Hydraulic Damper Ring Lap Joint for Rebound Stop Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic rebound end stop designs in steering assemblies are prone to failure due to high velocity oil flow causing the ring to deform and unlock, leading to reduced damping efficiency and potential binding issues.
Innovation Solution
A ring design with a lap joint mechanism and flanges that interlock to form a labyrinth channel, providing increased strength and resilience to the stresses of hydraulic fluid flow, thereby maintaining the damping function and extending the lifespan of the damper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a controlled gap ring design is used to create high damping force, then noise reduction is improved, but the ring may plastically deform and unlock under high velocity oil flow
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into multiple fingers (typically three) that are interconnected through latch mechanisms. This segmentation allows the ring to maintain its overall structural integrity while distributing the mechanical stresses across multiple discrete elements, preventing plastic deformation of a single continuous ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured in an engaged state that circumferentially retains the fingers together before hydraulic fluid flow occurs. This preliminary engagement prevents the fingers from separating under high velocity oil flow, maintaining the ring's structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 3:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the fingers, providing a controlled connection that allows the ring to accommodate hydraulic forces while maintaining circumferential retention. The latch engages and disengages in a controlled manner, preventing uncontrolled deformation.
2Loss of energy
If the ring is designed to provide high damping force in the rebound stop zone, then energy dissipation is improved, but the ring structure becomes prone to plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the ring into multiple fingers distributes the kinetic energy dissipation load across separate structural elements, preventing concentration of stress that would lead to plastic deformation in a single continuous ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure combines multiple material properties through the latch mechanism - the fingers provide flexibility for energy absorption while the latch provides rigid circumferential retention, creating a composite structural system that resists plastic deformation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ring allows circumferential movement to accommodate stress, then resilience is improved, but the ring may fail and affect damper function
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-engaged to provide circumferential retention before hydraulic forces act on the ring. This preliminary action allows the ring to accommodate stress through controlled finger movement while preventing uncontrolled circumferential movement that would lead to failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism provides mechanical feedback through its engaged state, maintaining circumferential retention as long as the fingers remain within their designed movement range. This feedback ensures the ring maintains its structural integrity while accommodating necessary stress-induced movements.
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 ring design enhances the hydraulic damper's ability to maintain peak damping forces and reduce noise by effectively controlling fluid flow and energy dissipation, ensuring consistent operation over a longer period.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic damper, and particularly a hydraulic damper of a steering assembly, is a damping mechanism that is used to stabilize or otherwise minimize an uncontrolled oscillation of the steering assembly
Implementation Method 2
When such rings enter a hydraulic rebound stop zone towards an end of the rebound stroke, a high damping force is created that causes dissipation of kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
The movement of the non-static portion that the oscillating rod is coupled to can cause the movement of the oscillating rod through the reservoir. This, in turn, can direct the hydraulic fluid through valving provided within the hydraulic damper, thus creating a damping effect
Data Source
AI summary
A ring circumscribing a moveable rod of a hydraulic damper, the moveable rod defining a central axis, the ring comprising a first circumferential surface, a second circumferential surface, a first finger, a second finger, a first flange, and a second flange. The first finger and the first flange defining a first end of the ring. The second finger and the second flange defining a second end of the ring.