Composite Metering Needle Base for Shock Absorber Pressure Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of metal metering needles for oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers is costly and time-consuming due to machining requirements, leading to oversized components, while thermoplastic needles offer reduced mass but compromised mechanical performance due to limitations in achieving optimized structures through injection molding.
Innovation Solution
A metering needle made of thermoplastic material with a metal insert, such as a cylindrical bush or tubular strip, is used to reinforce the base and distribute pressure forces, enhancing mechanical performance while reducing mass and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal metering needle is manufactured by machining, then mechanical strength and pressure resistance are improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The metering needle combines thermoplastic material for the base and rod with a metal insert in the base, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both materials: the thermoplastic provides ease of manufacturing and mass reduction, while the metal insert provides the necessary mechanical strength and pressure resistance
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire needle from metal, the invention applies metal material locally only in the base where high strength is needed to withstand pressure forces, while other parts remain in thermoplastic material, optimizing both strength and manufacturing efficiency
2Weight of moving object
If the metering needle mass is reduced, then inertia and energy consumption decrease, but mechanical strength and pressure resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The composite construction allows the needle to achieve reduced mass through thermoplastic material while compensating for strength losses through strategically placed metal inserts that provide localized reinforcement where pressure forces are applied
Solution Approach 2:
The metal insert is positioned specifically in the base where pressure forces are most intense, providing localized strength enhancement without adding metal mass throughout the entire needle, thus maintaining low overall mass while ensuring adequate pressure resistance
3Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic material is used for the metering needle, then manufacturing cost and time decrease, but mechanical performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains the manufacturing advantages of thermoplastic material (injection molding capability, lower cost, shorter production time) while incorporating a metal insert to enhance mechanical performance, creating a composite part that achieves both manufacturing efficiency and structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The metal insert is strategically placed in the base where high mechanical strength is required to withstand pressure forces, while the rest of the needle remains in thermoplastic material, optimizing the balance between manufacturing ease and mechanical performance
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 solution allows for a lighter, cost-effective metering needle with improved mechanical performance, capable of withstanding significant pressure forces, thus optimizing the operation of oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers.
Implementation Method 1
an insert arranged to mechanically reinforce the bottom and distribute the pressure forces evenly
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve is press-fitted on an injection gate of the base. The injection base subsequently forms a pin for centring the bush in the bottom of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A metering needle for an oleo-pneumatic-type shock absorber includes a base made of thermoplastic material, from which projects a rod arranged to control the flow of a hydraulic fluid through an orifice. The base has an arched bottom for withstanding pressure forces, in which is mounted an insert arranged to mechanically reinforce the arched bottom and distribute the pressure forces evenly.