Elastomeric Bushing Structure With Internal Axial Travel Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric bushings for vehicle suspension systems lack an internal travel limiter to define maximum axial travel, which affects their strength and durability, particularly in high-load applications, and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric bushing design featuring an inner sleeve with protrusions, an elastomeric bumper, and an outer sleeve with a radially inward indentation that compresses the bumper to limit axial travel, using internal geometry to enhance strength and durability without external elastomeric material expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal travel limiter is integrated into the elastomeric bushing using internal geometry, then axial travel is effectively limited and strength/durability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional internal features like protrusions and indentations
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve is segmented with multiple protrusions (first protrusion, second protrusion) that divide the elastomeric bumper into separate trapped portions. This segmentation allows independent control of axial travel in different directions while maintaining overall structural integrity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The travel limiter features are nested within the existing bushing structure. The protrusions are integrated into the inner sleeve, and the indentation is formed within the outer sleeve, creating a compact internal geometry that limits axial travel without adding external components or increasing overall bushing dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the outer sleeve is deformed to create a radially inwardly extending indentation, then manufacturing precision is improved by defining maximum axial travel, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indentation is pre-formed into the outer sleeve during the manufacturing process, establishing the maximum axial travel limit before the bushing is assembled and installed. This preliminary action ensures precise axial travel control is built into the component structure, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric material is positioned external to the bushing components to expand capabilities, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The travel limiter functionality is merged with the existing bushing components. The protrusions on the inner sleeve and the indentation in the outer sleeve work together with the elastomeric bumper to provide axial travel limitation, eliminating the need for separate external elastomeric materials or additional components. This integration maintains adaptability while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 design effectively limits axial travel, improves strength and durability, and reduces manufacturing costs by integrating the travel limiter within the bushing components, providing enhanced performance and reliability in high-load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric bumper disposed around and in direct engagement with the inner sleeve... The indentation traps a first portion of the elastomeric bumper between the first protrusion and a first surface of the indentation and also traps a second portion of the elastomeric bumper between the second protrusion and a second surface of the indentation
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric bushing comprises an inner sleeve, an elastomeric bumper disposed around and directly engaging the inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve disposed around the inner sleeve and the elastomeric bumper. The outer sleeve is spaced apart from the inner sleeve and directly engages the elastomeric bumper. The inner sleeve includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion axially spaced apart from one another. The outer sleeve includes a radially inwardly extending indentation axially positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The indentation traps a first portion of the elastomeric bumper between the first protrusion and a first surface of the indentation and also traps a second portion of the elastomeric bumper between the second protrusion and a second surface of the indentation.