Multi-Part Elastomer Bush Bearing for Lower Torsional Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elastomeric bushing bearings for motor vehicles face challenges in cost-effectiveness, weight, and response behavior due to their design, particularly in terms of radial and torsional rigidity, which are influenced by the core element's radial thickness and elastomer track distance.
Innovation Solution
The bushing bearing features a core element made from an extruded metal profile and a multi-part elastomer body with a core sleeve and outer sleeve, where the elastomer layers are vulcanized, providing a positive connection between the core element and the elastomer body, allowing for radial fixation and reduced torsional rigidity without significant design effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the core element is designed with increased radial thickness to improve torsional stiffness, then the bearing stability improves, but the weight increases and responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The core element is segmented into a thin-walled tubular structure with optimized wall thickness, rather than using a solid radial design. This segmentation allows achieving required torsional stiffness through structural geometry (tube configuration, reinforcement elements) while minimizing material usage and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing employs composite construction combining the metal core element (extrusion profile) with elastomer body layers. This composite approach allows the thin-walled core to achieve adequate torsional stiffness through the combined system behavior, rather than relying solely on increased radial thickness of a single material component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the core element radial thickness is increased to improve torsional stiffness, then the bearing stability improves, but the cost of manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core element uses a thin-walled tubular segmented structure that can be manufactured through efficient extrusion processes. The standardized extrusion profile with optimized wall thickness reduces material consumption and manufacturing complexity compared to custom-cast or forged thick-radial designs, lowering production costs while maintaining torsional stiffness through geometric optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes the wall thickness parameter of the core element to achieve the minimum required torsional stiffness. By precisely controlling this parameter through extrusion process adjustments, the design avoids over-engineering with excessive material, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while meeting performance requirements.
3Reliability
If a solid core element design is used to ensure structural integrity, then the bearing reliability improves, but the weight increases and response behavior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The core element transitions from a solid radial design to a thin-walled tubular segmented structure. This segmentation maintains structural integrity through the tube configuration and connection to elastomer layers, while the reduced mass enhances responsiveness and dynamic behavior without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of the metal extrusion profile core with the elastomer body creates a composite structure where the metal provides structural integrity and the elastomer provides damping and flexibility. This composite approach achieves both reliability and improved response behavior, as the lighter core reduces inertia while the elastomer compensates for reduced rigidity through its viscoelastic properties.
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 design results in cost savings, weight reduction, and improved response behavior by allowing for flexible radial expansion and reduced torsional rigidity, enhancing the bushing bearing's performance while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer layers are vulcanized, providing a positive connection between the core element and the elastomer body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The invention relates to a bushing bearing 1 for a motor vehicle comprising a core element 2 extending in a longitudinal direction X, an elastomer body 4 and an outer tube 8, wherein the core element 2 has at one longitudinal end a (flattened) fastening section 20a, 20b extending in the longitudinal direction X out of the elastomer body 4 and the outer tube 8 is designed for arrangement in an associated bearing receptacle, in particular a bearing receptacle of a steering linkage.The core element 2 comprises a metal extrusion profile and the elastomer body 4 is multi-part, in particular two-part, and comprises a core sleeve with a receptacle for receiving the core element 2 as well as an outer sleeve and at least one elastomer layer arranged between the core sleeve and the outer sleeve, wherein the outer tube 8 radially fixes the several parts of the elastomer body 4 to each other and a positive locking connection is formed between the core element 2 and the core sleeve of the elastomer body 4 in the longitudinal direction X.