Blocking Structure for Damping Element Pre-Assembly and Load Limiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damping and decoupling devices in motor vehicles require complex and costly pre-assembly and final assembly processes, which can lead to increased operational costs and reduced service life due to excessive loading of elastomeric components.

Innovation Solution

A blocking device with a blocking extension perpendicular to the cylinder axis and holding portions along the axis, utilizing accumulations of material like rubber for fixing and clamping the functional element, allowing pre-assembly and defined movement limits to prevent excessive loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional damping devices are assembled using multiple separate components, then the damping function is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping functionVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (damping element, mounting elements, and blocking elements) into a single integrated damping device. The blocking extensions are directly formed as part of the damping device housing, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall complexity while maintaining the damping function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping device housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the damping element, provides mounting surfaces via holding portions, and limits movement through blocking extensions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If damping devices are pre-assembled with multiple components, then the damping function is achieved, but the pre-assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping functionVSAvoidpre-assembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking extensions and holding portions are pre-formed as integral parts of the damping device housing during manufacturing, rather than being assembled separately. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming assembly steps and reduces costs while ensuring proper positioning and function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the blocking elements and holding portions into the housing structure itself, the patent eliminates multiple separate assembly operations. The housing is manufactured as a single piece containing all necessary features, significantly reducing pre-assembly time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If elastomeric components are used for damping, then vibration attenuation is achieved, but the components are susceptible to excessive loading and reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration attenuationVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking extensions are designed to limit the movement range of the damping device before excessive loads can develop in the elastomeric components. By establishing mechanical stops in advance, the patent prevents situations where the elastomers would be subjected to extreme compression or tension that could reduce their service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking extensions act as intermediary elements that mediate between the damping device and the mounting structure. They provide defined movement limits and distribute loads more evenly, preventing concentrated excessive loading on the elastomeric damping components while maintaining their vibration attenuation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If free space is provided for the functional element, then the damping function is achieved, but the element can undergo excessive deflections and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping functionVSAvoidmovement control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into functional zones: a free space region that allows the damping element to perform its damping function, and blocking extensions that define movement boundaries. This segmentation enables both freedom of movement for damping and limitation of excessive deflections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the housing have different properties: the central region provides free space for damping action, while the blocking extensions at the boundaries provide rigid constraints. This local differentiation of properties allows the damping element to move freely within acceptable limits while preventing excessive deflections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Facilitates cost-effective pre-assembly and secure positioning of damping and decoupling devices, extending service life by limiting excessive movements and loads, thus reducing operational costs and enhancing durability.

Implementation Method 1

the accumulations of material can be manufactured from a polymeric material which exhibits good friction coefficients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a polymeric material which exhibits good friction coefficients and permanently elastic properties, such as rubber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250257778A1Blocking device
Publication Date: 2025.08.14 SUMITOMO RIKO CO LTD
  • US20250257778A1 patent drawing
  • US20250257778A1 patent drawing
  • US20250257778A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A blocking device for a functional element provides a predetermined free space for the functional element. The blocking device includes a blocking extension which is expanded perpendicular to a cylinder axis and at least one holding portion which extends along the cylinder axis. The blocking device further includes at least one accumulation of material for fixing the functional element