Composite Bearing Hardware for Narrow Shock Mount Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shock assemblies in vehicles face performance issues due to heat and cooling cycles in enclosed environments, leading to premature wear, especially in narrow mounting interfaces where standard bearing hardware solutions fail to provide adequate low-friction and load-carrying capacity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of self-lubricating composite bushings, combining the low-friction interface of IGUS bushings with the load-carrying capacity of DU bushings, provides a solution for shock assemblies installed in narrow spaces, reducing rotational friction and maintaining rigidity and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard bearing hardware is used in narrow mounting interfaces, then the shock assembly can be installed, but the bearing hardware fails to provide adequate low-friction interface and load-carrying capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating two different bearing materials (IGUS and DU bushings) into a single bearing hardware assembly. The IGUS bushing provides low-friction interface while the DU bushing provides load-carrying capacity, allowing the narrow mounting interface to accommodate bearing hardware that performs adequately despite the space constraint.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock assemblies are installed in enclosed environments, then the shock assembly is protected, but heat and cooling cycles cause premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat and cooling cycles into a beneficial outcome by selecting bearing materials that are specifically resistant to thermal expansion and contraction. The IGUS and DU bushing materials are chosen for their ability to withstand thermal cycling without deforming or failing, thereby converting the previously harmful thermal environment into a condition that does not compromise component reliability.
3Reliability
If self-lubricating composite bushings are used, then rotational friction is reduced, but the width of the mounting interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different bushing types (IGUS and DU) into a single integrated bearing hardware component. This combination allows the bearing to achieve low-friction performance and adequate load-carrying capacity within the constrained width of the narrow mounting interface, avoiding the need for a wider single-material bushing solution.
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 integrated bearing hardware solution extends the fatigue life of shock assembly components, reduces friction, and maintains the necessary width requirements, addressing the challenges of heat-induced deformation and wear in enclosed installations.
Implementation Method 1
combining the low-friction interface of IGUS bushings with the load-carrying capacity of DU bushings
Implementation Method 2
self-lubricating composite bushings, combining the low-friction interface of IGUS bushings with the load-carrying capacity of DU bushings
Data Source
AI summary
A integrated bearing hardware for shock assembly is disclosed. The integrated bearing hardware for coupling the shock assembly with a component. The integrated bearing hardware includes a first bearing installed at a first side of a mounting feature of the shock assembly and a second bearing installed at the second side of the mounting feature to retain the axle.