Bushing Bearing Structure for Independent Radial and Axial Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bushing bearings lack the ability to independently adjust radial and axial stiffness, as altering axial stiffness through radial webs negatively impacts linear behavior of radial stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A bushing bearing design featuring a radial spring for radial stiffness adjustment and an axial spring for axial stiffness adjustment, both made of elastomers and connected to the inner and outer parts, allowing for independent adjustment of stiffness in multiple directions without affecting radial stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If radial webs with high stiffness are used to adjust radial stiffness, then radial stiffness can be precisely adjusted, but axial stiffness becomes virtually unchangeable and linear behavior of radial stiffness is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the spring system into two separate functional components: radial springs (webs) that provide radial stiffness and axial springs that provide axial stiffness. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific direction without interfering with the other, enabling independent adjustment of radial and axial stiffness characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial spring acts as an intermediary element that specifically addresses axial stiffness requirements without affecting the radial spring's function. By introducing this intermediate component, the system achieves axial stiffness adjustment while preserving the linear behavior of radial stiffness provided by the radial webs.
2Strength
If axial stiffness is adjusted via radial webs, then axial stiffness can be changed, but linear behavior of radial stiffness is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the stiffness-providing functions into separate radial and axial spring systems. This ensures that adjustments to axial stiffness through the axial spring do not interfere with the linear elastic behavior of the radial webs, maintaining reliable and predictable radial stiffness characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial spring serves as an intermediary that handles axial stiffness adjustments independently, preventing any negative impact on the radial stiffness linearity. This mediator approach allows axial stiffness to be modified while the radial webs maintain their optimal linear elastic performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radial and axial stiffness are adjusted independently, then optimal stiffness settings can be achieved in both directions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both radial and axial springs are made from the same elastomer material and can be manufactured using similar processes. This universality reduces complexity by using consistent material properties and manufacturing approaches across different functional components, despite the increased adaptability of having independent stiffness adjustment in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial and axial springs are combined within a single bushing bearing structure, sharing common mounting points on the inner and outer parts. This merging approach allows independent stiffness adjustment while avoiding the complexity of completely separate assemblies, integrating multiple functions into a unified component design.
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
Enables simple and cost-effective adjustment of radial and axial rigidity independently, maintaining optimal linear behavior of radial stiffness and allowing for arbitrary axial stiffness settings within installation space.
Implementation Method 1
The terms radial spring and axial spring are to be understood broadly and also include plastics with spring-like and/or elastic properties. Preferably, the radial spring and/or the axial spring is made of an elastomer.
Implementation Method 2
The bushing bearing has a radial spring that acts mainly in a radial direction and extends radially between the inner part and the outer part. The effect of the radial spring in the radial direction is greater than the effect in the axial direction.
Implementation Method 3
The bushing bearing has an axial spring that acts mainly in the axial direction and extends at least partially in the axial direction between the inner part and the outer part. The effect of the axial spring in the axial direction is greater than the effect in the radial direction.
Implementation Method 4
Preferably, the radial spring and/or the axial spring is connected to the inner and outer parts, for example by vulcanization. This creates a secure connection between the inner and outer parts.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
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AI summary
Bushing bearing comprising an inner part, an outer part, a radial spring acting mainly in a radial direction and extending radially between the inner part and the outer part, and an axial spring acting mainly in an axial direction and extending at least partially in an axial direction between the inner part and the outer part, wherein the radial spring and the axial spring are designed and/or arranged such that the radial stiffness of the bushing bearing is adjustable independently of each other by means of the radial spring and the axial stiffness of the bushing bearing is adjustable independently of each other by means of the axial spring.