Vehicle Dust Boot Venting Aperture Barrier Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable joint assemblies in vehicle suspension systems face pressure relief issues due to joint movement, which can lead to contaminant ingress when traditional pressure relief openings allow dirt and debris to enter, causing premature failure.
Innovation Solution
A dust boot with a venting aperture surrounded by a protective barrier and projections, made of flexible materials like rubber or polyurethane, that provides pressure relief while minimizing contaminant ingress through strategically designed material thickness and placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a venting aperture is provided in the dust boot to relieve internal pressure, then pressure relief is improved, but contaminant ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective barrier structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the venting aperture and the external environment. This barrier allows pressure relief while blocking contaminants, effectively mediating between the need for pressure equalization and the need for contamination protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust boot is designed with different structural properties in different regions: the venting aperture area has a protective barrier with specific thickness and geometry optimized for pressure relief and contamination blocking, while other areas maintain the standard boot structure for flexibility and protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the boot material is made thicker to protect against contaminants, then protection is improved, but flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The boot structure employs varying material thicknesses in different regions. The protective barrier at the venting aperture has optimized thickness for contamination protection, while other portions of the boot maintain thinner walls to preserve flexibility and accommodate joint movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot is segmented into different structural zones: a protective barrier segment at the venting aperture with greater thickness for contamination protection, and other segments with standard thickness for flexibility. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its properties for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A boot that protects a moveable joint and retains lubricant associated with the joint. The wall of the boot includes a venting aperture that is protected by a surrounding barrier structure.