechanism from the radial dimension (bending lips) to the axial dimension (contour elements). The axial contour elements maintain stability under high loads because they are aligned with the primary load direction, whereas radial bending lips are prone to deformation under axial loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the wall thickness distribution along the axial direction, creating constricted and widened regions. This asymmetric geometry provides both smooth force take-up initiation and maintained stability under load, as the thicker regions provide structural support while the constricted regions guide elastomer flow.
3Ease of operation
If the spring element length is varied to create undulation form, then the smooth start is achieved, but the deformation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from varying the overall length (axial dimension) to varying the wall thickness (radial dimension) while maintaining a consistent spring element length. The contour elements create local thickenings and thin thickenings along the axial direction, achieving smooth force take-up without compromising the dimensional stability and deformation reproducibility of the overall structure.
4Device complexity
If concentric uniform constriction is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the smooth start capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific constricted and widened regions at particular locations along the axial direction, while maintaining a generally concentric overall geometry. This allows the spring element to maintain structural simplicity while having localized features that enable smooth force take-up through controlled elastomer flow guidance.
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 design enables a smooth start with greater stability and reduced initial rigidity, allowing for reproducible and efficient production, while maintaining high damping characteristics and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to a spring element based on elastic material... They are used in particular as vibration-damping spring elements
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastomer, the basic geometry of which... comprises axially symmetrical constrictions and/or widenings along the spring axis
Data Source
AI summary
A spring element with a basic geometry which is concentric along the spring axis, including at least one elastomer, the basic geometry of which is concentric about the spring axis and including constrictions and/or widenings that are axially symmetrical along the spring axis.