Gas Spring End Member Rib Structure for Debris Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas spring end members have a larger exposed external surface area, which increases the frequency and magnitude of encounters with road debris and foreign objects, leading to a decreased ability to retain pressurized gas and alter performance characteristics undesirably.
Innovation Solution
The end member assembly features a design with a plurality of ribs and grooves that allow for permanent deflection upon kinetic impact, absorbing energy and dissipating force to maintain the integrity of the end member wall, while arrestor bands inhibit the migration of impact-generated conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the exposed external surface area of the end member is increased to provide structural integrity, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the frequency and magnitude of encounters with road debris increases, leading to decreased ability to retain pressurized gas
Solution Approach 1:
The end member is segmented into multiple ribs that are spaced apart, creating a structure that distributes impact forces across multiple smaller elements rather than one large continuous surface. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain integrity while reducing the harmful effects of debris impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs are positioned at specific locations on the end member where they provide localized reinforcement and impact resistance. The grooves between ribs create zones that can deform to absorb impact energy, while the ribs themselves maintain structural strength at critical locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If a larger exposed external surface area is used for the end member, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the performance characteristics are altered undesirably due to increased impact encounters
Solution Approach 1:
The end member structure is divided into multiple ribs and grooves, which can be manufactured as an integrated component using standard forming processes. This segmented design maintains ease of manufacture while improving reliability by distributing impact forces across multiple elements.
3Weight of moving object
If the end member wall is made thinner to reduce weight, then the productivity and fuel efficiency are improved, but the impact resistance from foreign objects is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled end member is segmented into multiple ribs that provide structural reinforcement without requiring increased wall thickness. The grooves between ribs create deformation zones that absorb impact energy, allowing the overall structure to remain lightweight while maintaining impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure provides localized reinforcement at specific positions on the end member, allowing the wall to remain thin in non-critical areas while having enhanced strength where impacts are most likely to occur.
4Device complexity
If conventional end member designs are used with larger surface area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the performance characteristics are altered due to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The end member is designed with a segmented rib structure that, while slightly more complex than a smooth surface, provides significantly improved reliability. The segmentation is achieved through standard forming processes, so the increase in complexity is minimal compared to the performance benefits.
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 enhances the impact resistance and retention of pressurized gas, maintaining the performance characteristics of the gas spring assembly by effectively dissipating kinetic energy and preventing damage from road debris and foreign objects.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the plurality of first ribs and at least one of the plurality of second ribs dimensioned for permanent deflection into a respectively adjacent one of the plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves upon undergoing a kinetic impact from an associated foreign object
Implementation Method 2
allow for permanent deflection upon kinetic impact, absorbing energy and dissipating force
Implementation Method 3
arrestor bands inhibit the migration of impact-generated conditions
Data Source
AI summary
End member assemblies dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member for forming a gas spring assembly include first and second end member sections. The first end member section includes a plurality of first ribs disposed in spaced relation to one another such that a plurality of first grooves are formed therebetween. The second end member section is disposed in abutting engagement with the first end member section. The second end member section includes a plurality of second ribs disposed in spaced relation to one another such that a plurality of second grooves are formed therebetween. The plurality of first ribs and/or the plurality of second ribs are dimensioned for permanent deflection into a respectively adjacent one of the plurality of first and/or second grooves upon undergoing a kinetic impact from an associated foreign object. Gas spring assemblies and suspension systems are also included.