Composite Bushing for Vehicle Running Board Pivot Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Active exterior vehicle components, such as running boards and spoilers, experience corrosion and contamination at pivot points due to environmental exposure, leading to potential failure and unwanted noise.

Innovation Solution

A movable link arrangement with composite bushings made of continuous fiber and resin material, incorporating a low-friction inner layer and a rotatable pin, which reduces corrosion and noise by using a press-fit design with precise clearance, ensuring durability and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional metal bushings are used at pivot points, then the linkage can move between deployed and retracted positions, but corrosion occurs at the pivot points due to environmental exposure leading to potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to corrosionVSAvoidcorrosion at pivot points

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by using a composite bushing made of thermoplastic material with embedded fiber reinforcement (such as glass, carbon, or aramid fibers). This composite structure provides superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional metal bushings while maintaining the mechanical strength required for pivot point connections in outdoor linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The composite bushing acts as an intermediary element between the metal linkage components and the environment. It isolates the metal parts from direct contact with corrosive elements (moisture, salt, chemicals) while still allowing the necessary rotational movement at the pivot points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional metal bushings are used at pivot points, then the linkage can pivot between positions, but dirt, dust or other particles can contaminate the area causing the linkage to squeak or make undesirable sounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth operation of linkageVSAvoidunwanted noise from contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composite bushing material (thermoplastic with fiber reinforcement) has self-lubricating properties and does not rust or corrode like metal, preventing the buildup of friction and noise. The material composition reduces the generation of unwanted sounds during pivot movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The composite bushing is designed as a maintenance-free component that resists contamination buildup. While not explicitly disposable, the design philosophy aligns with using components that prevent long-term maintenance issues by resisting the accumulation of dirt and debris that cause noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the linkage is exposed to the environment outside of the vehicle, then it can perform its function as an active exterior component, but it experiences corrosion due to the presence of moisture, salt or other chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality as active exterior componentVSAvoidenvironmental corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composite bushing made of thermoplastic material with embedded fibers provides inherent resistance to environmental corrosion from moisture, salt, and chemicals. This allows the linkage to maintain full functionality as an active exterior component without the corrosion issues that plague traditional metal bushings in the same environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 composite bushing system effectively resists corrosion and reduces noise, extending the lifespan of the system and lowering warranty costs for OEMs by maintaining smooth operation between extended and retracted positions.

Implementation Method 1

The body is formed of a continuous fiber and resin material that circumscribes an inner layer of friction reducing material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11338737B2Composite bushing within the arb pivot pin locations, integrated into automated running board

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 MAGNA EXTERIORS INC

AI summary

A movable link arrangement for an active exterior component on a vehicle. The movable link arrangement has several links that are connected together and rotate about a composite bushing. The composite bushing has a body with an aperture formed there through. The body is formed of a continuous fiber and resin material that circumscribes an inner layer of friction reducing material that forms a bore through the body of the composite bushing. A rotatable pin is positioned through that aperture of the body and extends through the bore so that the rotatable pin is in contact with the inner layer. The composite bushing with the friction reducing material provides reduced noise and eliminates unwanted corrosion that occurs when other bushing materials are used.