Deformable Sliding Bushing Axial Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding bushings for vehicles fail to achieve axial locking, which prevents them from absorbing axial loads, and previous solutions have limitations in ensuring secure clamping and frictional locking without additional support rings or complex deformations.
Innovation Solution
A sliding bushing with a symmetrical cross-sectional profile, made of metal, that radially expands its middle shell surface when an axial clamping force is applied, resulting in a U-shaped cross-section with increased diameter in the middle section, allowing for secure frictional locking and axial load absorption without additional support rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sliding bushing is used with a threaded connection, then the bushing can be clamped axially, but it cannot achieve axial locking or absorb axial loads
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing's geometric parameters are specifically designed with a U-shaped cross-section where the middle section has reduced material thickness compared to the end sections. This parameter variation enables the middle section to expand radially when axially compressed, creating frictional locking against the hole wall and allowing the bushing to absorb axial loads without additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is designed with a curved, U-shaped cross-sectional profile rather than a circular one. This curvature allows the middle section to bulge radially outward when compressed axially, creating effective frictional contact with the surrounding hole wall and achieving axial locking through the deformed curved shape
2Strength
If the bushing material thickness is increased to prevent collapse during tightening, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing employs non-uniform material distribution with thicker end sections and a thinner middle section. The end sections have sufficient thickness to prevent collapse during tightening, while the thinner middle section is designed to expand radially. This local quality variation optimizes both strength and deformability without requiring additional support rings or complex structures
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is effectively segmented into functional zones: end sections that provide structural support and prevent collapse, and a middle section that provides radial expansion for locking. This segmentation of functions within a single continuous component achieves both strength requirements and locking capability without additional parts
3Stability of the object's composition
If a support ring is added to prevent collapse during tightening, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and the locking function are merged into a single integrated bushing component. The thicker end sections provide structural stability during tightening, while the thinner middle section provides radial expansion for locking. This merging eliminates the need for separate support rings or additional components
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 bushing effectively locks in the axial direction, enabling it to absorb significant axial loads while being easy to manufacture and integrate into existing vehicle technology, ensuring reliable clamping without additional reconfiguration of surrounding components.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding bushing which, when used in an arrangement for a vehicle as claimed, is deformable so that its middle section or shell surface expands radially outwards when an axial clamping force is applied to its end surfaces
Implementation Method 2
tightening of the threaded connection causes the middle section to be pressed against the inside wall of the hole, resulting in a friction force between the bushing and the wall surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding bushing (6) intended for fitting of components, e.g. in a vehicle, and comprising a sleevelike element with a profile which is substantially symmetrical in cross-section. The invention is achieved by the bushing (6) being provided with an internal recess (7) situated between its two axial end surfaces (9a, b), preferably symmetrically at its middle portion, so that the bushing's middle shell surface (10) expands radially outwards when an axial clamping force is applied to the bushing's end surfaces (9a, b) so that bushing (6) is wedged in its final fitting position and can therefore absorb axial loads during use.