Elastomer Bearing Sleeve Interlocking Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric bearings with plastic outer shells face challenges in achieving a secure and easily manufacturable positive connection with metallic sleeves, as traditional press fits are not feasible and gluing is complex, especially when a tight fit is required.
Innovation Solution
A form-fitting combination featuring inwardly projecting funnel-like constrictions in the sleeve that engage with groove-shaped recesses on the elastomeric bearing's outer shell, allowing for a secure and permanent connection through continuous elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a press fit is used to connect the outer shell to the sleeve, then a tight fit can be achieved, but it is not feasible with plastic outer shells
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple interaction points: the sleeve has inwardly projecting impressions while the outer shell has groove-shaped recesses. These segmented features create multiple engagement points that collectively provide a secure form-fit connection, replacing the continuous contact of a press fit with discrete but effective connection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection features are localized to specific regions of the sleeve and outer shell. The inwardly projecting impressions in the sleeve wall and the corresponding groove-shaped recesses in the outer shell create localized engagement zones that provide targeted connection strength where needed, while maintaining the overall form-fit approach suitable for plastic materials.
2Reliability
If gluing is used to ensure a tight fit, then a secure connection can be achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is self-servicing through the form-fit mechanism. The inwardly projecting impressions and groove-shaped recesses automatically engage with each other during assembly, creating a secure connection without requiring external adhesives or additional fastening operations. The elastic deformation of the plastic outer shell during pressing-in automatically secures the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical bonding mechanism of gluing is replaced with a purely mechanical form-fit system. The inwardly projecting impressions and groove-shaped recesses create a mechanical interlocking connection that achieves secure attachment through geometric compatibility and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for chemical adhesives and their associated manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a form fit connection is used with plastic outer shells, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection strength is reduced compared to metallic press fits
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates dynamic elastic deformation of the plastic outer shell. During assembly, the shell elastically deforms to accommodate the inwardly projecting impressions, and this continuous elastic deformation maintains connection strength. The dynamic response of the elastic material allows the form-fit connection to achieve strength comparable to rigid press fits while maintaining manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system effectively creates a composite structure where the plastic outer shell with its elastic properties works in conjunction with the rigid inwardly projecting impressions of the sleeve. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials: the elasticity of plastic for easy assembly and the rigidity of the metal sleeve for structural strength, achieving a balance between manufacturing ease and connection strength.
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
This solution provides a strong, easily producible, and permanent tight fit between the elastomeric bearing and the sleeve, ensuring a secure connection while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the embossings engage in at least one groove-shaped recess in the outer shell of the elastomeric bearing, which recess(es) is/are adapted to the embossings in terms of shape and dimensions. In the assembled state of a composite according to the invention, the embossings mentioned preferably rest in the recesses on the wall of the outer shell with continuous elastic deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an interlocking group comprising an elastomer bearing (1) and a sleeve (2) surrounding the circular-cylindrical outer shell (1c) thereof, wherein inward projecting indentations (4) are introduced into the wall of the hollow, cylindrical sleeve that engage in recesses (5) in the outer shell of the elastomer bearing and wherein the indentations form funnel-shaped constrictions of the free cross-section of the sleeve in the direction of the press-in process of the elastomer bearing into the sleeve. A plurality of indentations, each extending over a certain length in the direction of the cylinder axis, are preferably introduced in a plane that lies substantially vertically on the cylinder axis, preferably substantially evenly distributed over the circumference of the sleeve; furthermore, said indentations can be present in a plurality of planes lying substantially vertically on the cylinder axis in the wall of the sleeve.