Fiber Composite Rubber Bearing Integration for Lightweight Vehicle Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle components, such as node elements, face challenges with high weight, complex structure, and complex manufacturing processes, which hinder the creation of stable, functional, and cost-effective components with improved driving comfort and dynamics.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a rubber bearing into a hardened fiber composite molding compound, which includes a reaction resin and fiber material, eliminates the need for additional fasteners and simplifies the structure while enhancing mechanical stability and reducing weight, using an outer ring with adhesive structures for secure positioning and a bushing for precise integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metallic node elements with screwed, pressed, or bonded mounting devices are used, then connection functionality is achieved, but weight increases and structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the node element and mounting device into a single integrated rubber mount component. The rubber mount directly provides both the node function and the mounting function, eliminating the need for separate metallic node elements and additional fastening devices, thus reducing weight while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses rubber material with composite structure to create a mounting device that integrates both structural support and connection functions. The rubber mount can be molded with integrated features such as recesses, protrusions, or embedded elements that provide both node functionality and mounting capability, achieving weight reduction through material selection.
2Reliability
If metallic node elements with additional fastening devices are used, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the node element and mounting device into one integrated rubber mount component. The rubber mount is designed with built-in structural features such as recesses, protrusions, or embedded fastening elements that provide both node functionality and secure mounting capability, eliminating the need for separate metallic components and additional fasteners, thus reducing structural complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to rubber, which allows the material itself to provide both structural support and mounting functionality. The rubber material can be molded into complex shapes that integrate multiple functions, and its viscoelastic properties provide both structural integrity and vibration damping, reducing the need for additional stabilizing components.
3Strength
If conventional metallic materials are used, then mechanical strength is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rubber material with composite structure to replace conventional metallic materials. The rubber mount can be designed with reinforced structures, embedded fibers, or layered compositions that provide adequate mechanical strength and stability while significantly reducing the dead weight compared to metallic alternatives.
4Reliability
If additional fastening devices are integrated into the node element, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the node element and mounting device into a single rubber mount component that can be manufactured in one piece using molding processes. The rubber mount is designed with integrated features such as recesses, protrusions, or embedded elements that provide both node functionality and secure mounting capability, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
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 results in a lightweight, stable, and cost-effective functional component with improved storage properties and driving dynamics, offering high mechanical stability and ease of manufacturing, contributing to enhanced driving comfort and reduced vehicle weight.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rubber bearing is integrated into the hardened fiber composite molding compound... very good bearing properties... low dead weight
Implementation Method 2
mounting device or connecting function for further components which are mounted in the functional component in a low-noise and low-vibration manner by the rubber bearing
Implementation Method 3
The outer ring has a first adhesive structure that prevents the rubber bearing from spontaneously detaching from the cured fiber composite molding compound
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a functional component, in particular for a motor vehicle, the component (10, 20) comprising a cured fiber composite molding compound (1), and at least one rubber bearing (2) being integrated into the fiber composite molding component (1).