Damper With Integral Volume-Compensation Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dampers for furniture and household appliances have complex assembly and manufacturing processes due to their design, particularly in the volume-compensation element area.
Innovation Solution
A damper design where the volume-compensation element is integrally formed with the cover, allowing for simpler assembly and reduced components, with optional spiral webs for movement and an annular sealing element for sealing, which can be designed as an injection-molded part for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate volume-compensation element with retaining ring and spring is used, then the damping function is achieved, but the assembly and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The volume-compensation element is integrated directly into the piston structure, merging two previously separate components (piston and volume-compensation element) into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate retaining rings and springs, thereby reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the primary damping function through fluid flow resistance and simultaneously acts as the volume-compensation element. The piston's hollow chamber structure allows it to compensate for volume changes during piston rod displacement, eliminating the need for a dedicated volume-compensation component.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for volume compensation, then the sealing function is achieved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the piston structure through sealing elements that are either molded into the piston body or mounted as simple attachments. This merges the sealing function with the piston component itself, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing the total number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is manufactured as an injection-molded part, utilizing composite material techniques to integrate different functional elements (structural body, sealing elements, and volume-compensation chamber) into a single monolithic component. This reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining all necessary functions including sealing.
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 simplified design reduces the complexity of assembly and manufacturing, enhancing ease of production while maintaining effective damping performance through the integral volume-compensation element and sealing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The damping forces are generated by the flow resistance when the piston is displaced within the housing and a fluid flows through a flow channel on the piston
Implementation Method 2
a volume-compensation element is provided in the housing, which compensates for a volume which is displaced or released when a part of the piston rod is pushed into or pulled out of the housing
Implementation Method 3
An annular sealing element is preferably provided on the volume-compensation element, which rests on an inner side of the housing and/or on the piston rod
Data Source
AI summary
A damper, in particular for fittings for furniture or household appliances, has a housing in which a piston connected to a piston rod is guided in a linearly displaceable manner in an interior space. At least one flow channel is formed on or in the piston, through which the flow passes when the piston is displaced. A volume-compensation element is provided in the housing, which compensates for a volume which is displaced or released when a part of the piston rod is pushed into or pulled out of the housing, being displaceably mounted in the housing.