Vehicle Cargo Panel Damper Flexures for Rattle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with trunk dividers face noise issues due to the rigid engagement of cargo panels with retention structures, leading to rattling and vibration, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly for vehicles incorporating a damper with an adaptor strip and flexures that compress and extend to engage a rigid retention structure, minimizing noise by adjusting angles and thickness to absorb loads and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid cargo panel engages a rigid retention structure, then structural strength and stability are improved, but noise and vibration increase due to rigid engagement
Solution Approach 1:
A damper assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the rigid cargo panel and the rigid retention structure. The damper includes a damper body with first and second ends, where the first end engages the cargo panel and the second end engages the retention structure. This intermediary element absorbs vibrations and reduces noise while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper assembly changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing compliance and damping characteristics. The damper body is designed with specific dimensional parameters (length, width, thickness) and material properties that allow it to deform under load, converting rigid engagement into a controlled flexible connection that reduces vibration transmission.
2Force
If a rigid cargo panel is used, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but movement smoothness deteriorates due to rigid engagement with the retention structure
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly serves as a mediator that enables smooth movement of the cargo panel while maintaining load-bearing capacity. The damper body can deform elastically to accommodate movement, providing a cushioning effect that improves ease of operation without compromising the structural strength needed to support cargo loads.
3Reliability
If rigid materials are used for both cargo panel and retention structure, then manufacturing precision and durability are improved, but noise reduction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution employs a composite approach by combining rigid materials (for the cargo panel and retention structure) with a compliant damper material. The damper body is made from a material that exhibits both structural integrity and damping characteristics, creating a composite system that maintains durability while reducing noise. This could involve using polymers, elastomers, or viscoelastic materials for the damper while keeping the panel and structure rigid.
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
The damper effectively reduces noise and rattling by allowing smooth movement of the cargo panel relative to the retention structure, absorbing loads and minimizing engagement noise during vehicle movement.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of flexures outwardly extends from the adaptor strip and is operable between a compressed condition and an extended condition
Data Source
AI summary
A damper for a vehicle cargo panel includes an adaptor body that has an attachment surface and an engagement surface. A plurality of flexures outwardly extend from the engagement surface of the adaptor body and has a planar extension that is coupled to the engagement surface and a curved end. The plurality of flexures is operable between an extended condition and a compressed condition. A coupling member is disposed on the adaptor body and is configured to couple the adaptor body to said vehicle cargo panel.